Sarawak bolstered its reputation as a host of purpose-driven
conferences by adopting the Borneo Legacy Declaration and launching the
Business Events Sarawak Alliance (BESA).
Business Events Sarawak, the convention bureau, made the
announcements at the Sarawak Business Events Forum, in Kuching, signalling the
government’s determination to position business events as long-term instruments
for policy delivery and sustainable development.
The Borneo Legacy Declaration is backed by 36 policymakers
and industry leaders from Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines,
the United Kingdom and the United States.
The establishment of BESA marks its first major milestone.
Through BESA, Sarawak’s government ministries will work with
BESarawak using business events as tools to advance public policy and deliver
social, economic and environmental outcomes aligned with the state’s Post
Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Ministries will commit to owning and hosting at least two
national or international business events, with priority given to homegrown
events through a structured qualification process.
Half of the 541 events secured between 2021 and 2025 were legacy
driven. Sarawak has also developed 72 homegrown events during the period,
including the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition &
Conference and International Energy Week.
The forum also introduced Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan
(2026–2030), which outlines the state’s next development phase, focused on
inclusive and sustainable growth through investments in infrastructure,
renewable energy, digitalisation and human capital, underpinned by strong
public–private collaboration.
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.
