Kota Kinabalu: THE Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) remains committed to helping government agencies and businesses work together to bid for international events that align with the state’s resources and capabilities, said its Chief Executive Officer Noreda Othman.
Established in June 2024, SCB identifies suitable conferences for the region and coordinates with various local stakeholders, including ministries, hotels and transportation providers. Its role in logistics management is crucial in strengthening the case for Sabah to host specific conferences or meetings.
“Sabah is a well-established destination for leisure travel, but the state has significant potential to grow as a destination for business events (BE). We already have the necessary infrastructure, including convention centres, hotels and a strong airport network.
“The challenge now is to educate the local community on the long-term benefits of BE, which may not be as immediately visible as tourism,” she said during the Sabah Business Event Bootcamp.
Noreda noted that one key difference between tourism and BE is that business events leave lasting infrastructure and generate a ripple effect across multiple sectors, making them a vital component of the state’s economic strategy.
When asked about SCB’s long-term vision, she said the bureau aims to ensure that BE benefits the local community, while fostering a collaborative “Sabah team” approach in which all stakeholders work together to raise Sabah’s profile as a credible and capable destination for international conferences.
“The goal is for the bureau to be part of a broader effort that benefits the state’s economy, attracts investment and creates a lasting legacy for future generations.
“The ultimate vision is for Sabah to not only thrive in tourism but also establish itself as a hub for international business events, generating economic benefits for years to come,” she said.
