KUCHING – The launch of the Business Events Sarawak Alliance (BESA) marks a significant step in Sarawak’s strategy to harness business events as a tool for policy delivery, sectoral growth, and long-term legacy creation beginning in 2026.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said BESA will ensure ministries and agencies take ownership of impactful events.
Each ministry will be required to organise at least two national or international business events annually, with a focus on legacy-driven outcomes.
He explained that these events will be prioritised under the Sarawak Business Events Fund, with structured support provided for eligibility, assessment, and financing.
“Business Events Sarawak will assist with the eligibility process, evaluation, and facilitation of financing for events endorsed by ministries, subject to compliance with legacy-based criteria and assessment requirements,” he said.
The Premier added that ministries and agencies will also benefit from capacity-building initiatives, including targeted training programmes and participation in selected national and international events.
“This approach empowers ministries not merely as participants, but as owners of impact,” he emphasised.
His remarks were delivered in a speech read by Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, during the official opening of the 1st Sarawak Business Events Forum 2025.
Abang Johari highlighted that business events are a strategic driver of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Since its launch in 2021, Sarawak has successfully attracted numerous national and international events, which he described as platforms to accelerate development, attract investment, strengthen research, and elevate Sarawak’s global profile.
“These events are not merely gatherings; they are strategic platforms to accelerate sectoral development, attract investment, strengthen research capabilities, and position Sarawak on the global stage,” he said.
He noted that most of these events are local initiatives led by ministries and agencies in collaboration with industry partners, reflecting Sarawak’s priorities and long-term vision.
The forum was attended by Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability; Datu Hii Chang Kee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Business Events Sarawak and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation); Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak; and other distinguished guests.
The establishment of BESA is expected to strengthen Sarawak’s role as a regional leader in business events, ensuring that the sector contributes directly to policy outcomes and economic transformation.
