Breakfast comes out of takeaway boxes. Surf apps are checked, the wind is watched, and eyes turn towards the horizon. Boards sit ready on the sand while the small group gathered on the beach waits to see what the sea has decided.

Some mornings bring waves. Some don’t. Nobody seems particularly bothered. For Langkawi’s growing surfing community, the waiting is part of it.

When the wind changes

Langkawi’s seasons shape life on the island, and surfing is no different. When the monsoon winds shift and conditions begin to change, surfboards come out, and messages start circulating about the latest swell.

Weather forecasts help to pin the season from April to November during the southwest monsoon, with the most promising wave conditions occurring from July through September.

Small groups make their way to the west coast, particularly around Pantai Tengah, hoping the forecasts are right. Visitors who have surfed here before return, while locals keep a close eye on the conditions. There are no guarantees. A promising forecast can produce nothing, while an ordinary morning can turn into a memorable session.

That unpredictability has helped shape the character of surfing here. The focus isn’t on chasing the biggest wave. It’s on being there when the conditions come together.

Learning to wait

Ask Jay what surfing has taught him and his answer comes quickly: patience. He first got into surfing in Bali before continuing in Cherating, on Malaysia’s east coast. What started as curiosity eventually became a different way of looking at the ocean.

You can’t control the wind or make the waves arrive. You can prepare, watch the conditions and wait.

Today, Jay passes that lesson on through his surf school. For beginners, the goal may be to stand on a board for the first time. But the experience is also about learning to move with the water rather than trying to fight it. The first successful ride is often the moment everything clicks.

The surf shop where everyone meets

For Han, the day moves between the water and his surf shop, where conversations about tides and forecasts easily turn into conversations about everything else.

His café has become a natural meeting point for the surfing community. Surfers stop by for coffee, travellers swap stories and beginners celebrate their first successful ride.

A Japanese photographer has also spent time with Han and his group, documenting the everyday side of the community — the sessions, the people and the moments between them.

The social side of surfing doesn’t stop when the boards are put away. In many ways, that is when the community comes together.

A community built one save at a time

Langkawi’s surf community has grown gradually, through people introducing friends to the water, visitors returning for another season and surfers sharing what they know.

A request for a lesson can lead to another. A first session can turn into a regular habit. Someone who arrived as a visitor might come back with a friend the following year.

Today, locals surf alongside visitors and experienced surfers encourage beginners as they learn. Children are starting their first lessons, while more seasoned riders still celebrate the small improvements that come with every session.

There is little interest in hierarchy. Whether you’ve been surfing for years or are still figuring out how to stand on the board, everyone starts in the same place: waiting for the next wave.

Let the island set the pace

Surfing requires you to pay attention to what is happening around you. In Langkawi, that means learning to read the wind, the rain, the tide and the changing conditions.

Experience helps, but nature still has the final say. Sometimes the forecast promises perfect conditions and delivers nothing. Sometimes a regular morning produces a few rides worth remembering. Over time, surfers learn when to paddle out, when to wait and when to simply call it a day.

Waves that bring people together

Spend time around Langkawi’s surfing community, and the appeal becomes clear when you watch a beginner catch their first wave.

Someone cheers. A pop-up gets applauded. The surfer comes back to shore smiling, ready to try again. Those small moments are what keep people coming back. By sunset, boards are rinsed and put away. Someone checks tomorrow’s forecast.

Nobody knows yet whether there will be waves in the morning.

They’ll probably meet anyway. Surfing in Langkawi isn’t defined by the size of the swell. It’s found in the people who keep showing up, watching the horizon and waiting for the next wave.

For more information on Langkawi, visit: Naturally Langkawi. 

(Source: Your Stories — LADA)

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The appointment reflects Centara’s commitment to building a stronger, more diversified international portfolio through disciplined development, strategic partnerships and long-term value creation. In his new role, Shaw will lead the company’s global development agenda, identifying high-potential opportunities across established and emerging markets while expanding Centara’s relationships with hotel owners, investors and development partners worldwide.

