Marcel Hinderer receiving the award from Jenny Eu, Vice President-Sales from Woleco Hotel Supplies Pte Ltd as one of the main sponsors for HAPA 2011-2013 Regional Series

Miri – February 15, 2012 –The Miri Marriott Resort & Spa once again etched its name amongst the crème de la crème of the Southeast Asian hospitality industry from the highly-acclaimed Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) 2011-2013 Regional Series at the award presentation held inSingapore recently.

HAPA 2011-2013 Regional Series “Gold HAPA Signature Family & Recreational Resort”

After a six-month judging process, a record-breaking 167 nominees garnered for the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) 2011-2013 Regional Series – 62 from Malaysia, 48 from Singapore, 25 from Indonesia, 24 from Thailand with the remainder from Vietnam and the Philippines.

The HAPA Awards was organized and managed by the World Asia Publishing (WAP) to honor deserving individuals and establishments for their outstanding contribution in making the difference in the hospitality industry in Southeast Asia.

Following the success by Miri Marriott Resort & Spa in the HAPA 2010–2012 Malaysia Series, the resort was selected by World Asia Publishing to represent Malaysia in the HAPA 2011-2013 Regional Series competing with hotels and resorts from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia. Miri Marriott Resort & Spa proudly walked away with the “GOLD HAPA SIGNATURE FAMILY & RECREATIONAL RESORT” award in the Establishment category. Present to receive the award was the resort’s General Manager, Marcel Hinderer at the 2-night Awards Presentation cum Gala Charity Dinners held at CapellaSingaporeand Mandarin Orchard attended by over 600 hospitality industry players and nominees.

“We are really honored to receive this recognition and to enjoy the distinction among the best in the region, one that family travelers can always have confidence in” says Hinderer. “The recognition is also a significant achievement for Sarawak as it gives a tremendous sense of pride that Sarawak’s resort and hotel is on par with those in the region, we look forward to scaling greater heights by constantly enhancing our product and service quality”, Marcel added.

The Miri Marriott Resort & Spa has been a multiple winner of the earlier editions of the HAPA Regional andMalaysiaseries. HAPA is the only award program inAsiathat presents each participating property with a report card containing property’s scores so that the management teams are able to benchmark their achievement or set KPI target. It is also an audit system carried during the judging period by industry experts and corporate individuals who physically visit the property for on-site inspections or stay at the property for a first hand experience and conduct interviews regardless of the location of the property.

For the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

CONTACT    :  Lian Pasan (PR & Communications Manager)
                           Miri Marriott Resort & Spa
Telephone   :  60 85 421 121 ext. 7337

Chew Chang Guan, General Manager

Mr. Chew Chang Guan
General Manager
Mr Chew Chang Guan has been promoted from Regional Director to the newly created post of General Manager within Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB). With more than 10 years of experience, he headed the MICE unit at the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) before joining SCB in 2006. As one of the pioneers in the formation of Sarawak as a MICE destination, his role within the Bureau has helped to secure more than 180 bid wins worth approximately RM202 million. Not your stereotypical General Manager, Mr Chew is fun, creative and enthusiastic, and believes that individuals are able to work better if they have proper guidance and mentoring support from their colleagues. Evidence of his fun personality, Mr Chew is a proud and active member of the World Clown Association. It has been his passion to become a clown and during his free time, enjoys creating balloon art.

Anedia Kahar, Business Development Manager

Ms Anedia Kahar
Business Development Manager
A founding employee and essential member in the setting up of Malaysia’s 1^st Convention Bureau, Ms Anedia Kahar has been appointed to oversee the Australian Market in January 2012 at the Sarawak Convention Bureau. She will be responsible in creating more business opportunities to develop, implementing and managing bid strategies for the national & international market. Her previous experience as a PR officer has contributed to the success of the Bureau in its award-winning videos and destination marketing campaigns, since 2006.

SCB Team with Mrs Jill Henry (back row, 5th from right), and SCB Chairman, Dato’ Sri Dr. Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah (front row, 3rd from right)

KUCHING, 13 January: Having been at the helm of the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) as CEO for the past 5 1/2 years, the time has come to bid farewell to Mrs Jill Henry, an Australian national, who was specially commissioned by the Sarawak State Government to establish Malaysia’s first Convention Bureau.

Under her direction, SCB has positioned itself as a leading Asian convention bureau and established a solid base for clients to access government support and industry assistance. Furthermore, SCB’s destination marketing prowess has been recognised as worldwide best practice winning 9 international awards for its destination videos and campaigns.

