Sarawak marked a pivotal moment in its global business events journey with the unveiling of the Sarawak Destination Legacy Report: A Decade of Transformation at IBTM World in Barcelona. The report traces Sarawak’s evolution from the establishment of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) in 2006 to its emergence as one of the world’s most progressive and legacy-driven business events destinations. Today, Sarawak is recognised as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, having built a robust ecosystem that champions long-term impact beyond event tourism.
During the launch, BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman highlighted that meaningful transformation stems from mission-driven commitment, long-term thinking, real value creation, strategic disruption, and empowered convention bureaux. She emphasised that these principles have strengthened the entire business events sector in Sarawak. Central to this transformation is the Legacy Impact Master Action Plan (MAP) 2023–2025, a structured roadmap introduced in 2023 to embed measurable legacy outcomes into event planning and delivery. As 2025 approaches its end, Sarawak is nearing the completion of this major plan, already achieving results that exceed both global benchmarks and its own expectations.
Roziman reflected on the decade-long journey, noting that Sarawak has not only turned ambition into significant impact but has also created a model that inspires other destinations. Looking ahead to 2026–2030, Sarawak plans to introduce a new MAP, advancing a legacy-driven ecosystem powered by data, technology, and digital innovation.
Another key highlight at IBTM World Barcelona was Sarawak’s hosting of the official intention ceremony for the Borneo Legacy Declaration. First established on 3 October 2025 after the Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit, the declaration represents a collective commitment by policymakers and industry leaders across Asia and Europe to strengthen the global business events industry. Organised by The Iceberg and presented by the Joint Meeting Industry Council with support from BESarawak, the LEAP Summit laid the foundation for this shared vision. James Latham, Founder of The Iceberg, praised Sarawak for turning the declaration’s intent into meaningful implementation, positioning the destination as a global example of collaborative, long-term legacy development.
GainingEdge Executive Director Gary Grimmer, who consulted on Sarawak’s Legacy MAP 2023–2025, commended the exceptional unity demonstrated by the Sarawak industry. He noted that the destination exceeded expectations by achieving milestones projected for beyond 2025, demonstrating rare synergy between government and the private sector.
In December, BESarawak is set to formally adopt the Borneo Legacy Declaration and launch the Business Events Sarawak Alliance (BESA), a programme designed to strengthen collaboration between BESarawak and 12 Sarawak government ministries. This initiative ensures the full integration of a legacy-focused ecosystem across the public sector. Both the declaration signing and the BESA launch will be officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
Rounding off its showcase in Barcelona, Sarawak presented ten conference case studies powered by the AI.LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System. These cases illustrated the tangible legacies generated across various events and demonstrated how data-driven validation is reinforcing Sarawak’s narrative as a destination committed to long-term, measurable impact.