KUCHING: Local and foreign business events industry players are encouraged to participate in the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) 2025 which is expected to bring more opportunities for collaboration and expand business networks, positively impacting regional economic development.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that participation is open until 15 June, and all industry stakeholders from around the world are encouraged to submit nominations by visiting the official website of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), as the organiser.

According to him, 18 awards will be contested under five main categories, namely Convention Legacy Excellence, Exhibition Legacy Excellence, Corporate Social Responsibility Meetings, and Corporate Incentives, including Sarawak Industry and journalism, to recognise contributions that have a real impact on the community, economy, and environment.

"I strongly encourage all of you to consider submitting your entries. Our success is driven by the dedication of industry players, event organisers, professionals, researchers, and associations that have put Sarawak on the world map.

"Together, we can create more events like this, ignite change, inspire communities, and build legacies that will resonate for generations," he said during the BILA 2025 press conference held here, on Monday.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, BESarawak Chairman, Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) and BESarawak Deputy Chairman, Datu Hii Chang Kee, Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datu Sherrina Hussaini, BESarawak Board Member, Dr. Margaret Chan Kit Yok, and BESarawak Chief Executive Officer, Amelia Roziman.

BILA 2025 aims to recognise exceptional achievements in the business events sector that focus on legacy, sustainability, and innovation, in line with Sarawak's sustainable and inclusive development goals. -UKASnews