In FY2024, Sarawak made remarkable strides by securing 111 business events, exceeding its goal of 100 events by an impressive 11%. These events are projected to contribute RM313.6 million to the economy, with RM170.4 million attributed to direct delegate spending, based on the participation of 38,248 attendees. This accomplishment underscores Sarawak’s growing influence as a key player in the international business events sector, enhancing its global reputation as a destination for high-profile conferences and exhibitions.
From 2022 to 2024, Sarawak maintained an impeccable track record, achieving a 100% success rate in winning bids for major international events. Notable successes in 2024 include the securing of the Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 and the 15th World Congress and Exhibition on Design and Health (WCDH) 2026. These wins are further proof that Sarawak is positioning itself as a premier destination for large-scale global events, adding to its impressive list of prestigious international gatherings.
In terms of events hosted, Sarawak set a new record by successfully managing 124 business events across various cities including Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. These events contributed a total of RM375.2 million to the state’s economy, with RM204 million coming from the direct spending of 45,758 delegates. Some of the major events hosted include 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 attracted significant international attention and participation.
Reflecting on the achievements of 2024, The Hon. Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahmah Hamzah, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, emphasized that all events secured this year align with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. He highlighted that business events play a vital role in advancing the state’s goals of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Looking forward to 2025, he expressed confidence that the year would bring innovative progress and further solidify Sarawak’s reputation as the legacy capital for business events in Malaysia, Borneo, and Asia.
Sarawak’s global standing received a significant boost in 2024 with the historic achievement of becoming the first destination to host the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Association Impact Masterclass. Over two days, 19 association and industry leaders were certified as association impact leaders, demonstrating Sarawak’s commitment to developing influential global leaders in the business events industry and positioning itself as a thought leader in this field.
In August, Sarawak further advanced its leadership in the business events sector by partnering with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to launch Malaysia’s inaugural economic and legacy impact study. This groundbreaking research will provide essential updated economic data and contribute to the creation of the world’s first legacy impact measurement system, reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to fostering long-term value and sustainable change in the business events sector.
Sarawak’s efforts to promote sustainability were recognized globally in 2024 when the state won the ‘Best Sustainable Initiative – Destination’ award at the M&C Asia Stella Awards. The award acknowledged the innovative BESarawak Legacy (BESLegacy) Initiative, which prioritizes social, economic, and environmental sustainability through business events. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Chairman of BESarawak, emphasized that the award reflects the collective efforts of the BESarawak team and its stakeholders, working together to make Sarawak a leading competitive hub for business events.
Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak, expressed that FY2024 had been a year focused on optimizing opportunities and deepening the understanding of event legacies. She noted that while other destinations are emerging in this sector, Sarawak is maturing and capitalizing on the growth opportunities within the business events industry. She also revealed that in 2025, Sarawak’s Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign would be further enhanced, with new initiatives and innovative tools designed to deliver on the state’s promise to drive long-term impact through collaboration.
In FY2024, Sarawak also expanded its global outreach by participating in over 20 prominent tradeshows worldwide. The state attracted more than 2,000 visitors to its dedicated pavilion at IMEX Frankfurt and made a strong impression at the inaugural EventXpo in Kuala Lumpur. As Sarawak prepares for 2025, it is set to launch the world’s first-ever legacy impact measurement system in Q1 2025, marking yet another significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of business events.