Working across Centara’s six distinct brands, he will play a central role in shaping a balanced pipeline of properties that responds to evolving traveller demand, strengthens the company’s presence across key hospitality segments and supports its long-term growth ambitions.

A hospitality and real estate veteran with more than 30 years of international experience, Shaw brings extensive expertise spanning hotel development, investment analysis, capital structuring, commercial negotiation, asset management and value enhancement.

He joins Centara from Hospitality Asset Solutions 360, where he served as Founding Partner, advising hotel owners and investors on hospitality asset development and management across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. He previously served as Vice President – Development at Dusit International, where he led expansion strategies across EMEA, overseeing project development, commercial negotiations and investment analysis.

Shaw holds a degree in Hotel Management from Lancaster University and has completed studies in Hotel Asset Management at Cornell University.

Reporting directly to Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler, Shaw will work closely with Centara’s executive leadership and regional teams to translate the company’s brand and growth ambitions into a high-quality development pipeline. His remit will include evaluating strategic markets, securing new management and investment opportunities, strengthening development partnerships and ensuring that future projects deliver compelling value for owners, guests and the Centara brand.

“Centara has a powerful foundation for future growth: a distinctive portfolio of brands, deep hospitality expertise and an authentic Thai identity that resonates strongly with guests and partners,” said  Shaw. “My focus will be on turning these strengths into high-quality development opportunities, building enduring relationships with owners and investors, entering markets where our brands can create meaningful value, and developing a portfolio that supports Centara’s long-term global ambition. I am excited to join the team at such an important point in the company’s journey.”

“Andrew’s appointment represents a significant step in strengthening Centara’s ability to deliver its long-term growth strategy,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler. “His experience across development, investment and asset management gives him a comprehensive understanding of what successful hotel growth requires, from identifying the right opportunity and structuring the right partnership to creating sustainable value throughout the lifecycle of an asset.”

“As we expand, our priority is not simply to grow in scale, but to build a high-quality, strategically balanced portfolio with the right brands in the right markets. Andrew’s commercial discipline, international perspective and strong understanding of owner priorities will be instrumental in advancing that ambition and helping shape Centara’s next chapter of global growth.”

To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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Together with 29 graduates from Miri in July, BEAP has now equipped 55 industry professionals with the skills to participate more actively in Sarawak’s growing business events economy. Co-developed by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the Miri Business Events Committee and Sibu Business Events Committee, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sarawak Chapter, the programme brings industry development directly to Sarawak’s business events cities.

Participants gained practical knowledge across the full event lifecycle, from developing commercially viable concepts and financial planning to operations and post-event evaluation. BEAP focused on the practical use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity, creativity, and decision-making in business event planning and delivery.

Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak, said that continuous learning is essential in today’s evolving business events industry. 

“It’s no longer enough to know how to organise and deliver an event. Industry professionals need to understand the business behind it, from developing commercially viable concepts and managing resources to adopting new technologies and responding to evolving organiser and delegate expectations.

“Sibu is one of the preferred convention destinations in Sarawak, so the demand and business opportunities are there. The next step is to strengthen the local expertise, services and solutions around that demand, enabling Sibu’s industry to take on a greater share of the role, develop new business opportunities and capture more of the value generated by business events.”

BEAP also supports MACEOS’ national commitment to strengthening professional standards and developing industry talent across Malaysia. Lim Win Nee, Vice President of MACEOS Education, said: “Malaysia’s competitiveness as a business events destination is strengthened when industry capabilities grow across all our destinations. Every market has a role to play, and in destinations such as Sibu, a strong and capable local industry can make a meaningful difference to the quality of events, the opportunities for local businesses and the overall destination experience.

“By making professional development more accessible, we can strengthen expertise where it is needed, raise standards across the country and build a more connected and future-ready Malaysian business events industry.”

The completion of BEAP’s first two-city rollout marks another step in BESarawak’s broader efforts to develop the people and businesses behind the business events industry, allowing greater contributions towards Sarawak’s growth.

For more information on Sarawak events, visit: Business Events Sarawak. 

