Sarawak’s sustainability initiatives get recognition at Asia Stella Awards

KUCHING (Sept 28): Sarawak gained recognition in the ‘Best Sustainability Initiative in the Destination’ category at the prestigious Meetings and Conventions (M&C) Asia Stella Awards recently.

The award recognised the Business Events Sarawak Legacy Initiative (BESLegacy Initiative) as the ‘most innovative sustainability programme among all destinations in Asia’, said a press release yesterday.

Developed in 2020 by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the BESLegacy Initiative is the first and only framework in Malaysia where business event planners can strategise their convention and exhibition legacies, and design event programmes so as to lead to sustainability outcomes such as community development, environmental responsibility, and economic growth.

According to Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak has been focusing on sustainable business event practices under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.

He points out that economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability are the three aspirations Sarawak wishes to achieve, and winning this Asia Stella award reflects Sarawak’s commitment to development.

“We are thrilled to see our efforts being widely appreciated by the global industry and we will continue to leverage our strengths to position Sarawak as a leading destination for responsible and impactful business events,” he said in the statement.

Meanwhile, BESarawak chairman Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg said the focus was on creating a more sustainable economy, society and environment by looking at the impact and legacies of business events.

“Our Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign tagline ‘Driving Impact Together’ perfectly sums up what can be achieved when we collaborate towards the same vision.

“I believe that Sarawak will build on this success by advocating for sustainable growth, fostering innovative collaborations, and driving initiatives that create lasting legacies for the society.”

In her remarks, BESarawak chief executive director Amelia Roziman regarded making a significant impact as ‘the result of many smaller, meaningful efforts’.

“This boosts our motivation to continue securing business events that align with both government priorities and the interests of our communities, ensuring that each event contributes to long-term, sustainable progress.”

In a related development, BESarawak had signed a memorandum of agreement with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to conduct an economic and legacy impact study to assess the actual sustainability outcomes – economic, social, and environmental competencies – of selected business events hosted in Sarawak.

The study would lead to the launch of the legacy impact measurement ‘dashboard’ (data visualisation of business events’ economic and legacy contributions) in the first quarter of next year.