SARAWAK has surpassed its business events target by 107 per cent, securing 150 events from 2025 to 2030 and reinforcing the state’s position as a leading destination for international conferences and exhibitions.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah, said the events secured through Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) are projected to generate RM445.3 million in total economic impact, with RM247.45 million in direct delegate expenditure and RM27.32 million in tax revenue.
“This achievement reflects Sarawak’s growing credibility and competitiveness on the global stage,” he said.
For 2026, Sarawak has already secured several major events, including the Asian Congress on Occupational Health and the ICOMOS Triennial General Assembly, each expected to attract around 2,000 delegates.
“Sarawak also secured the International Council on Archives (ICA) Conference 2027, with the handover ceremony taking place in Barcelona.
“These wins demonstrate that Sarawak’s value proposition resonates strongly with international organisers,” Abdul Karim said.
Throughout this year, Sarawak hosted 130 business events, generating an economic impact of RM413.14 million and delegate spending of RM224.53 million.
He said major events included the International Energy Week (IEW), Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference, SAREF 4.0, the World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress, and IDECS 2025.
“Every event we host contributes to our economy, our knowledge base and our people,” he said.
Abdul Karim said global business events are increasingly measured by their legacy value, long-term benefits beyond the event itself.
“Sarawak is recognised internationally as one of the world’s most advanced legacy-driven destinations.
“Our aim is for 50 per cent of all events to be legacy-driven, aligning with the Premier’s ambition for Sarawak to become the legacy capital of Malaysia and Borneo,” he said.
BESarawak’s A-I LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System now tracks event alignment with PCDS 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ten events have been verified and featured in the Sarawak Legacy Destination Report presented at IBTM Barcelona.
“We are not just hosting conferences, we are building long-term impact that benefits communities, industries and future generations,” he said.
Through the LEGACY360 framework, BESarawak is strengthening industry standards via education programmes, policy advocacy and recognition platforms such as the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards.
“Our legacy-first approach has resulted in a 100 per cent success rate for all bids submitted. This is unprecedented,” he said.
Sarawak also achieved RM28.8 million in earned media value, while BESarawak received major international recognitions including the Iceberg Excellence Award and the ICCA Award of Appreciation.
“These awards affirm that Sarawak is moving in the right direction and that our work is being recognised globally,” Abdul Karim said.
