KUCHING – Sarawak’s Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, conducted a comprehensive site inspection today at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) 2 development.
The visit served as a high-level review of the construction progress for what is set to become one of the state’s most significant economic catalysts.
Accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who also serves as the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, was briefed on the latest milestones of the RM550 million project.
The expansion is a cornerstone of the Sarawak Government’s strategy to elevate the capital’s status as a premier destination for global business events and large-scale tourism.
The project, which officially broke ground on 30 April 2025, has been moving at an impressive pace. Recent reports indicate the construction is currently ahead of its original schedule, with a revised completion target set for the final quarter of 2027.
This accelerated timeline is crucial, as the venue is slated to host the prestigious International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition in 2028, an event expected to draw over 10,000 global participants.
Once finished, BCCK 2 will nearly double the capacity of the existing facility. The new wing is designed to accommodate up to 9,500 people within a flexible main hall spanning nearly 6,000 square metres.
To ensure seamless movement between the two buildings, a 70-metre climate-controlled sky bridge will connect the new structure to the original BCCK.
Innovative construction methods are at the heart of the development. The project is notable for incorporating Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and is expected to feature one of the world’s largest single-floor engineered timber structures.
This focus on sustainable materials aligns with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aiming for “Bronze” GreenRE certification.
During the site visit, the Deputy Premier expressed his satisfaction with the work quality and the efficiency of the contractors.
He was joined by the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir. Aidel Lariwoo, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, YBhg. Datu Chiew Chee Yau.
Key technical updates were provided by Ts. Meehan ak Jorai, representing the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR).
The briefing highlighted that critical foundational phases, including extensive piling works, have been successfully navigated despite the challenges of local weather conditions.
