SARAWAK BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

BusinessTravel Guide

Sarawak

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Business Meets Adventure

S A R A W A K

alaysia’s largest state, Sarawak has opened up access to the natural wonders located within Borneo and endless cultural surprises. A trip to Sarawak will leave you spoilt for choice, whether you’re exploring perhaps the island's most dynamic city, Kuching or finding your way around its exquisite rainforests.

If you are one for getting out of the city in your spare time and really immersing yourself in the more natural elements your destination has to offer, in Sarawak you will be able to spot orangutans, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys among the region's abundance of wildlife.

This really is the perfect spot when it comes to packing a lot into your business trip, with an array of day trips and shorter excursions available that will leave you with plenty of time to settle in for a delicious meal by the waterfront.

Known as one of Malaysia’s most culturally diverse states, Sarawak is a warming area in every sense of the word; down to the friendly and hospitable nature of its residents, or indeed the temperature.

Perhaps unlike the majority of your business trips, you will find Sarawak offers a truly authentic experience.

Free from a heavy tourist influence, the state already has an extraordinary mixture of people and cultures which will leave you with a true understanding of life in Sarawak.

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Sarawak A trip to Sarawak provides the perfect combination of nature’s marvels with a business-minded edge and cultural splendours around every corner Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser

FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Malay, English Area: 124,450 km2 Population (2015): 2,636,000 Currency: Malaysian Ringgit Time zone: UTC+8 Dialling code: 082 - 086 Climate: Tropical Climate

PHOTO:SARAWAK CONVENTION BREAU

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S A R A W A K

The Business End A S I A - P A C I F I C S T A N D S O U T as an area of extensive growth economically, therefore it is natural that Malaysia with its resources and aspirations for the future to be a part of the aforementioned evolution.

With this in mind, business events and tourism is an ever-increasing sector within Sarawak and has become widely acknowledged as a main contributor to the nation’s economy. In Sarawak the state was very quick to notice the potential benefits that could be generated through business tourism, leading to the establishment of the Sarawak Convention Bureau in 2006.

Tourism is beginning to play more of a major role when it comes to the economy of the state, with visitors in the past predominantly coming from Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and China. However, this is becoming more widely spread with thanks to a large number or organisations - both state and private that have been involved in promoting tourism within Sarawak.

Throughout the rule of the previous three White Rajahs, historically Sarawak had a reputation for its stagnant economy. Now in the present day it is thriving, largely virtue of the rise in petroleum output and the global petroleum prices.

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Located in the heart of Legacy Square, and a five minute walk away from the Kuching Waterfront, The Waterfront Hotel is an Artrageous 5-star boutique hotel, where convenience meets indulgence.

The Artrageous concept brings art into every corner of the Hotel, where each space is carefully designed to bring a different experience to our guests, along with collaborations with artists from multiple fields.

Guests will have unmatched access to business, shopping, tourist attractions, entertainment and dining options while staying with us.

Tel: +60 82 227 227 info@thewaterfrontkuching.com www.thewaterfrontkuching.com / thewaterfrontkuching

/ thewaterfrontkuching

S A R A W A K

Sarawak Convention Bureau

AR: Primarily we have found that SCB has become a major factor in helping to develop Sarawak - the destination - as a business travel hub.

We do this by being a one-stop centre to assist meeting and event planners to bid for and stage national, UP UNTIL 20 years ago, business regional and international business events were unchartered territory events in Sarawak. SCB has developed within Sarawak and Malaysia as a its business arm as well, by connecting whole. In 2006 the Sarawak Convention associations, corporate organisations, Bureau (SCB) was established with and government bodies with elements a small and creative team that has necessary to ensure success of the pioneered the business events (BE) we events. This business matchmaking can see in the state today. service indirectly creates a foundation Branching out from its humble for future international business beginnings of providing professional relationships to take place. Lastly, we advisory services to meeting planners have helped Sarawak to develop its in 2006, the Bureau has enabled the international brand, via our own unique business events profession to soar and creative branding campaigns. to new heights through positioning the world. Furthermore, according to We believe aligning consistency Sarawak as one of the leading second ICCA standards, SCB has positioned with creativity guarantees progress. tier destinations in the Asia-Pacific.

Sarawak as one of the leading 2nd tier The Bureau is constantly trying to In the present day after 11 years of destinations of the Asia-Pacific. We are push the envelope and explore how to tremendous effort by a consortium consistent with our message to the make conventions, ‘unconventional’. of parties, including government world, and our invitation is always open! That very notion in itself is part of the agencies, enthusiastic hosts and The undertaking of the 55th ICCA growing appeal of Sarawak as we industry partners, Sarawak is now Congress saw Sarawak as the ‘mouse re-imagine the boardroom and fringe perfectly poised as a top business that roared’. When the Sarawak team events of conferences for example, travel destination. The Bureau is well won the bid to host last year's ICCA which are carefully planned and recognised as a top player among its Congress, one of their promises was enthusiastically executed. Couple this international counterparts and has truly that they would share the secrets of fire with the unique values of Sarawak progressed an industry that is in its their success with the delegates, and – for example, a lush green jungle next infancy within Malaysia. be an inspiration for the many smaller to a modern city is hard to come by Amelia Roziman, Chief Operating destinations that are struggling to be in other parts of the world – and the Officer at the Sarawak Convention heard and seen in today's crowded warm hospitality of the Sarawakians.

