Celebrating 20th anniversary of BE Sarawak and its contribution to development of business events in Sarawak

It was a great pleasure for us to join last night’s gala dinner celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) at Voco hotel Kuching. The event had marked two decades of dedication, collaboration and our joint achievements in positioning Sarawak as a preferred destination for business events. Initially, Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) was established by the Sarawak Government and it was rebranded to “BESarawak” in 2019. The agency under Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) had played a pivotal role in strengthening our state’s presence in the business events industry, both in Malaysia and on the global stage.

The evening was made even more meaningful by the presence of the former Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of BESarawak, whose leadership, commitment and contributions have helped shape the organisation throughout its 20-year journey. Their collective efforts, together with those of our industry partners, event professionals, associations and stakeholders, have laid a strong foundation for Sarawak to host high-quality international conferences, exhibitions, incentive programmes and business events that bring knowledge, investment, networking opportunities and economic benefits to our state.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we also look ahead with confidence to the next chapter of Sarawak’s business events industry. With our unique destinations, strong infrastructure, diverse cultural heritage and growing international connectivity, Sarawak is well positioned to further strengthen its reputation as a world-class business events destination. Congratulations to BESarawak on 20 remarkable years, and my appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this inspiring journey. Together, let us continue to work together in elevating Sarawak onto the global business events stage.

Sarawak has recorded a total of 1,587 business events organized locally since 2006

To date, Sarawak has recorded a total of 1,587 business events organized locally since 2006 in which it had generated an estimated economic impact of RM4.95 billion and having attracted over 500,000 delegates from throughout Malaysia and worldwide.

Such achievements reflect the growth of our business events industry over the past two decades, as well as enhanced local capabilities and international confidence in Sarawak as a preferred business events destination. The establishment of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) 20 years ago had demonstrated our government's dedicated efforts to introduce Sarawak to the world as an exciting new destination for business events.

Formerly known as "Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB)," the organization was rebranded as "BESarawak" in 2019 to reflect broader aspirations regarding the role of business events in Sarawak's development. The COVID-19 pandemic also prompted Sarawak to develop a more resilient industry model by focusing on long-term impact—or legacy—in alignment with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak and the Sarawak Government had introduced PCDS 2030 to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Sarawak; legacy-driven business events align with this same direction. Last year, we had launched "AI.LEGACY"—a Smart Business Events Impact Management System designed to measure and understand the impact generated by events—as well as "LEGACY360," a platform to strengthen the ecosystem through education, leadership, recognition, and collaboration.

Our goal is no longer merely to track the number of events organized in Sarawak, but to focus on the changes resulting from those events, who benefits from them, and the legacy they leave behind. Among Sarawak's significant achievements was winning the "Best Marketing Award" from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in 2008, followed by securing the right to host the "55th ICCA Congress in 2016," which brought together over 1,000 delegates from 60 countries.

Presentation of "Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Sarawak (PJPS)" to 301 former Police and Armed Forces veterans

Over 300 recipients of our “Pingat Jasa Pahlawan #Sarawak (PJPS) were invited to attend the investiture ceremony held at Pullman #Kuching hotel. The recipients of the PJPS award consisted of retired police officers and military veterans. The ceremony was grace by our Head of State, Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Also among the recipients was former 21st Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces General Tan Sri Affendi Buang (Rtd), along with former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Jamil Johari, former police officer Dato Mohd Chee Kadir and retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Dato Peter Nyomek Nyeap.  

The remaining 296 recipients were also recognised for their contributions during their service with the nation’s security forces. The ceremony stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring gratitude our state holds for those who dedicated their youth to protecting our borders and maintaining societal peace.

The state government's presentation of the PJPS medals serves as a heartfelt recognition of the immense sacrifices made by the former law enforcers members and army veterans. To the recipients, they shared a collective sense of pride, reflecting on their past struggles—including historic operations against communist insurgents—to secure the safety and sovereignty enjoyed by Sarawakians today.

This memorable occasion underscores the Sarawak Government's unwavering commitment to uplifting and remembering our national heroes. By preserving their legacies and honoring their bravery, we ensure that younger generations understand the true price of the harmony we experience every day. We salute our veterans for their timeless devotion to the nation, carrying forward the brave spirit of Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban.

My comments on our approaching state election & on the news of public display of new electoral map

The news on Election Commission's (EC) present follow up actions on the proposed redelineation of 17 new state constituencies had created some kind of excitement among local folks but such efforts may not be completed in time for the coming Sarawak state election scheduled sometime at the end of the year.

Our local media friends seek my comments on this matter and I have mentioned on the time consuming procedures that included the public display of the proposed electoral map and its subsequent endorsement by Parliament.

At this time when our state election is approaching, the EC has finally issued a notice on the proposed redelineation. For me, this should have been done months ago and my question was whether the process can be done in time for the 17 new seats to be included in the forthcoming election.

Netizens had earlier on commented on the alleged leaked EC letter seeking space from local authorities to display its proposed redelineation of state constituencies. The letter had included an appendix listing 17 new state seats and 10 renamed seats.

It was a well known fact our Sarawak Legislative Assembly's current term is due to end in February 2027 unless it is dissolved earlier, after which the election must be held within 60 days.

However, the public display exercise of the proposed redelineation could take two or three months, with more time required if objections are raised, before it can be tabled in Parliament for approval. My question was...can all these statutory procedures be completed by February at the latest?

Even though it is a good effort by the EC, I have my reservations about whether the 17 new seats can be contested in the coming election. The EC should have begun the redelineation process immediately after the state assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill in July last year to increase the number of elected representatives from 82 to 99.

Our government and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, has its own plans and timing for the state election...we should not have to wait for the EC to decide when to dissolve the state assembly.

Welcoming the organising of "Sarawak Umrah & Islamic Travel Expo Festival 2026 (SUITEX2026)" in Miri

There will be an interesting line up of programs and activities held in conjunction with the forthcoming “Sarawak Umrah & Islamic Travel Expo Festival 2026 (SUITEX2026)” to be held in Miri on August 28 to 30. The three-day event will showcase the various services and products by members of Sarawak Umrah Haji Travel Agencies Association (SUHA). 

Our thanks to the association for having invited us for the press conference and official announcement on the inaugural event which is expected to attract the general public including visitors from neighbouring Brunei Darulsalam and Sabah.

I have mentioned during the press conference on the benefits of organising such events where the public have access to pertinent information as well as guidance from the various travel agencies that are already certified to provide Umrah and Haji arrangements. Occasionally we do hear unfortunate news on pilgrims who failed to use bonafide, licensed travel agents for their Umrah and Haj arrangements. 

This is essential to prevent them from suffering costly fraud and unscrupulous parties who do not follow legal compliance with Saudi regulations, and guarantee proper logistical support. The use of verified operators will help to prevent future pilgrims from getting stranded, secure official visas, and provide authentic accommodations near the holy sites in Mekah and Madinah.