PROFESSIONAL BUREAU
Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) is currently one of the most active bureaux in Southeast Asia, and has been winning a range of large events including the 14th Asia Pacific Congress of Pediatrics in 2012. A new partnership with national bureau, MyCEB, combines its local know-how with all-important government assistance.

The bureau has also been training local leaders and professionals from various fields to share their experiences during bidding, conference programmes or as part of a community-based CSR project.

Business events planners can download its Meeting Planners’ Guide at www.sarawakcb.com.

NEW FACILITY
The state capital Kuching welcomed the world-class Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last year and it has already hosted several international events. The riverfront centre is eight kilometres from downtown Kuching and 20 minutes’ drive from the airport.

Its Great Hall seats 4,000 people theatre style and is surrounded by 14 meeting rooms that seat up to 500 people individually, or 1,100 when several are combined. A 150-seat restaurant will open in May, a 520-room hotel with direct access is planned for 2013 and a feasibility study is underway on the construction of an adjacent exhibition centre.

Upcoming events include Diabetes Asia 2010 and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) International Scientific Meeting.

INTERNATIONAL HOTELS
The 389-room Pullman Kuching opened in March with 3,700 sqm of meeting space, including a 1,600 sqm ballroom that seats 1,500 people for banquets. There are nine additional meeting rooms, a large poolside area for events and an impressive Club Lounge. 






Four Points by Sheraton offers 421 guestrooms five minutes from the airport. Its ballroom can host conferences for 2,400 people.

The grand ballroom at the 315-room Hilton Kuching can seat 450 people for banquets and there are seven additional breakout rooms.

Central to Sarawak’s appeal are the opportunities for memorable pre- and post-event tours, incentive itineraries and off-site activities within a short distance of the capital.

LOCAL EXPERIENCE
Its famous longhouses welcome groups wanting to experience traditional living whether through sharing a meal or participating in community projects such as rice-paddy planting and construction.

Entertainment options are just as rewarding with cocktail receptions in limestone caves and headhunter themed gala dinners. Adventure options include jungle trekking, kayaking or golfing 1,000 metres above sea level in the Borneo Highlands.

PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS
Asian Overland Services has an office in Kuching and has organised several international events that venture into the unique highlights of Sarawak (www.asianoverland.com.my).

Pacific World Malaysia organises Sarawak events from its office in the neighbouring state of Sabah (www.pacificworld.com/malaysia).

The SCB website has a comprehensive business directory listing Kuching-based DMCs, PCOs, tour operators and event management companies.