In FY2024, Sarawak achieved significant progress by securing 111 business events, surpassing its target of 100 events by an impressive 11%. These events are expected to contribute RM313.6 million to the state’s economy, with RM170.4 million coming from direct delegate expenditure, driven by 38,248 attendees. This accomplishment reinforces Sarawak’s growing presence and influence in the global business events arena, establishing it as a sought-after destination for major international conferences and exhibitions.
Between 2022 and 2024, Sarawak maintained an exceptional track record, securing bids for all major international events it pursued. Notable victories in 2024 include the successful bids for the Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 and the 15th World Congress and Exhibition on Design and Health (WCDH) 2026. These prestigious wins reinforce Sarawak’s reputation as a premier venue for large-scale international gatherings, adding to its impressive portfolio of globally recognized events.
When it comes to events hosted, Sarawak set a new benchmark by organizing 124 business events across Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. These events collectively generated a remarkable RM375.2 million in economic impact, with RM204 million from direct spending by 45,758 delegates. Key events that took place included the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition (APGH) 2024, the 10th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH 2024), and the 21st International Congress for Tropical Medicine & Malaria (ICTMM 2024), all of which brought international attention and engagement.
The Hon. Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahmah Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, reflected on the success of 2024, noting that all secured events were aligned with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. He emphasized that business events play a crucial role in supporting Sarawak’s goals of economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. Looking to 2025, he expressed optimism that it would bring new waves of innovation and further solidify Sarawak’s position as the legacy capital for business events in Malaysia, Borneo, and beyond.
In 2024, Sarawak made history as the first destination in the world to host the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Association Impact Masterclass. This two-day event, organized by BESarawak, certified 19 leaders in the field of association management, further establishing Sarawak as a hub for global leadership in the business events industry. This achievement highlights Sarawak’s commitment to fostering expertise and thought leadership within this sector.
In August 2024, Sarawak took another significant step by partnering with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to launch Malaysia’s first-ever economic and legacy impact study. This study will provide valuable insights into the economic contributions of business events and help develop the world’s first legacy impact measurement system, ensuring that Sarawak continues to lead the way in creating lasting value through business events.
Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability received global recognition in 2024 when it won the ‘Best Sustainable Initiative – Destination’ award at the M&C Asia Stella Awards. The award recognized the BESarawak Legacy (BESLegacy) Initiative, which champions sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions in the business events sector. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Chairman of BESarawak, credited the award to the collaborative efforts of the BESarawak team and its partners in transforming Sarawak into a competitive and sustainable hub for business events.
Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak, expressed that FY2024 was a year focused on maximizing opportunities and deepening the understanding of event legacies. She pointed out that while other destinations are entering the business events space, Sarawak has matured and is now leveraging the opportunities presented by this growing sector. Roziman also shared plans to enhance the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign in 2025 with innovative programs and state-of-the-art tools aimed at driving long-term impact through collaboration.
Throughout FY2024, Sarawak made significant strides in expanding its global outreach by participating in more than 20 key international tradeshows. The state drew over 2,000 visitors to its pavilion at IMEX Frankfurt and made a notable appearance at the inaugural EventXpo in Kuala Lumpur. With its sights set on 2025, Sarawak is preparing to unveil the world’s first-ever legacy impact measurement system in Q1 2025, marking another milestone in its ongoing efforts to shape the future of business events on the global stage.
