Sarawak, the Malaysian state on the island of Borneo, is
becoming an increasingly popular destination for international associations
looking for somewhere to host their meetings.
In the last 12 months, Sarawak has hosted 124 business
events in the cities of Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri, including the10th
World Congress of Herpetology (WCH 2024), and the 21st International Congress
for Tropical Medicine & Malaria (ICTMM 2024), amongst others.
These events were attended by almost 46,000 people who helped
to generate RM375.2 million (€80m) for the local economy, including RM204m from
direct delegate expenditure.
Between 2022 and 2024, Sarawak upheld an unbroken record of
100% success in bidding for major events, including the Asian Congress on
Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 and the 15th World Congress and Exhibition on
Design and Health (WCDH) 2026.
In 2024, Sarawak secured 111 business events
The Hon. Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahmah Hamzah, Minister for
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, said: “100% of events
secured in 2024 align with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
Business events are helping us progress towards the 2030 goal of economic
prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. 2025 will be a
year of outstanding innovation and collaboration, cementing Sarawak’s position
as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, and a leading
business events destination in Asia.”
In April, Sarawak made history as the first destination in
the world to host the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association)
Association Impact Masterclass.
And in August, a memorandum of understanding was signed
between BESarawak and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to conduct
Malaysia’s first economic and legacy impact study.
The economic impact study will generate updated economic
data while the legacy impact study will help to develop the world’s first
legacy impact measurement system.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
