The Board of Directors Appreciation Dinner 2023, hosted by BESarawak.
Sarawak’s business events industry has recorded another superb year,
securing 95 national and international events with an estimated total
economic impact of RM346.5 million (US$74.2 million), 139% above its
target.
From 2024 until 2028, Sarawak is set to welcome over 42,000 delegates
with direct delegate expenditure of about RM188.3 million and tax
revenue of RM20.8 million.
For hosted events, Sarawak drew 107 business events, a 7% rise
compared to 2022. The total economic impact of these events was RM372
million with over 45,000 delegates contributing RM202.2 million to the
economy. The tax revenue for Sarawak is RM22.3 million. These figures
are a 62% increase compared to the previous year.
Speaking at the Board of Directors Appreciation Dinner hosted by
BESarawak, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, minister for tourism, creative
industry and performing arts of Sarawak, said: “This increase in
delegate arrivals and economic impact is a sure sign that Sarawak is
back to its pre-pandemic vibrancy.
“Our economic achievements demonstrate that we are targeting the
right business events based on the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy
2030 - and ensuring they positively impact Sarawak. Furthermore, the
industry must continue to be active in striving for excellence as we
expand the business events infrastructure and secure more events.”
One of the event highlights was an expression of appreciation to
dedicated employees of BESarawak with a track record of five and 10
years in the bureau. Among them were Jason Tan (GM for business
development and marketing), Cho Chui BE Sarawak (finance manager), and
Alex Lidu (office assistant and driver). Outgoing board members were
also recognised for their contributions and influence in the business
events industry.
“All these accomplishments fall under the 'Tribe Legacy Sarawak'
campaign, which promotes and facilitates collaborations for greater
results and values. We are glad to see that the campaign is delivering
significant value to the industry, which then translates into the events
that Sarawak is securing and hosting,” said Amelia Roziman, BESarawak’s
CEO. “With the board of directors’ support, we will also ensure that
opportunities are constantly created for the industry to contribute to
Sarawak’s overall growth.”