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

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Building on Sarawak’s strong industry foundation and international reputation, discussions focused on the next phase of growth and how business events can create greater value for the destination through economic opportunities, knowledge exchange, industry development, investment and benefits for local communities. 

During the visit, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, said the Sarawak Government’s continued support strengthens the industry’s ability to build on its progress. 

“Sarawak has built a strong international reputation in business events, strengthened by our focus on legacy-driven outcomes. We are now seeing that translate into more events and wider opportunities for local businesses and industries. With the Sarawak Government’s continued support for the industry, we are well positioned to build on this progress, attract bigger opportunities and ensure the benefits extend across more sectors and communities in Sarawak as competition across ASEAN grows.” 

The discussion during the visit highlighted infrastructure, venue and accommodation capacity, and air connectivity as important factors in strengthening Sarawak’s ability to attract larger and more diverse international and national business events. The events and tourism industries are also encouraged to explore creative ways for Sarawak’s growing range of venues and facilities to complement one another in supporting conventions, exhibitions, corporate meetings and incentives, performances and other major events.

With Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2 (BCCK2) in progress and improved air connectivity through AirBorneo, the discussion also highlighted the opportunity for Sarawak to tap into and drive more business events and tourism from across the wider Asia Pacific region.

Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and Chairman of BESarawak, emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration and coordination to ensure business events contribute to Sarawak’s wider development.

“As the industry grows, our role in connecting business events more closely with PCDS 2030 becomes even more important. With a growing pipeline of larger events addressing globally relevant issues across industries, we need to consider how each opportunity can contribute to Sarawak’s broader priorities, whether through investment, talent development, industry growth, knowledge exchange, or international partnerships.”

“This is where stronger coordination becomes essential. Government agencies, industry and institutions need to work together so that when these events come to Sarawak, we are ready to maximise the opportunities and benefits they can create for the destination.”

This direction builds on Sarawak’s growing focus on legacy impact, with business events increasingly used to create long-term benefits through knowledge, innovation and partnerships.”

Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak, said BESarawak is clear about how it intends to build on the strengths of the past two decades.

“With the strong support of the Sarawak Government, we are excited about the next phase of growth. We have built significant momentum over the years, and our focus now is to use that momentum strategically by being intentional about the events we pursue, strengthening Sarawak’s business events ecosystem, and creating more value from every opportunity we secure.”

“As Sarawak advances towards the goals of PCDS 2030, BESarawak will continue to strengthen the alignment between its business events pipeline and Sarawak’s priority sectors, creating more opportunities to bring knowledge, innovation and partnerships that support Sarawak’s broader development.”

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

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Nestled along Tri-Trang Beach, just minutes from Patong Beach, the resort combines tropical surroundings with versatile event spaces, professional services, and five-star hospitality. With seven event rooms, more than 740 sqm of indoor event space, and a spectacular 3,780 sqm beach lawn venue, the resort provides flexible options for meetings, corporate events, social celebrations, and destination weddings.

Meetings designed to inspire

Meetings at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach are designed to be productive, engaging, and memorable. The resort’s flexible venues can accommodate everything from intimate executive meetings to large conferences, with the Merlin Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 650 guests in theatre setup. Modern audiovisual technology and an experienced events and catering team ensure that every occasion is delivered professionally.

Creative and memorable coffee breaks

At Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed coffee breaks, creative themed refreshments, and delectable cuisine in stylish pre-function spaces. With natural light and flexible layouts, these areas are ideal for networking, registration, entertainment, and meaningful connections.

Beach Lawn: Events by the Andaman Sea

For an unforgettable outdoor experience, the resort’s expansive 3,780-sqm Beach Lawn offers an exceptional beachfront setting overlooking the Andaman Sea.

The open-air venue can accommodate large receptions and banquets, providing an inspiring backdrop for corporate events, celebrations, and special occasions. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining surrounded by tropical landscapes and the beautiful shoreline of Merlin Beach.

For couples looking to celebrate their love in Phuket, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach offers a romantic and secluded setting along Tri-Trang Beach.

From beachfront ceremonies and cocktail receptions to elegant ballroom celebrations, the resort offers diverse indoor and outdoor venues for every stage of a destination wedding. The Beach Lawn can host ceremonies of up to 500 guests, while the Merlin Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests for a seated wedding reception.

