Renco Yong, executive director of Gimhwak Group of Companies, has been appointed the new chairman of the Sibu Business Events Committee (SBEC), succeeding Clarence Ting.
His term with SBEC will run from 2024 to 2026.
Yong is a prominent industry advocate with high-ranking positions in seven regional, national, and local maritime and related associations. These include the Association of Maritime Industries of Malaysia, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Sarawak Association of Maritime Industries, and the Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners Association. Additionally, he serves as a council member of the Malaysia Ministry of Transport National Shipping and Port Council, and is a board member of the Malaysia Ministry of Transport Domestic Shipping License.
By capitalising on the city’s unique cultural offerings, strategic location within Sarawak, and capacity to host diverse events, Yong envisions transforming Sibu into a leading business events destination in the region
To achieve this,SBEC will collaborate closely with local stakeholders to develop tailored strategies. Another key focus will be investing in the local workforce through training and development programmes in partnership with Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). Additionally, SBEC plans to forge strategic alliances with local businesses, government agencies, and industry associations to attract both domestic and international events to Sibu.
The Sibu Business Events Committee, formed in 2019 as the Business Events Consortium of Sibu and rebranded in 2022, is part of Business BESarawak.
To date, Sibu has hosted 46 business events, generating approximately RM150.4 million (US$32.4 million) in total economic impact, making it the second most active host city in Sarawak after Kuching.
This year, eight business events are scheduled to be held Sibu, bringing about an expected total economic impact of RM33.7 million, primarily from homegrown conferences attracting national and international delegates.
