KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has generated an economic impact of RM1.38 million for just hosting a two-day Be in Sabah business event, said Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki.
The Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) chief executive officer said the event has earned RM588,800 from the direct expenditure of 500 delegates and tax revenue received at RM35,328.
"The event has created 100 jobs for the people," said Rosmawati during a post-event report meeting at SICC.
The report was shared with the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers Sabah chapter members and strategic partners.
The Be in Sabah forum, held on Feb 29 and March 1, shows that business events have direct benefits for both individuals and government in terms of economic spin-offs, she said.
Hence, she said SICC is ready to host a similar forum, which has been slated for Feb 27 to 28 next year, with at least 650 participants expected to attend.
"After the forum, we have also received feedback that many international expos and conferences are keen to organise their events in Sabah because they see us as another new destination."
The forum has also drawn local participants to business events, she said.
"We are advocating to make locals aware of the benefits generated by business events in Sabah and the government's role in reaping the spin-offs.
"It's a message to the world that Sabah is ready to host business events."
Present was Sabah Convention Bureau chief executive officer Noredah Othman
