Extensive infrastructure projects including a doubling of capacity at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, a new airline and smart city development puts the Malaysian state on course to attract more international conferences
SARAWAK’S Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is paving way for more convention space, a vastly improved road network and an enhanced offering to event planners across Asia Pacific and worldwide.
PCDS 2030 encapsulates an infrastructure programme that ranges from venue upgrades to state-wide digital and industry initiatives.
Artistic rendering of BCCK2, the extension to Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
Foremost among the projects are extension work at Borneo Convention and Exhibition Centre Kuching (BCCK) and a new airline based in Sarawak.
BCCK2 is set to raise Sarawak’s proposition when bidding for larger international business events, while AirBorneo is being primed to increase connectivity across the state and internationally.
AirBorneo began operations at the beginning of the year and has plans to extend its network to make Sarawak and destinations in Borneo more accessible to business event groups from Hong Kong, Singapore and other markets.
AirBorneo plans to expand routes across Sarawak and internationally Photo by Andy Kho
Transport and smart-city initiatives are also set to make Sarawak more attractive to investors with Deep Sea Port Development in such areas as Tanjung Embang, and the Samalaju Industrial Park expansion, making Sarawak the right choice for business conferences.
Tanjung Embang is also being prepared as the location for Kuching International Airport with plans to triple current capacity, enabling it to handle up to 15 million passengers a year.
The BCCK2 extension will double the venue’s operating capacity by 2027-28, enabling Kuching to provide association and business conference organisers not only more space, but also to give delegates an even more positive experience in Sarawak.
Plans for BCCK2 include a new 5,936 sqm main hall, a multi-purpose hall and 34 breakout rooms across the combined facility. Events of up to 9,500 delegates can be hosted with BCCK1 and BCCK2 directly linked so delegates can move more easily between meeting spaces with organisers getting more flexibility over the use of space.
Kenyalang Smart City and its convention centre have already won design awards
The private sector is also playing its part with venue upgrades extending to existing facilities in downtown Kuching and in other parts of the state. Pullman Kuching has undergone major renovations that have given Sarawak its largest pillarless ballroom in the form of the Colosseum Grand. The capital’s former Legislative Assembly Building is being transformed into a performing arts centre with options as a unique venue for business events.
Work on the new Kenyalang Convention & Exhibition Centre (KCEC) One in the northern city of Miri is nearing completion to form part of Sarawak’s Smart City Project. Miri is regarded as the birthplace of Malaysia’s oil and gas industry but smart command centres and AI-driven data is widening the city’s potential.
ART – the Autonomous Rapid Transit System – is a hydrogen-powered transit network being developed to ease Kuching’s traffic congestion and link business hubs, industrial estates and tourism landmarks.
Miri in northern Sarawak is regarded as the birthplace of Malaysia’s oil and gas industry
Completion of work on main sections of the Pan Borneo Highway will also reduce journey times between cities such as Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri to give event organisers more scope to organise events across Sarawak or arrange post-conference activities.
Sarawak’s coastal road network and new bridges are also set to improve regional connectivity, with northern cities such as Marudi made more accessible to business event groups.
Sarawak’s infrastructure upgrades mean that all this and more can be enjoyed by increasing numbers of international delegates.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES: – IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition (WWCE) 2028 – late 2028 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2 (BCCK 2) – Attendance 10,000
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2
– International Council on Archives (ICA) Conference 2027 – Kuching – Borneo Convention Centre Kuching – 1,500 delegates
– International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Triennial General Assembly 2026 – Borneo Convention Centre Kuching – 2,000 delegates
– Asian Conference on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 – Borneo Convention Centre Kuching – 2,000 delegates
– World Polymer Congress – IUPAC MACRO 2026 – Borneo Convention Centre Kuching – 2,000 delegates
