KUCHING: The high number of business events held in Sarawak was attributed to the preference of event organisers from outside to tap into the skills of the local workforce.
Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said this was further boosted by the state government’s support for business events to be held here.
“For the business events sector, Sarawak has a clear advantage in unparalleled content creation, innovative ideas, creativity, young energetic industry, and strategic industry support that made it a destination of choice for event organisers.
“Sarawak is an exceptional state when it comes to Business Events. This is because Sarawak is the first state to establish a convention bureau – called the Sarawak Convention Bureau in 2006, now known as Business Events Sarawak.
“I am delighted to note that with the undivided support from the state’s leadership, Sarawak has positioned itself as one of the leading destinations for the business events segment,” she said at the ‘Meet in Malaysia @ Sarawak’ programme and the launch of the Hybrid City Alliance at a leading hotel here on Friday (Oct 22).
Nancy said, in the international scene, Sarawak is seen as a front-runner as the state has won numerous international conferences and accolades, over other major destinations from around the world.
“Sarawak without doubt offers an alternative for those seeking humble authenticity far from the tourist-trap clichés.
“Whether it is sharing the lifestyle of one of the many indigenous communities’ longhouses, exploring gigantic caves in the Gunung Mulu National Park, one will find Sarawak offers a host of memorable experiences to bring home,” she said.
With Kuching being entered into the Hybrid City Alliance, she hoped that local industry players will grab this opportunity to help restart and reset their businesses.
“This certainly augurs well with the Keluarga Malaysia concept, the brainchild by our Prime Minister which covers the three main trusts of inclusivity, common ground, and contentment,” she said.