Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) unveiled its “Meet in Sarawak Video (Recharge in a New World II – Changing Perspectives)” alongside with the launch of the Meeting and Incentive Planners Guide Volume II, 2009-2011 at a cocktail reception in Kuala Lumpur from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 15th December, 2009 at the Shangri-La Hotel.   Presiding at the event was YBhg Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad, Chairman of the Sarawak Convention Bureau.  

Prior to this, the Guide and Video were also launched in Kuching, Sarawak on 25th November, 2009 during the SCB Gala Premiere at the MBO Cineplex, the Spring and subsequently at a cocktail reception in Singapore on 1st December, 2009 at the Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay.  

Other local dignitaries present at the event were YB Larry Sng, Vice-Chairman of the Sarawak Convention Bureau, YBhg Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director-General, Tourism Malaysia and YBhg Dato Anthony Bujang, CEO, NSTP Group.  The event started with a media presentation after which invited guests saw the launch of the Meeting and Incentive Planners Guide Volume II, 2009-2011 together with the “Meet in Sarawak Video (Recharge in a New World II – Changing Perspectives)” by Mrs. Jill Henry, CEO of the Sarawak Convention Bureau.

The Meeting and Incentive Planners Guide Volume II, 2009-2011 is the second series of destination guide produced by the Sarawak Convention Bureau and winner of the EIBTM Best Destination Marketing Campaign Award at the recent Global Meetings & Incentives Exhibition (EIBTM) held at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain from 1 to 3 December 2009.  The 128-page guide is full of useful information on Sarawak, the largest State of Malaysia situated on the exotic island of Borneo.  It includes information on the Bureau’s services to meeting planners, Sarawak’s meeting credentials, top incentive ideas and features details on 213 potential convention venues and industry service providers.  Venue details include information on the two landmark breakthroughs in highlighting Sarawak’s new direction in development, that is, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and Pullman Kuching.   The Guide also highlights local people of interest sharing their personal thoughts about Sarawak. 

The Meet in Sarawak Video (Recharge in the New World II – Changing Perspectives) is also a second series new promotional video which continues the story of a climatic meeting between jaded Western business executives and unique local hosts from the Sarawak Iban community.  The first original video positions Sarawak as a new and vibrant business destination where the traditions of the past are still upheld but follows in a way that is very much a part of today’s fast paced business world.  The sequel uses the same “tongue in cheek” humorous approach and retains many of the same characters from the original so that it can be used in tandem. 

Mrs. Jill Henry, CEO of the Sarawak Convention Bureau commented, “The multi-billion dollar global meetings industry is a key marketing priority for Sarawak and one in which we have achieved remarkable early success. This year, we have a seventy-two percent strike rate in winning thirty-nine new conventions.  With these two new award winning destination marketing tools, the Meeting and Incentive Planner’s Guide Volume II and the Meet in Sarawak Video (Recharge in the New World II – Changing Perspectives), our clients can be assured that the Bureau team will give the best possible advice and support to help them every step of the way.”

Meanwhile, the Honorable Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad, Chairman of Sarawak Convention Bureau said, “The new promotional guide and video are indeed useful marketing tools to escalate Sarawak’s profile as an emerging international meeting destination. Sarawak is one of the last frontiers for good old-fashioned adventure so it is the perfect place to motivate staff and put a different perspective on business planning.  In tough times like this, we are also the perfect match for meeting planners who need great value for money destinations that can also deliver memorable meetings with sound business outcomes.  We have all the right ingredients with strong Government support, special funding program for attracting conventions, a brand new State-of-the Art Convention Centre and new meeting hotels, all supported by a fantastic range of great eco-tourism products.  With this, there are indeed business opportunities in Sarawak.”

Copies of the Guide can be ordered in print or CD format from the Bureau’s website at www.sarawakcb.com. The video is now available for viewing in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNacZeGEtnc and the DVD format also will soon be available on the Bureau’s website.