Incentive packages recoup RM291m for Sarawak’s business events industry

The Malaysian region of Sarawak says it has reached RM291.2 million (USD$72.2m) of economic impact through its Business Event Planners Incentivised Packages. The packages are designed to encourage business events following heavy economic losses in the industry during the pandemic. So far the scheme has encouraged 80 events to take place between 2021 and 2026. YB Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Art & Culture), said the region had suffered a total economic loss of RM196.64 million in 2020, with 15,000 less job placements because of the lack of business events. From 2021 onwards, the Sarawak Government is aiming to maximise the impact of business events and power of investment by harvesting convention legacies under BESarawak’s legacy impact movement. This is aligned with the Sarawak Economic Action Council’s placement of business events as the driving force to achieve economic prosperity and social inclusion, and conserve Sarawak’s heritage and biodiversity among other aspirations. BESarawak’s Deputy Chairman, Datuk Abang Karim Tun Abang Haji Openg, commented: “The pandemic has not hindered anyone from reaching the stars. In fact, BESarawak has proven that despite adversities, we continue to move from strength to strength against the odds. “As we celebrate the professional and educational successes of team members, I am also taking this opportunity to thank our valued industry partners and stakeholders of Sarawak’s Business Events sector for their unwavering support and good faith in all our endeavours. This many achievements and milestones this year would not have been possible without your encouragement.”