“On behalf of the Bureau, I would like to thank Jill for her service and leadership in the development of MICE in Sarawak. Jill has successfully positioned Sarawak as a competitive MICE destination, securing over 180 conferences since 2006 and placing Kuching in ICCA’s Asia Pacific City Ranking for the 1^st time. Furthermore, she has recommended important changes in the State’s policies and procedures to assist convention holders. We wish her well for the future,” comments Dato’ Sri Dr. Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah, Chairman of SCB, at the specially themed ‘Mamma Mia Wedding Party’ held on the Sarawak River Cruise vessel.

He adds, “The Bureau and its Board of Directors are now looking forward to welcoming Mike Cannon, currently Executive Director of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), who like Jill, has extensive knowledge and experience in business tourism and management of convention bureaux.”

Prior to Mr Mike Cannon’s arrival in April 2012, Mr Chew Chang Guan, who was recently promoted to General Manager will be Acting Managing Director. 

“We at SCB will definitely miss Jill and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. She has been a great mentor and brought out the full potential in every one of us,” comments Mr Chew Chang Guan, Acting Managing Director of SCB.

The Bureau and its Board of Directors organised a farewell party for Jill and her husband John aboard the Sarawak River Cruise themed ‘Mamma Mia Wedding Party’ with performances by the Bureau team and local talent.

Mrs Jill Henry comments, “The last five years have been a fabulous adventure and I am truly grateful to the people of Sarawak for making John and I so welcome. We have enjoyed exploring this fabulous destination from top to toe by land and sea. I am sure we will be back again soon to revisit our many friends. 

The Bureau describes Jill as one-of-a-kind and credits her guidance and ideas as encouraging and innovative, that has definitely brought a fresh perspective to the local business tourism industry.

Jill added “I have learned much from the people of Sarawak and am so grateful to the State for their support and responsiveness to the need for change to pioneer convention tourism marketing here.  Thanks for the memories and I will enjoy following the Bureau’s new successes in the years to come.”

Mrs Jill Henry will be returning to Perth, Australia at the end of the month. As CEO, and a member of the Board of Directors, she was responsible for the management and effective operation of the Sarawak Convention Bureau.

Guests welcoming the ‘Bride’ & ‘Groom’ at the Mamma Mia Wedding

L-R: Mr John Henry and Mrs Jill Henry

KUCHING, 10 February: Mrs Jill Henry, former Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) was conferred the Darjah Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak – Johan Bintang Kenyalang (Honorary) [JBK (H)] at a special investiture ceremony held at the Miri Marriot Resort & Spa, on 3 February 2012. The award was presented by the Acting Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Head of State) of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Asfia Awang Nasser, and is only given to foreigners who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service or deeds to the State of Sarawak, the government and the people.

“”It is a tremendous honour to be receiving this prestigious award from the State and to be recognised for my work in Sarawak. I see this award as one that primarily recognises the achievements of the Bureau team rather than me as an individual and commend all my bureau and industry colleagues for their hard work and dedication in successfully launching Sarawak in the international meetings industry,” commented Mrs Henry.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah commented, “Jill deserves this recognition as she has made an immense contribution to the State by successfully positioning Sarawak as a competitive MICE destination, and placed Kuching on the world map in ICCA’s Asia Pacific City Ranking for the first time ever.”

“Furthermore, she has assisted to make changes to the State’s procedures to benefit the local “Business Tourism” industry- establishing a solid base for clients to access government support and industry assistance. As Chairman, I wish to congratulate her on behalf of the SCB family,” he adds.

Under Mrs Henry’s direction, SCB has secured over 180 conferences to the State, bringing in approximately RM 202 million in direct delegate expenditure, and won acclaim for their destination marketing prowess and has been recognised as worldwide best practice winning 9 international awards for its destination videos and campaigns.

The Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak (Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak) is the subsequent order group in the state’s Group of Orders after the Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak (Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak). Among the 6 ranks of this order is the Johan Bintang Kenyalang (Companion of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak), which is limited to 150 recipients at one time.

Among the major conventions secured in 2011 is the 9^th World Congress of Chinese Medicine (2012), WOOMB International Conference (2013), International Hydropower Association (IHA) 2013 World Congress on Advancing Sustainable Hydropower, World Clown Association Convention (2013), and the Asian and Oceanic Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine Congress (AOSRA-PM 2013), to name a few.

