Abdul Karim delivers his winding up speech in the DUN Chamber. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Nov 19): Sarawak will serve as host to 122 business events until the end of the year, which will generate RM373.4 million in total economic impact (TEI), said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said direct delegate expenditure will inject RM203 million into the economy and RM22.4 million will translate into tax.
“We have currently concluded 80 per cent of the scheduled events where some of the major events hosted this year were the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen and Exhibition (APGH) 2024 with 3,000 delegates; 10th World Congress of Herpetology with 1,495 delegates; and Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference 2024 with 600 delegates and 60 exhibitors,” he said during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today.
In winding up his ministerial speech, Abdul Karim noted that as of today, the state, under Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), has secured 97 per cent of the targeted 100 business events scheduled to take place through to 2028.
“These events are projected to generate a TEI of RM281.1 million. Direct delegate spending is expected to contribute approximately RM152.7 million to the economy, with an additional RM16.8 million in tax revenue.
“We succeeded in winning a few major events such as Asian Congress on Occupational Health 2026 with approximately 2,000 delegates; 8th Asia Pacific Conference on Public Health (APCPH 2024) with approximately 1,000 delegates; and National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) National Media Conference 2024 with approximately 729 delegates,” he said.
He also said that the ministry, through BESarawak, had invested in the first Association Impact Masterclass in collaboration with three global industry leaders namely the International Congress and Convention Association, Meet-4-Impact, and Gaining Edge.
“As a result, 19 associations and industry leaders from Malaysia became the first certified impact leaders in the world.
“The shift from tourism to legacy-based events resulted in Sarawak winning the Best Sustainability Initiative for Destination category at the Meetings & Conventions Asia Stella Awards,” he added.
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