Bureau tells us about current market. Its active three-pronged BE With those factors in play, you get a developments and explains the exciting Campaign: communicating, educating conference that is not only tremendous times ahead for the state. and awarding ensures the BE value for money but truly unique. ecosystem thrives! Ongoing business Asia Outlook (AsO): Since promotion, product development and AsO: Taking a more general inception, how has Sarawak recognition are essential elements for industry stance, how would you Convention Bureau developed players to expand their businesses. The evaluate the tourism sector in and progressed in terms of its key constant strive towards excellence will Sarawak now compared to its condition objectives and the messages it tries to ensure the longevity of the BE industry. when the Convention Bureau began? get across?

AR: The tourism sector has always Amelia Roziman (AR): Sarawak AsO: To this end, how would flourished under the direction of the fully embodies the concept of you say Sarawak Convention Ministry of Tourism and Sarawak ‘business meets adventure’ and is Bureau has developed in recent Tourism Board. A prime example would fully capable of delivering bold, fresh years as a business travel hub and what be the homegrown Rainforest World perspectives to conferences that can are the key reasons behind its growing Music Festival which is now a worldnever be obtained anywhere else in appeal? class icon.

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I believe the way to imagine the tourism landscape here is to envision a wide field that has different species blossoming at any one time or together.

In this sense, tourism encompasses many different segments, from medical tourism to ecotourism to business events (previously known as the ‘MICE’ sector). Recognising the importance of value beyond economics in today’s world, business events as a natural consequence will bring about a model which is sustainable for years to come.

Hence, upon the induction of SCB, a new segment within the existing industry began to soar and has become a viable contributor to the State as we know it.

AsO: What is in store for Sarawak over the course of 2017 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and

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to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?

AR: With 2017 encroaching into its last quarter it will ride on the momentum of the Bureau’s boldest campaign to date; Redefining Global Tribes (RGT). Looking into the future, as a destination with unique offerings, the RGT with its Tribal Warrior Challenge (TWC) at its peak has rallied the global tribes of BE. It has established that we have developed further from the success of the 55th ICCA Congress 2016 and entering our next phase of the game.

By being the host of the industry’s most prestigious meeting of meetings, we have opened up to the world. Sarawak and its numerous tribes want to unite with the world under one single ‘’Global Tribe’ in the name of Business Events.

More than 10 years have passed since the Bureau’s inception. Now, we want

ASIA to position Sarawak as more than just a “fresh destination”. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to make a bold statement and with RGT we believe we have accomplished just that. In a numbers game, we have acquired business leads and this has ignited our spark to continue to elevate Sarawak as a tourism and business travel hub.

The Bureau with its longstanding BE Sarawak Campaign will soon see the preparations for the 9th Anak Sarawak Awards 2018, which will shine the spotlight on the industry’s gamechangers AsO: The theme for your campaign is “Join Sarawak in the revolution for Business Events communities to gather in unity to construct a stronger identity for Malaysia’s economy”. What revolution is SCB referring to, and why is Sarawak taking the lead for Malaysia?

AR: It is common knowledge that Sarawak Convention Bureau is the pioneering bureau in Malaysia, and we have always pushed the envelope and taken the road less travelled with unconventional and creative ideas. So, as Sarawak has always been leading the pack in this sector, why shouldn’t it be Sarawak to take the lead for Malaysia? We have the resources, we have the capacity, and we have attracted global international Business Events, without diluting our culture and heritage. Sarawak fosters it business relationships with care and interest in the people, resonating with the humane side of business.

We pour our heart and soul into our hospitality. That has always been a constant catalyst in our campaigns.

For example, Redefining Global Tribes is focused on the very human values of community, unity and identity.

It is through recognising the key values and synergy we share with our partners, that we are able to construct a stronger identity for our sector in the global economy.

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S A R A W A K

Out and About BETWEEN SARAWAK’S ENDLESS natural beauty and enticing cities, you will be spoilt for choice during your business trip. It is to be expected that the majority of your time there will be spent in its capital city, however with thanks to its excellent connections by air you have the opportunity to enjoy so much more.

Some of the natural highlights to be found in Sarawak include the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park - some of the largest in the world and not to be missed - and the orangutans of Semengoh.

If you are looking for more of a cultural city experience and have a morning spare in your schedule, you will find Sarawak Cultural Village the perfect place and only a 45 minute drive from Kuching. There you will encounter a living museum with an array of tribes - including Iban, Melanau and Bidayuh - and architectural feats, all located at the foot of Mount Santubong.

