Abdul Karim (sixth left) with his deputies Datuk Snowdan Lawan (sixth right) and Datuk Sebastian Ting (fifth left) and others taking a group photo during BESarawak's board of director appreciation night. Photo credit: Ukas

KUCHING, Dec 16: Business Events (BESarawak) has secured 95 national and international events with a total budget of RM346.5 million this year; 139 per cent above the target set.

According to a news report from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, Sarawak has also become the host to 107 events, which is an increase of seven per cent compared to 2022.

Speaking during the BESarawak board of director appreciation night recently, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the increase in the number of delegations and the economic impact is a sure sign that Sarawak is returning to its pre-pandemic vibrancy.

“This economic achievement shows that the Ministry, together with BESarawak, managed to target the right business event based on the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and ensure that it positively impacts Sarawak,” he said.

During the ceremony, he expressed his appreciation to all BESarawak staff and those involved in making the events organised by Sarawak a success throughout this year.

From 2024 to 2028, Sarawak targets 42,000 representatives with an estimated direct representation expenditure of RM188.3 million and obtains tax revenue of RM20.8 million. — DayakDaily