Sarawak has marked a pivotal moment in its business events evolution with the launch of the Sarawak Destination Legacy Report: A Decade of Transformation.
The comprehensive report traces Sarawak’s journey from the establishment of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) in 2006 to its emergence as one of the world’s most progressive, legacy-driven business events destinations. Today, Sarawak stands firmly as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, recognised globally for its forward-thinking approach to long-term impact.
“True transformation occurs when we believe in the mission, commit for the long term, focus on real value, embrace necessary disruption, build strategic partnerships, and empower convention bureaux to lead – because their leadership strengthens the entire sector,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak.
The newly released report highlights the strategic foundations that led to one of Sarawak’s most ambitious undertakings: the Legacy Impact Master Action Plan (MAP) 2023–2025. Introduced in 2023, the plan has provided a structured, measurable framework to embed legacy outcomes into event design and delivery. As 2025 draws to a close, Sarawak is approaching the successful completion of this transformative roadmap, having exceeded both domestic and international expectations.
“Looking back, Sarawak began this journey with ambition and purpose. Today, we have transformed that ambition into real impact,” Roziman continued. “We have built a legacy ecosystem, strengthened government–industry collaboration, and established a model that other destinations now look to for inspiration. From 2026 to 2030, we aim to develop a new MAP to continue achieving legacy capital status, implementing a legacy-driven ecosystem powered by data and digital technology.”
During IBTM World Barcelona, Sarawak also hosted an official intention ceremony to endorse the Borneo Legacy Declaration. Established on 3 October 2025 following the LEAP (Legacy Event Advocacy Policy) Summit, the declaration represents a shared commitment by policymakers and industry leaders across Asia and Europe to advance the global business events sector through unified vision and collaboration. The LEAP Summit was organised by The Iceberg, presented by the Joint Meeting Industry Council, and powered by BESarawak.
“Sarawak is a great example of adopting this declaration and turning intent into real action,” said James Latham, founder of The Iceberg. “The destination has shown how commitment, collaboration and long-term thinking can elevate not only a region but also inspire global partners. Sarawak isn’t just signing on, it is demonstrating what meaningful adoption looks like.”
Gary Grimmer, executive director at GainingEdge and consultant for the Legacy MAP 2023–2025, commended Sarawak’s achievement and sector-wide cohesion. “Having consulted destinations around the world on legacy-driven events, Sarawak has performed far better than we ever expected with the Legacy MAP. They have delivered achievements we believed would only materialise after 2025. Their focus on legacy demonstrates exceptional teamwork and shared vision between government and industry.”
This month, BESarawak will officially adopt the Borneo Legacy Declaration and launch the Business Events Sarawak Alliance (BESA) programme for the government sector. The initiative will enhance collaboration between BESarawak and 12 Sarawak government ministries, embedding the legacy-driven framework across the public sector. Both milestones will be officiated by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak.
Sarawak also presented 10 conference case studies IBTM World, highlighting legacy outcomes captured through AI.LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System, demonstrating how data-driven validation is strengthening Sarawak’s global impact narrative.