Sarawak to Push Conventions and Exhibitions

The formation of the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) and the appointment of Mrs Jill Henry as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer last month and the subsequent commitment by the state government to construct a convention and exhibition centre in Kuching has signalled the East Malaysia state’s intention to become a major player in the burgeoning MICE market.

“The SCB will focus very strongly on attracting those conventions, meetings and exhibitions which have relevance to Sarawak’s economic and social agenda.  To achieve this we will be looking to the broader business community as well as government departments and agencies to bring to the bureau’s attention those events for which we can present professional and competitive bids, “ said the former general manager of the Perth Convention Bureau.

Underpinning the destination marketing efforts of the SCB will be the lure of the unique attractions of Sarawak that are so well promoted by the Sarawak Tourism Board.  Our bureau will be working very closely with the board, she said late last week at a post AIME MICE briefing organised by Tourism Malaysia in Sydney.         

In addition, a good working relationship with Tourism Malaysia and the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines will be high on the SCB’s agenda, she added.

Meanwhile, construction of the state’s first purpose built convention and exhibition facility is expected to begin later this month on a 6 ha. riverfront site in Kuching.  

The Sarawak Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) will form part of a new marina and shopping development that includes the 39-storey Kuching Tower, the tallest building in the state.

The roof of the architecturally unique SCEC will be built in the form of a ‘ririg’ leaf, a rainforest plant that plays an important daily role in local indigenous cultures, while a series of exposed structural elements will resemble the trunks and branches of rainforest trees.

The 36,500 sq. m SCEC will be able to accommodate 1500 delegates in plenary sessions.  Additional facilities include a 2000 seat banquet hall and 14 breakout meetings rooms.

The centre which is scheduled to open in late 2008 will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, wireless internet access in public areas and capabilities for simultaneous interpretation in four languages.

In commenting on the SCEC Mrs Henry said, “We are confident that the new centre with its environmentally friendly design and operational flexibility will be instrumental in attracting the world’s meeting planners to experience Sarawak’s outstanding nature and culture.” 

Construction of the architecturally unique Sarawak Convention and Exhibition Centre starts this month.

Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King