Since 2006, the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) has secured a total number of 187 bid wins, amounting to a total of RM 202, 641, 587 in direct delegate expenditure.

YB Dato’ Sri Dr Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah, Chairman of SCB comments, “The success of the Bureau has been essential in the development of Sarawak as a competitive MICE destination. Not to mention, the support of our colleagues in MyCEB (Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau) and industry partners in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia has helped us to propel further in achieving these results.”

What’s been happening?

2011 was an eventful year for the Bureau. Launching the first ever Malaysia MICE Journalism Award, the award recognizes and rewards outstanding contributions to MICE journalism in Malaysia. In the first year of its inception, we received over 30 entries from all over the country! Winners received a prize worth RM 10,000 to fund their travel, accommodation and registration fees to a conference of their choice, and RM 2,000 in spending money.

Another highlight of the year was the much anticipated Anak Sarawak Appreciation Award (ASAA) that was held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) with the theme “Rainforest Magic- Homecoming Warrior” in November. The Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, was present to award the 35 individuals that night in a lavish ceremony sponsored by BCCK and jointly supported by Pullman Kuching, Four Points by Sheraton, Riverside Majestic Hotel and Grand Margherita Hotel, who graciously hosted accommodation for the ASAA recipients.

In line with the Bureau’s 5^th year anniversary as the first convention bureau to be established in Malaysia, SCB launched its new corporate logo and imagery to represent its new tagline, “Sarawak- Where Business and Adventure Meet” during the Anak Sarawak Appreciation Awards. The logo depicts the image of the majestic Borneo Hornbill, and like the hornbill, SCB strives to be adventurous and to stand out within the MICE industry. It also epitomises the heritage and culture of the people of Sarawak who are both loyal and truly extraordinary.

Embarking on a new business adventure with a fresh outlook!

In the process of corporate rebranding and revamping, the Bureau have had to bid adieu to Mrs Jill Henry, CEO of SCB who has returned to Perth, Australia after heading the Bureau for 5 ½ years. Under her direction, SCB had won acclaim for its destination marketing prowess recognised as worldwide best practice winning 9 international awards, as well as establishing a solid base for clients to access government support and industry assistance.

To add icing to the cake, Mrs Henry was the sole recipient of the Johan Bintang Kenyalang – Honorary [JBK (H)] that was presented to her by the Acting Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Head of State) of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Asfia Awang Nasser, which is only given to foreigners who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service or deeds to the State of Sarawak, the government and the people.

Owing to Mrs Henry’s departure, Mr Chew Chang Guan was recently promoted to General Manager. Previously the Bureau’s Regional Director and a pioneer member in the founding of SCB, Mr Chew will be responsible to oversee the management of the Bureau and assume the role of Acting Managing Director.

Come April 2012, the Bureau will welcome Mr Mike Cannon, current Executive Director of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) and incoming Managing Director of SCB. A man with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the MICE industry in Australia, Mr Cannon will be a great addition to the SCB family.

SCB Staff wrapping presents for the Salvation Army Home for Boys

KUCHING, 16 December: The Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) recently held its Christmas Gathering cum Teambuilding at Union YES Retreat & Training Centre, Lundu with Mrs. Jill Henry (CEO), staff and their family members in attendance.

Organised by Events Horizon, one of the highlights of the two day trip was a visit to the Salvation Army Home for Boys where the staff of SCB together with their family members took part in a gift-wrapping activity and presentation of gifts. SCB have always worked together with the Salvation Army Home and wanted to include them in their Christmas activities to share the joy of the festive season. During the presentation of gifts, the boys of the Home joined in some carolling and singing with SCB staff and family members.

The Salvation Army Home for Boys in Kuching was established in the mid-1950s and has looked after more than 2,000 boys who are taught woodworking skills at a carpentry workshop. A balance of educational and recreational activities helps to build confidence and equip the boys with life skills they will need in the near future.

Mrs. Jill Henry, CEO of SCB comments, “The visit to the Salvation Army Home for Boys was part of our annual CSR activity to reach out to the local community. We have always encouraged our clients to take part in CSR programmes, so what better way to promote CSR than to practise what we preach and share a little Christmas spirit with others.”

The boys from the Salvation Army Home were all smiles upon receiving their gifts which they will open on Christmas morning. For more information or if you wish to contribute to the Salvation Army Home for Boys, please contact The Superintendent at 082 242 623.

