SEA Games 2027 to put Sarawak in regional spotlight, drive tourism and business growth

Abdul Karim speaking at the launching of One-Year Countdown to 2027 SEA Games Sarawak Cluster at tHe Spring Shopping Mall on Sept 18, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By Christine T

KUCHING, Sept 18: The 34th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Malaysia 2027 could give Sarawak a major boost in tourism, business and its profile as an international events destination.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Games would give Sarawak an opportunity to showcase more than its sporting facilities to a regional audience.

“The Games provide a valuable platform to strengthen Sarawak’s visibility and create wider benefits for tourism, local businesses and our communities,” he said.

Speaking at the launching of One-Year Countdown to 2027 SEA Games Sarawak Cluster at tHe Spring Shopping Mall here tonight, Abdul Karim said Kuching would be in the spotlight when the Games begin next year, with the opening ceremony scheduled at Sarawak Stadium.

He said the arrival of athletes, officials, supporters and visitors would provide local businesses, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs with opportunities to tap into increased economic activity.

“When athletes, officials, supporters and visitors come to Sarawak, we want them to experience not only our sporting facilities, but also our culture, diversity and hospitality, and of course our food, including Laksa Sarawak, and the unique character of our State,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the State’s ambition was for visitors to leave with an impression of Sarawak that extended well beyond the sporting events.

“We want those who come here for the SEA Games to return home remembering not only the competition, but also the experience of being in Sarawak,” he said.

Beyond the Games, Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said Sarawak would need to strengthen its accommodation capacity and continue attracting major events to ensure the benefits of its growing infrastructure were sustained.

He said business events, sporting competitions and other programmes should continue to be organised around Kuching to keep new and upgraded facilities actively utilised.

Among the developments he cited was the planned second Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), which he said would be twice the size of the existing centre, as well as ongoing upgrades to sports facilities.

Abdul Karim said the experience gained from hosting the SEA Games, together with the infrastructure developed for the event, could help position Sarawak to host more national, regional and international sporting events in the future.

The SEA Games Malaysia 2027 will be held from Sept 18 to 29 next year, with Sarawak co-hosting the Games alongside Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor. – DayakDaily