A look inside Northern Sarawak’s first international business events venue

The covers come off exhibition halls, banquet spaces and even an open-air venue as Kenyalang Convention & Exhibition Centre One soft launches.

Artist impression of the convention centre’s pre-function area, which can host cocktail functions for up to 450 guests.
Artist impression of the convention centre’s pre-function area, which can host cocktail functions for up to 450 guests.

Kenyalang Convention & Exhibition Centre One (KCEC One) has opened its doors in Miri, giving Northern Sarawak its first international-standard, purpose-built business events facility.

According to the Sarawak Tribune, the project achieved practical completion on 9 July following the issuance of its Certificate of Practical Completion, paving the way for operational preparations ahead of its official opening.

Kenyalang Grand Hall

At the heart of the new venue is the Kenyalang Grand Hall, a 3,200sqm column-free hall – said to be the largest of its kind in northern Sarawak. The space can accommodate up to 3,500 delegates in theatre configuration, 2,100 guests for banquets or 188 exhibition booths, and can be divided into three separate halls to support multiple event formats. The venue is equipped with a 6m x 30m stage and configurable LED screens, with the largest measuring 7.68m x 4.32m.

Kenyalang Junior Halls

Supporting the main hall are three Kenyalang Junior Halls, providing a combined 1,125sqm of flexible meeting space. Junior Halls 1 and 2 can be combined to host up to 380 delegates in theatre style or 320 banquet guests, while Junior Hall 3 accommodates up to 140 delegates, making them suitable for breakout sessions, workshops, executive meetings and smaller conferences.

Kenyalang Garden

Extending the venue outdoors, the 634.5sqm Kenyalang Garden offers space for ceremonies, networking receptions and cultural events, accommodating up to 600 guests for seated functions or 450 for cocktail receptions.

Pre-function, premium holding space

Nestled between the Grand Hall and Kenyalang Garden is the pre-function and VIP lounge area. The pre-function area can host cocktail receptions for up to 450 guests.

Meanwhile, the VIP Lounge offers private access to the Grand Hall, serving as a premium holding area for dignitaries, keynote speakers and executive delegates.

The VIP holding area even includes access to its own “secluded pocket garden”. Other supporting facilities include a dedicated medic room, surau, courtyard, powder room, holding room, and washrooms.

According to the convention centre’s website, KCEC One also offers Miri's only dedicated convention carpark with VIP access and seamless arrivals.

The new venue gives northern Sarawak an infrastructure boost to host international conventions, trade exhibitions, government functions, corporate galas and large-scale community events.

Speaking at the milestone ceremony, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Sim Kui Hian described the project as more than a new building, calling it “a platform for opportunity” that would support tourism, investment and economic development in northern Sarawak.

With construction complete, attention will now turn to commissioning, operational readiness and preparations for the venue's first events.


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