Influential global leaders to attend inaugural future forum

KUCHING: The inaugural Sarawak Future Forum 2024 is expected to be a landmark event that will bring together influential global leaders to tackle crucial issues of sustainable economic development.

This highly anticipated forum, set for Oct 10 at the Sheraton Hotel here, will be a platform to address key challenges and shape future strategies.

“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate the Sarawak Future Forum and deliver the opening keynote, setting the stage for what is expected to be a transformative discussion on the future of sustainable and inclusive development,” said a media statement released by the Sarawak Future Forum.

The event is organised by the Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE) and the Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service (LISCS) in collaboration with the New York Times, the Institute of Management Sarawak (MASA), and the American-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM).

According to SCOPE’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Joseph Lim, the Sarawak Future Forum aims to ignite a global discussion on how regions like Sarawak can navigate rapid global economic changes and pioneer new, sustainable, innovative growth models.

A major highlight of the forum will be an exclusive fireside chat with Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz, known for his critique of GDP as a measure of economic success, titled “For Good Measure: An Agenda for Moving Beyond GDP.”

“Professor Stiglitz will draw parallels from his book of the same name on the global over-reliance on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the primary measure of economic progress and societal well-being.

“The session will also delve into rethinking ways to measure progress and success towards a more holistic and multidimensional approach that aligns with societal values and aspirations,” the statement said.

Marga Hoek, a globally recognised thought leader in sustainable business, capital, and technology, will also speak at the forum.

“Hoek will explore how businesses can leverage purpose-driven leadership to create new opportunities and advance global sustainability goals.

“Hoek’s impactful session at the Sarawak Future Forum will explore how government entities can integrate sustainability principles into policymaking, regulation, and governance to promote economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection while emphasising the need to embed sustainability in national development plans, strategies, and budget allocations for inclusive and responsible growth,” it said.

The Sarawak Future Forum will also highlight Malaysia’s artist and change-maker Red Hong Yi, celebrated for her innovative mixed-media installations created from everyday materials, which have earned her global acclaim.

“Her session at the Sarawak Future Forum – aptly titled “Making a Difference” – reflects her career and artistic philosophy. Through her work, she has consistently demonstrated how art can catalyse dialogue on critical global issues, from environmental sustainability to cultural identity.

“Her participation in the forum highlights the essential role that art and culture play in the broader conversation about sustainable development, making her session a must-attend for those seeking inspiration and innovative solutions.”

To register for the forum and obtain tickets, the public can visit the Sarawak Future Forum website at http://www.sarawakfutureforum.com/