PORTO, Portugal: Sarawak led its largest-ever delegation at the 63rd International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress, strengthening global business events leadership.
Led by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the delegation showcased Sarawak’s hallmark whole-of-government and whole-of-industry approaches in driving the business events sector as a catalyst for sustainable economic and social development.
“The 63rd ICCA Congress, themed ‘Uniting the Global Business Events Community’, highlighted collaboration as the driving force behind innovation, resilience and positive change shaping the industry today,” said Abdul Karim.
“Long-term thinking is essential to strengthen confidence and align industry needs with national priorities. We will be signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 12 Sarawak ministries in December to reflect the government’s commitment to business events and strengthen the collaboration between the government and the industry.
“This will be the biggest government-industry partnership in Malaysia’s business events industry.”
Abdul Karim also made history as the first Asian minister to address an ICCA session on government collaboration during the ‘Dialogue between Ministers and Industry Leaders: How to Really Work Together’ segment.
His remarks underlined Sarawak’s model of inter-ministerial cooperation in leveraging business events as strategic tools for progress.
Adding to Sarawak’s strong representation, Deputy State Secretary, Datuk Hii Chang Kee, and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Chief Eexecutive Officer (CEO), Amelia Roziman, were among the speakers at ICCA’s Asia Pacific Chapter meeting.
Hii credited Sarawak’s flawless 100 per cent bid win rate since 2021 to unwavering government support.
“Besides investing in high-impact and high-value topics, our success stems from the government’s strong commitment to collaboration,” he said.
“Every bid is backed by a unified effort across ministries, agencies, and industry partners, all aligned under Sarawak’s legacy-driven vision to create long-term benefits for communities, not just host events.”
At the same event, BESarawak received the prestigious ICCA Award of Appreciation, recognising Sarawak’s contribution to the advancement of the Asia Pacific business events industry.
“We are truly honoured to be recognised as a regional leader in transformative business events,” said Amelia, who received the award.
“These platforms have transformed Sarawak from a passive participant in the global market to an active innovator of the future. We are turning local assets of knowledge, culture, and industries into global advantages.”
ICCA CEO, Dr Senthil Gopinath, praised Sarawak’s collaborative approach, describing it as a living example of how government leadership and industry partnerships can drive transformative growth.
“The collaboration between the Sarawak Government and our industry partners through the convention bureau demonstrates how a shared vision can create measurable outcomes and meaningful impact. ICCA is proud to recognise Sarawak as it continues to grow as a capital of business events,” he said.
The Sarawak delegation to Porto included representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, BESarawak, Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Arts Council, Sarawak Museum Department, Sarawak Craft Council, as well as Miri Mayor Adam Yii (Chairman, Miri Business Events Committee) and Dr Renco Yong (Chairman, Sibu Business Events Committee).
