KUCHING: Sarawak is looking beyond its borders to recognise global contributions towards positive long-term impacts in the business events sector.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was now common for business events hosted around the world to build legacies aligned with sustainability goals.
"This ensures that the business events industry contributes to economic growth, knowledge sharing, environmental responsibility and social progress.
"The state government fully supports this. We aim to create a thriving business events ecosystem," he told a press conference on Monday (April 28).
In line with this, Abdul Karim said the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) - previously known as the Anak Sarawak Awards - had expanded its scope to accept nominations globally.
"Before this, the awards were limited to Sarawak participants only. Now, we are opening it up to other parts of the world.
"This is because we want Sarawak to play a global role, whether in business events or other matters like energy and sports," Abdul Karim said.
Business events organisers, government agencies, corporate organisations, industry partners and professionals from Malaysia and around the world are eligible to participate in the awards, organised by Business Events Sarawak.
The four main categories are Conventions Legacy Excellence, Exhibitions Legacy Excellence, Corporate Meetings and Incentives, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sarawak Industry.
Submissions in each category can be focused on social, economic or environmental achievements or all three, made between 2023 and June this year.
There is also a journalism category for broadcast and print or online media.
Business Events Sarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman said the award subcategories aligned with the Sarawak post-Covid development strategy's pillars of economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
"We hope to continue promoting collaboration and inclusivity in building the legacy impact of business events," she said.
