BESarawak and EIC Launch Sustainable Event Certification Programme in Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Business Events Sarawak, or BESarawak, is bringing the internationally recognised Sustainable Event Professional Certificate programme to East Malaysia for the first time through a strategic collaboration with the Events Industry Council.

The partnership represents an investment in Sarawak’s business events ecosystem, professional capabilities and long-term competitiveness as sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for international organisations, associations and event owners.

The agreement was signed during IMEX Frankfurt 2026 and marks another milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to advance responsible event management. The programme is intended to establish a shared understanding of sustainability among local industry players while providing practical tools to create benefits that extend beyond individual events.

BESarawak Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee said investing in talent was essential to the future of the industry. He explained that the initiative supports the organisation’s strategic focus on people, partnerships and sustainability leadership while aligning with Sarawak’s legacy-driven approach to business events.

Through the certification programme, event professionals in Sarawak will receive internationally recognised training in sustainable event planning, social impact, supply-chain management, accessibility, measurement, reporting and responsible business practices.

BESarawak Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo said sustainable events should not be limited to environmentally friendly practices. Sustainability should also be incorporated into decision-making, operations, partnerships, performance measurement and the creation of long-term social and economic impact.

He added that making the programme accessible to industry partners across Sarawak would strengthen professional development and support the wider objectives of the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. The initiative is also expected to contribute to sustainable economic growth, environmental responsibility and more inclusive community benefits.

Events Industry Council President and Chief Executive Officer Amy Calvert described Sarawak’s investment in professional education as an example of forward-looking leadership. She said the programme would help raise industry standards and provide the local business events ecosystem with globally recognised sustainability expertise.

The collaboration could further strengthen Sarawak’s appeal as a destination for conferences, meetings and international events seeking responsible delivery standards. By developing qualified local professionals, the state aims to improve service quality while ensuring that future events contribute meaningful and measurable benefits to the economy, environment and surrounding communities. This is an inference based on the programme’s stated objectives.