SCB Staff and family members with the boys from the Salvation Army Home

From left: Prof. Dato’ Dr. Tunku Sara Ahmad (left) and and Associate Professor Dr. Sharifah Roohi (right) with weaver Itai Sadut, 70, and Payang Awo (2nd right) 2 Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse residents.

5 DECEMBER 2011 – KUCHING, MALAYSIA – The Malaysian Society for Surgery of the Hand (MSSH) will be organising the 10th Congress of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (APFSSH) Conference 2014 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak, Malaysia in October 2014 for 3 ½ days with an expected turnout of over 1000 participants from Asia Pacific region and around the world.

Held every two years, the conference speakers are prominent hand surgeons, respectable professors and experienced hand therapists from international and regional countries. 1000 delegates come together to share their expertise, experiences, and exchange views on the latest issues in this specialized medical field.

Proudly playing host to the 2014 conference is the city of Kuching. The historic state capital of Sarawak promises to delight and pamper participants with its many local gastronomic delicacies and natural treasures. Amongst the highlights of the trip include a leisurely stroll along the Waterfront Park at sunset, a tour of the city’s historic buildings dating back to the days of the ‘White Rajahs’, and a Chinese temple from the mid-1800s.

In conjunction with this event, Malaysian Society for Surgery of the Hand (MSSH) will contribute to the local society through purchasing handmade conference bags from the Annah Rais long house instead of importing the common nylon bag. With the assistance and support of Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) and Borneo Adventure (BA), this initiative will also provide an income to the local community while encouraging them to maintain this soon to be forgotten unique craft. The association believes that conference delegates will definitely love the bags as it is a wonderful souvenir from Sarawak, Malaysia Borneo.

“We hope that through this initiative, we will increase public awareness of the unique culture in the Long House that represents the colours of Sarawak,” said the President of MSSH, Associate Professor Dr Sharifah Roohi. “We want to protect the interest of the Long House community as they are the guardians of the tropical rainforest that maintains the ecosystem of various endangered wildlife such as the Orang Utan and the Hornbill,” she adds.

Mrs. Jill Henry, CEO of SCB comments, “This is definitely a great way to give back to the local community as well as develop a very saleable CSR programme for Sarawak that many local communities can benefit from in future. ”

All in all, the conference will be a retreat to remember, with participants taking home the latest hand surgery and hand therapy management techniques to be applied in their respective clinical practice – not to mention a memorable holiday break.

For more information on the 10th Congress of the APFSSH Conference 2014, please visit http://www.apfssh2014.org

For media enquiries only please contact:

Ms. Jeniece Yong
E: secretariat@mssh.org.my             T: +6012 6950234

From L-R: Dato’ Sri Dr. Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah (Chairman, Sarawak Convention Bureau), YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud (Chief Minister, Sarawak), YABhg Puan Sri Ragad Waleed Alkurdi Taib (Wife of Chief Minister, Sarawak) and Mrs. Jill Henry (CEO, Sarawak Convention Bureau)

KUCHING, 24 November: The Sarawak Convention Bureau recently unveiled its new corporate imagery at the 5^th Anak Sarawak Appreciation Award Ceremony that was held on the 12^th of November 2011 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). The unveiling was part of the Bureau’s 5^th year anniversary celebrations. Themed ‘Rainforest Magic- Homecoming Warriors’, the event was graced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife YABhg Puan Sri Ragad Waleed Alkurdi Taib.

Ms. Amelia Roziman, Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs said, “Market research has shown that the Borneo brand is very strong globally so we decided to integrate its essence into our new corporate branding that is sure to stand out from the crowd.”

“The tagline, ‘Where Business and Adventure Meet’ was created to showcase Sarawak as an ideal destination where one can focus on work  yet still enjoy the beauty of the rainforest and Sarawak’s laid back lifestyle. Here you can meet in the heart of the world’s oldest rainforests,” she adds.

In line with SCB’s nature of daring to be different and avant-garde, the Bureau enlisted the help of prominent tattoo artist Simon David Kalum Umpie to design the new logo tattoo. A Sarawak native, currently living in Kuala Lumpur and running his own tattoo parlour, Simon used the State symbol, the majestic hornbill, as his inspiration.

Once the drawing was completed, SCB’s graphic designer, John Huang, who is a contemporary artist himself, then adapted the original tattoo drawing and incorporated modern art to provide a fresh and corporate look. The end result was a fusion of both past and present.

