Kuching: Sarawak is targeting to secure 720 business events between 2026 and 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with a projected total economic impact of RM2.06 billion, said State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He emphasized the state government's commitment to enhancing the business events industry as part of the state's Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state has increased the subvention fund by 144 percent since 2021 to attract global events and strengthen local capabilities. This announcement was made during the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards presentation ceremony, with the Premier's speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the State Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment.

The Premier highlighted the completion of the Legacy Impact Master Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap for transforming business events into social, economic, and environmental legacies. With additional investment, Sarawak aims to secure 50 percent more business events and ensure that at least half of them deliver measurable legacies by 2030.

In terms of infrastructure, the government is investing in initiatives to bolster Sarawak's ability to host global events. These initiatives include the establishment of AirBorneo, the expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), and the construction of a new convention center in Miri.

Abang Johari also noted that the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards illustrate Sarawak's readiness to position itself as both a competitor and collaborator in the global business events industry. He urged the government sector in Malaysia and worldwide to harness the strategic potential of business events and legacies for building a better future.