State now a leading convention destination through SCB’s efforts

SARAWAK Convention Bureau has positioned Sarawak as a leading destination of second-tier business events in the Asia Pacific region through its success in helping local organisations to win conventions for Sarawak.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said from January to September this year, a total of 45 bids were won, bringing in 19,374 delegates as compared to 48 bids won and 12,670 delegates in 2015.

“Direct delegate’s expenditure was estimated at RM36.5 million as compared to RM23.4 million in 2015,” he said in his ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.

Abang Johari said as of November this year, among the major conferences held in the state were the 33rd Pan-Pacific Business Conference in Miri that saw scholars, executives and government officials from 24 Pacific Rim countries discussing effective utilisation of human resources, technological development and multilateral economic activities across borders, amongst others.

“The 15th International Peat Congress in November in Kuching gathered approximately 1,000 delegates from 30 countries to confer on the responsible use of peat lands and the preservation of their unique dynamics and natural biodiversity.

“On the 55th International Congress and Convention Association ( ICCA) from Nov 13 to 16, Sarawak is one of the few second- tier destinations in the world to host the most important congress in the realm of business events.

“The event has attracted 863 delegates from 59 countries and generated RM2.5 million in direct delegates’ expenditure.”

He said these business events had brought in foreign delegate spending and opportunities for corporate social responsibility initiatives and legacy building, education, research as well as technology exchange.

“The Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia has been a strong supporter in funding the above events and festivals.”