Marriott Certified Wedding Planners work closely with couples to personalise their celebration and coordinate every detail, from menus and table settings to entertainment and other wedding services.

Where business meets paradise

Whether gathering for a meeting, celebrating a corporate milestone, or beginning a new chapter together, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach offers an inspiring destination where professional events become memorable experiences.

For enquiries and event planning, contact MHRSPhuketMerlinBeachSalesMarketing@marriott.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach)

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Recognised as Chonburi Province’s Outstanding Green Hotel, Royal Cliff was selected as one of the winners out of thousands of hotels in the Eastern Seaboard region to receive this prestigious accolade for its outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental innovation and responsible hospitality.

For more than five decades, Royal Cliff Hotels Group has been committed to balancing exceptional hospitality with environmental responsibility. Under the visionary leadership of Khun Panga Vathanakul, Managing Director, sustainability has been embedded into the organisation’s philosophy since the hotel’s inception. Guided by the belief that business success should go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, community development and the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry, Royal Cliff has consistently pioneered initiatives that create lasting positive impact.

This vision has evolved into Green Multiples @ Royal Cliff, the group’s comprehensive sustainability programme that integrates innovative environmental practices across every aspect of its operations. The initiative encompasses advanced wastewater treatment systems, biogas production from food waste, organic composting, and a pioneering Green Meeting concept that enables conference organisers and delegates to reduce the environmental footprint of their events.

Beyond operational excellence, Royal Cliff is equally committed to cultivating a culture of sustainability by actively inspiring its management team, employees, guests, and business partners to participate in its environmental initiatives. Sustainability is not simply a corporate policy at Royal Cliff; it is an integral part of the organisation’s DNA and continues to shape every aspect of its business.

As travellers and international event organisers increasingly seek destinations and venues that demonstrate genuine environmental responsibility, sustainability has become a defining factor in creating exceptional guest experiences and long-term business success. Royal Cliff continues to invest in innovative green solutions that not only enhance the guest journey but also contribute positively to local communities, preserve natural resources and strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading sustainable tourism destination.

Organised by Thailand’s Department of Tourism, the Ultimate Thailand Green Tourism Showcase 2026 recognises tourism operators that demonstrate excellence in sustainable business practices. Winners are selected based on their achievements in environmental management, innovation, community engagement and the advancement of Thailand’s tourism standards, contributing to the country’s vision of a more sustainable tourism industry.

This latest accolade further reinforces Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s position as one of Thailand’s leading sustainable hospitality brands. It reflects its unwavering commitment to creating meaningful experiences while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels that charm travellers from all corners of the world. The resort offers a world of exceptional experiences through thoughtfully curated promotions and packages. Guests are encouraged to book directly with Royal Cliff to enjoy the best available rates and exclusive value-added privileges. 

To secure the premium experience you deserve, visit www.royalcliff.com, call our reservations team at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732, or email reservations@royalcliff.com.

For more information about the Royal Cliff Hotels Group CSR programme, please visit https://www.royalcliff.com/main/green-program-csr/ or follow Royal Cliff Hotels Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/royalcliff.

(Source: Your Stories — Royal Cliff Hotels Group)

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Tucked away on Langkawi’s quieter side, Kubang Badak offers visitors a chance to experience the island through a different lens: slower, deeper, and more thoughtfully. Set within a tidal river estuary framed by mangrove forests and dramatic limestone formations, the trail is home to 13 points of interest that uncover the rich natural, geological and cultural heritage of the area.

Explored by boat or kayak, the journey winds through calm mangrove channels where travellers can take in the stillness of the landscape while learning about the ecosystem and conservation efforts

that continue to protect it. Along the route, visitors encounter remnants of Langkawi’s past—from century-old charcoal kilns in Kampung Siam to ancient geosites shaped by time and tide.

One of the trail’s most fascinating stops is Pinang Cave, a remnant of a sea cave believed to have formed nearly 6,000 years ago. Perched 15 metres above sea level, the cave still contains oyster and cockle shells embedded within its surroundings — evidence of ancient sea level changes that once shaped the island’s coastline.