Mrs. Jill Henry, CEO of SCB comments, “Successful Marketing is about cut through – Daring to be different to stand out from the crowd. The new logo retains a stylish corporate look but is also adventurous – I’d say it definitely lives up to our marketing creed.”

She adds, “To the locals, each Dayak tattoo represents a motif that tells a story or reflects the individuals’ personality and lifestyle. To an international audience, they see tattoos as a distinct image they can relate to the exotic island of Borneo. Overall, the combination of traditional meets modern will be well received everywhere due to its uniqueness to foreigners and familiarity to locals.

A true depiction of the Bureaus’ new tagline- WHERE BUSINESS AND ADVENTURE MEET, it is a known fact that Sarawak Borneo sells well globally due to its exotic nature as a unique destination for MICE. Delegates are able to mix business with pleasure in a mysterious, unspoilt destination on the beautiful tropical island of Borneo- one of the last frontiers for good old-fashioned adventure.

Like the Borneo Hornbill, SCB strives to be adventurous and to stand out within the MICE industry. The people of Sarawak remain firmly linked to their foundation and traditions and never forget their roots. The majestic Borneo Hornbill epitomises the heritage and culture of the people of Sarawak who are both loyal and truly extraordinary.

Sarawak Ambassadors at the ceremony with SCB Chairman, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah (second from right). From left: Mrs. Jill Henry (SCB, CEO), Ms. Jane Chan, Ms. Teresa Hii, Mr. John Huang, Mr. Alban@William John Lisen, and Mr. Dylan Redas Noel (SCB, Director of Research)

The winners of the International Association Convention Scholarship Award now in its third year, were announced by Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah, Chairman of the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) at a press conference held at Four Points by Sheraton Kuching on the 17^thof November 2011.

Five scholarship awards, each valued at RM 10,000, covering travel, accommodation, association membership and convention registration fees were presented to recipients to enable them to attend the international convention of their choice.

In his speech, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah commented, “I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the award winners.  I am proud to see Sarawakians taking a positive step to expand their horizons and build international professional networks to prepare them to bid for international conferences in the future.”  

“Our aim with this award is to encourage potential new bidders to actively participate in attending international conventions and in turn, showcase the benefits and opportunities that come from networking at these conventions. It is important for Sarawak to develop its own association base with active members,” he added.

Winners were selected by a judging panel consisting of representatives of SCB who shortlisted the finalists based on written applications and interviews with selected applicants.

The award winners for 2011 are:

1. Mr. Alban @William John Lisen

Teacher, SK Laksamana (Kuching)

- 65^th International Dyslexia Association Annual Conference, USA

2. Ms. Alice Jawan Empaling

Deputy General Manager, Sibu Water Board

- World Water Congress & Exhibition 2012, South Korea

3. Ms. Teresa Hii Leh Choo

Businesswoman, Bangah Engineering & SUC (Miri)

- 60th FCEM World Congress of Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Germany

4. Ms. Jane Chan Ai Nyet

Lecturer, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak (Kuching)

- 4^th International Conference on Computer Supported Education 2012, Portugal

5. Mr. John Huang Shen Han

Principal and Designer, Studio Yolk (Kuching)

- 2011 International Design Congress, Taiwan

Mr. Dylan Redas Noel, Director of Research for SCB commented, “The winners were selected based on the quality of submissions and feasibility of the conference rotation and its scope of programme. Furthermore, the award winners were very passionate and dedicated in their work and this award will further encourage them to consider bidding for conventions to Sarawak”.

The International Association Convention Scholarship Award is an initiative from SCB, the marketing arm of the State Government in promoting Sarawak as a MICE destination. SCB’s primary role is to assist meeting planners to present competitive bids, develop new meetings, maximize delegate attendance through delegate boosting and develop tailor-made incentive proposals.

Mrs. Jill Henry, Chief Executive Officer of SCB added, “The quality of applications and increased number of applicants this year has made the awards very competitive. We are glad to see so many new applications come through. We hope that this will encourage more Sarawakians to take up the challenge and send in their application for next year.”

The International Association Convention Scholarship Awards are open to all residents of Sarawak over 18 years of age from educational institutions, private companies or Government Departments, or students of tertiary institutions with support from their University or College. They must either be existing members of non-profit or Government associations or eligible to join.  The selected convention must rotate among different destinations and fulfil the criteria to be hosted in Malaysia.

Application forms for 2012 are available from the Sarawak Convention Bureau or can be downloaded from www.sarawakcb.com.