KUCHING: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) announces the appointment of Datu Hii Chang Kee as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective 1 November 2025.

Datu Hii is currently the Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation), overseeing public communication, service transformation, innovation, and the digitalisation of government services.

According to a statement, he steps into the role following the retirement of former Chairman, Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Openg, in August this year.

“Renowned for his progressive vision and inclusive leadership, Datu Hii brings with him a deep understanding of how government, industry, and community can work together to create meaningful impact.

“He aims to steer BESarawak toward becoming Malaysia’s leading convention bureau and a regional muscle for legacy-driven events,” it said on Thursday.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted that the appointment of Datu Hii is timely and strategic.

“His position within government enables him to bridge strategy and execution, ensuring that Sarawak becomes an international model of inclusive leadership where collaboration between government and industry drives sustainable growth,” he said.

Guided by this vision, Datu Hii is determined to position Sarawak as a key destination for impactful, legacy-driven business events that contribute meaningfully to the economy, community, and sustainable development, in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Datu Hii aimed to align plans to transform Sarawak into a business events destination of high strategic value over the next five years.

“Our direction will be guided by three pillars, namely transformation and innovation, impact and legacy, and partnerships and people.”

“To achieve this, we have outlined five key focus areas, which are destination development, market diversification, digital transformation, sustainability leadership, and talent development.

“These areas form the backbone of Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised destination for high-value, high-impact business events where progress, partnership, and pride merge for a sustainable future,” he explained.

With over 30 years of experience in the public sector, Datu Hii’s career is marked by a strong foothold in business events and tourism, having previously served as the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and leading the formulation of the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021–2035.

Datu Hii recently chaired the Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit, which led to the Borneo Legacy Declaration, a landmark agreement endorsed by policymakers and influencers from Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.

It also stands as a strong testament to Sarawak’s leadership in driving positive long-term change across the Asia Pacific, as well as to Datu Hii’s influence in uniting international players in championing business event legacies at the policy-making level.

Among his impressive list of achievements, he has also served on the Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Arts Council, and Tourism Malaysia, contributing to landmark projects such as the Borneo Cultures Museum. -UKASnews