For those looking to savour the journey quite literally, a stop at the Langkawi Oyster Farm offers the opportunity to enjoy freshly harvested oysters and mussels, served at the water’s edge and only accessible by boat.

But beyond its scenic beauty and hidden gems, Kubang Badak represents something greater. Developed as part of Langkawi’s commitment to knowledge tourism, the BioGeo Trail offers visitors a more meaningful way to engage with the island — one rooted in learning, conservation, and sustainable exploration.

In the spirit of Our Power, Our Planet, Kubang Badak reminds us that our greatest power lies in how we choose to experience places like these. By embracing slower, more conscious travel, we not only deepen our appreciation for nature but also help protect it. The best way to honour our planet is to experience its wonders with care.

For more information on Langkawi, visit: 2026 – Naturally Langkawi. 

(Source: LADA)

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The programme prepares local industry players with the knowledge and skills to support Sarawak’s growing portfolio of high-value national and international events.

Co-organised by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the Miri Business Events Committee in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sarawak Chapter, BEAP addresses the growing demand for future-ready professionals who can strengthen service delivery and raise industry standards.

Held at Mercure Miri City Centre from 14 to 16 July 2026, the Miri edition was the first of two BEAP sessions planned for the year. Participants learned to manage the full event lifecycle, from concept development and financial planning to on-site delivery and post-event evaluation. They also explored the practical application of artificial intelligence to deliver more efficient and innovative event solutions.

Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak, said developing the industry was essential to Sarawak’s long-term competitiveness.

“Miri possesses the strengths to become a leading business events destination in northern Sarawak. As Malaysia’s pioneering oil and gas city, supported by its diverse tourism offerings and dynamic business ecosystem, Miri has significant potential to attract high-value conferences, corporate meetings and exhibitions. Through BEAP, we are investing in local talent by equipping industry professionals with the skills, confidence and capabilities to deliver world-class business events. This investment in people will strengthen Miri’s competitiveness, unlock new economic opportunities and reinforce Sarawak’s position as a premier business events destination.”

BEAP in Miri also supports MACEOS’ national commitment to making professional development more accessible to industry practitioners across Malaysia. Lim Win Nee, Vice President of MACEOS Education, said: “MACEOS’ priority is to ensure that professional development is accessible to industry practitioners across Malaysia. Bringing this programme to Sarawak supports our commitment to raising national industry standards, strengthening local capabilities and developing a future-ready talent pipeline. By investing in people across every region, we strengthen not only Sarawak’s business events ecosystem but also Malaysia’s overall competitiveness as a destination.”

BESarawak’s capacity-building initiatives are helping Sarawak-based businesses and event professionals build the skills needed to support the destination’s growing business events industry, especially with AirBorneo’s planned regional routes from 2026.

The next BEAP will take place from 11 to 13 August 2026 at Tanahmas Hotel in Sibu.

For more information on BESarawak, visit Business Events Sarawak.

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

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Street festivals in Tokyo and Yokohama

In Tokyo, Shibuya Bon Odori is a thrilling summer festival that sees hundreds of brightly dressed dancers take to the streets of Shibuya – famed for its iconic pedestrian crossing. This August, urban explorers can experience this upbeat occasion at Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka or Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akihabara, a choice of modern hotels in two of the capital’s most dynamic downtown districts. In nearby Yokohama, the Minatomirai Dai Bon-Odori is staged at the end of August in Rinko Park, overlooking the city’s famous waterfront. Whilst enjoying two days of exciting activities, revellers can rest and relax at Best Western Hotel Fino Shin-Yokohama, which is just a five-minute walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station.