Back in the capital city and business hub of Sarawak, you’re treated to an exceptional array of hotels that are likely to exceed expectations.

Sarawak is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and hospitable nature, enabling you to feel fully relaxed while away from home. A prime example of this can be found at The Waterfront Hotel, located on top of the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre and looking out over the Sarawak River.

When it comes to culinary treats there is something to suit every taste, with anything you could possibly want ranging from fine dining to street-style options. You will enjoy a feeling of relaxation in all aspects of your time in Sarawak, be that in your working day or free time spent exploring the state.

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(meet in)

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*midin STYLE @ bcck amongst the borne GREENS!

www.bcck.com.my www.facebook.com/BCCK.Sarawak www.twiier.com/BCCKSarawak www.instagram.com/bccksarawak

ASIA

*mid . in A wild vegetable similar to fiddlehead ferns. In Sarawak, it is known as 'midin' and usually flavored with shrimp paste or garlic cloves.

Delivering Successful Events, the Borneo Way

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S A R A W A K

Outlook Recommends “Sarawak makes access to Borneo’s natural wonders and cultural riches a breeze.”

- Lonely Planet

MUSEUMS

NIGHTLIFE Monkeebar Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar Zinc Restaurant and Bar

Ethnology Museum Art Museum Chinese History Museum RESTAURANTS HOSPITALITY

LEISURE

The Waterfront Hotel

Tua Pek Kong Temple

Sitting proudly atop the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre, the Waterfront Hotel is centrally located in Sarawak’s capital city, Kuching. With stunning views of both the Padang Merdeka and the Sarawak River, the Waterfront is the perfect spot to sit back and relax after a long working day.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre Deer Cave & Lang Cave Toh Yuen

Pullman Kuching

Bear Garden

Riverside Majestic

Café Majestic

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RETAIL Plaza Merdeka Siniawan Night Market The Spring Shopping Mall

CULTURE Bario Asal Longhouse Indian Mosque Annah Rais Longhouse WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

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S A R A W A K

Transport Links

Kuching City by sunset

SARAWAK HAS MAINTAINED autonomy when it comes to immigration control, ensuring that - mostly mainlanders - are unable to immigrate to the thinly populated state of Sarawak. Even if residents are travelling from other parts of Malaysia they still require ID, so it is important to ensure you have some form of identification on you at all times when in Sarawak.

The majority of travellers to Sarawak will arrive by plane, with the largest airport being located in Kuching and the international flights available

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include those to Singapore and Pontianak.

Due to the sheer size of Sarawak, travelling by air is probably the easiest form of travel when navigating your way around the state. The roads are especially poor by otherwise high Malaysian standards, again making planes the logical choice. A prime example would be when travelling between Kuching and Miri, which would take either one hour on a plane or 14 hours on a bus.

However, if you would prefer to stay away from planes during your time in

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Sarawak then the vast majority of cities are connected by express buses if you can handle the extensive journey.

You also have the option of express boats which are set up from the coast inland, along Borneo’s larger rivers and provide a faster alternative to buses and cheaper to planes.

When you are actually in the cities themselves, there is a plethora of ways to see the sites and arrive at your meetings with ease. Most cities have local buses and taxies which not only serve the city centres but also the surrounding suburbs.

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Landmark Attractions Tua Pek Kong Temple

“A modest wooden structure existed on the site of this colourful riverfront Taoist temple as far back as 1871; it was rebuilt in 1897 but badly damaged by Allied bombs in 1942… For panoramic views over the town and the muddy Batang Rejang, climb the sevenstorey Kuan Yin Pagoda, built in 1987; the best time is sunset, when a swirl of swiftlets buzzes around the tower at eye level.”

- Lonely Planet

Sarawak Cultural Village

“Possibly the finest "Living Museum" in South East Asia, Sarawak Cultural Village combines history, tradition, lifestyle and architecture with a dash of education and portion of theatre to create a unique multi-cultural extravaganza… Seven unique traditional houses, spread over a

beautiful 17-acre site, gives you the perfect introduction to Sarawak, its people and cultures, whether you are looking for insight into longhouse lifestyle or a taste of exuberant Sarawak hospitality, Sarawak Cultural Village is a must visit for visitors to Kuching and Damai.”

- SarawakCulturalVillage.com

Cat Column Kutching

“If, for any reason, you don’t love cats, stay far, far away from Kuching.

In this Malaysian town, there’s no escaping them. They are omnipresent: on rooftops, at traffic signals, on sidewalks, in parks. Not unlike other cities, you’d think. Except that these aren’t real cats we’re talking about. A bulk of Kuching’s ‘feline population’ is in the form of statues and sculptures, installed by the city’s smitten-bykitten folk.”

- Conde Nast Traveller

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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

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