Sarawak launches BEACON to drive next phase of business events

KUCHING (Sept 24): Sarawak is turning to data intelligence to guide the next phase of its business events industry with the launch of the Sarawak Business Events Analytics and Collaboration Network (Sarawak BEACON).

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the centralised platform would bring together industry data, market intelligence and collaboration to help Sarawak identify opportunities and make better-informed decisions.

He said the initiative was particularly important as Sarawak looked beyond simply attracting visitors and sought to compete for knowledge, talent, ideas, technology, investment and international networks.

“As we mark 20 years of progress tonight, we also reach another important milestone with the launch of a transformative initiative — the Sarawak Business Events Analytics and Collaboration Network, or Sarawak BEACON.

“It is a centralised data intelligence platform designed to bring together industry data, market intelligence and collaboration, giving us a clearer view of our industry, helping us identify opportunities, strengthen the ecosystem and make better-informed decisions for the future.

“More importantly, it will help us better understand and demonstrate the value that business events create for Sarawak. If the first 20 years were about building the industry, BEACON represents the intelligence we need to guide its next 20 years,” he said.

Abang Johari said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Business Events Sarawak 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner here on Wednesday night.

He said Sarawak’s business events strategy should increasingly support the state’s wider development priorities, including energy transition, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, healthcare and human capital.

He said events should be selected not only for their immediate economic contribution but also for their potential to bring international expertise, partnerships, investment and talent into Sarawak.

“The principle is straightforward: The events we bring to Sarawak should increasingly complement the future we are trying to build. We are already seeing the potential of this approach,” he said.

He cited Kuching’s hosting of the International Water Association World Water Congress and Exhibition in 2028, expected to bring about 10,000 delegates, as an example of an event aligned with Sarawak’s development agenda.

Abang Johari also said business events should generate opportunities beyond Kuching, with Miri, Sibu and Bintulu developing their own niches based on their respective economic strengths.

He said greater capacity, including the expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, more hotels and venues, improved air connectivity and the development of the hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit system, would further strengthen Sarawak’s position in the industry.

“The next chapter is not simply about bringing the world to Sarawak. It is about what Sarawak can achieve when the world is here — and what Sarawak can give back to the world.

“On this anniversary, I congratulate Business Events Sarawak for 20 years of championing business events as a platform for progress, opportunity and development,” he said.

The dinner also saw the exchange of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) between BESarawak and Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) to advance the development of BEACON.

Also present were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and BESarawak chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee, BESarawak chief executive officer Jason Tan Chin Foo and SAIC chief executive officer Prof Patrick Then.

Abang Johari lead onsite Sarawak BEACON Sarawak Business Events Analytics and Collaboration Network