Captivating Cultural Occasions in Osaka and Nagoya

Rooted in Japan’s Shinto rituals, Tenjin Matsuri is celebrated every summer in Osaka and features colourful street parades, river-boat processions and dazzling firework displays. Visitors can enjoy this three-day extravaganza at a choice of three Best Western hotels: Best Western Osaka Tsukamoto, a contemporary property just moments from JR Tsukamoto Station, Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama, which offers elevated stays close to the Tosahori River, and Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi, a newly revitalised hotel in the beating heart of Osaka, close to City Hall. A short 50-minute bullet-train ride away in Nagoya, the Nippon Domannaka Matsuri features approximately 20,000 dancers performing in original costumes inspired by the city’s heritage. Located in the lively Sakae district, Best Western Plus Nagoya Sakae is surrounded by the festivities.

Endless summer refreshment in Hokkaido

In the northern island of Hokkaido, the annual Sapporo Summer Festival runs for almost a month during July and August. Sapporo’s Odori Park transforms into a vast urban dance arena and beer garden, with live performances and plenty of refreshments from the city’s famous breweries. Just a short drive from Sapporo, Best Western Plus Fino Chitose Hotel is a full-service hotel with modern rooms, a restaurant, a fitness centre and great transport links, putting Hokkaido’s many summertime attractions within easy reach.

Tropical island festivities in Fukuoka and Okinawa

Japan’s southern islands transform into tropical paradises every summer, with plenty of attractions and activities for culture-seeking explorers. On Kyushu Island, the city of Fukuoka bursts into life with the Nogata Summer Festival, featuring spectacular floats, stage performances, and dramatic fireworks. Surrounded by stylish bars and cafés, Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami lets travellers feel the pulse of this waterfront city. Finally, in Okinawa, Japan’s exotic island jewels, the Nago Summer Festival features food stalls, traditional eisa dancing and live music – wonderful to watch whilst strolling in a summer kimono. When the time comes to unwind, guests can escape to a choice of beachfront hotels: Best Western Resort Okinawa Kouki Beach, where every room offers a balcony with ocean vistas, and Best Western Okinawa Onna Beach, a low-rise resort nestled on a white sand bay.

There’s no better time to experience Japan’s colourful festivals, local traditions and diverse destinations. From vibrant city escapes and island retreats to scenic countryside adventures, travellers can explore the country while staying at Best Western hotels. To book your stay with BWH Hotels in Japan, visit bestwesternasia.com.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH)

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This was emphasised by The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, during a courtesy visit by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) led by its Chairman, Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations), together with BESarawak’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo.

During the meeting, BESarawak briefed the Minister on the industry’s latest progress, upcoming international events and strategic initiatives to strengthen Sarawak’s position as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo.

“The strong growth of Sarawak’s business events industry reflects what can be achieved through collaboration,” said The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim. “As we prepare for larger international events and expanded infrastructure, our priority is to strengthen partnerships across the business events ecosystem while continuing to enhance Sarawak’s tourism and hospitality capabilities so every event delivers exceptional delegate experiences and greater value for our economy and communities.”

Meanwhile, BESarawak Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee said BESarawak’s success is driven by strong collaboration between the business events industry and key stakeholders, including ministries, government agencies, associations, and private-sector partners, to strengthen Sarawak’s business events ecosystem.

“Sarawak is welcoming more regional and international business events every year, and that reflects the strong support and collaboration across the business events ecosystem,” said Datu Hii. “As we prepare for BCCK2 and major events such as the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition 2028, we must continue working together to ensure these opportunities bring lasting benefits to Sarawak. We are grateful to the Sarawak Government, as well as our tourism, hospitality and industry partners, for their continued commitment to growing the sector.”

BESarawak Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo said collaboration has become increasingly important as Sarawak prepares for a new phase of industry growth.

“Beyond attracting events, BESarawak will continue connecting organisers with government, industry and academia so that every conference creates meaningful economic, social and intellectual outcomes. We will also continue supporting the industry through capacity-building initiatives, strategic partnerships and innovative programmes that strengthen local capabilities and ensure every business event contributes to Sarawak’s long-term development.”

The courtesy visit reaffirmed the shared commitment between the Sarawak Government and BESarawak to strengthen collaboration across the business events ecosystem, ensuring Sarawak continues building a resilient, future-ready industry that supports the destination’s development aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.

For more information on BESarawak, visit: Business Events Sarawak 

(Source: Your stores — BESarawak)

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