BEACON run the Sarawak business event industry based on data

KUCHING, Sept. 23: Sarawak strengthens the business event industry with the launch of Sarawak BEACON, a data-centric research platform that combines industrial data, market research and strategic cooperation.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Seri Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the platform will help provide a clearer picture of the business event industry, thus supporting data and evidence-based planning and decision making.

"If the first 20 years were about building an industry, BEACON represents the risk we need to guide the next 20 years", he said.

He said this through a speech read by Deputy Prime Minister Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, at the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner Ceremony of Business Events Sarawak, here today.

According to him, Sarawak BEACON will help identify opportunities, strengthen ecosystems and package the direction of the state business event industry.

Brother Johari said the business event industry is not only contributing to the tourism economy, but also being a medium bringing in knowledge, expertise, networking, innovation and investment opportunities to Sarawak.

He said that the approach is in line with aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to develop a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Sarawak, including in the areas of energy transition, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital economy, healthcare and human capital development.

In the meantime, he said Kuching will host the International Water Association World Water Congress and Exhibition 2028 which is expected to bring together about 10,000 delegates from around the world.

"It's not just getting another major international congress. It reflects the reputation that Sarawak has built as a reliable business event destination, besides enhancing the capacity of local industries to host world-class events", he said.

He said the development of Borneo Kuching 2 Convention Centre (BCCK2), addition of hotels, event facilities and support facilities, in addition to strengthening air connectivity through AirBorneo, will increase Sarawak's capacity to host larger-scale international meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

He said Miri, Sibu and Bintulu also have potential to develop as a business event city based on the strength of their respective sectors, including energy and tourism in Miri, education and industry in Sibu and energy and industry in Bintulu.

Brother Johari said the future development of the business event industry should be based on data, research, collaboration and evidence to ensure that benefits can be felt more widely across Sarawak.

"The next chapter is not just about bringing the world to Sarawak, but about what Sarawak can achieve when the world is here, and what Sarawak can give back to the world", he said. -TVS