Sarawak is geared up to host the International Hydro Power Association Congress (IHAC) in 2013 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). This event is set to attract 600 delegates over 3 days, with an estimated delegate expenditure of RM 2,099,600. It would be the first time that the Congress will be held in the greater Asia Pacific.
The winning bid was a collaborative effort between local host, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB).
SEB has escalated its engagement with the IHA, in line with the State Government’s SCORE (Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy) agenda. SCORE’s foundation lies in the development of Sarawak’s abundant hydropower resources to attract new industries and jobs.
Nick Wright, Vice President -Strategic Communications and CSR at Sarawak Energy Berhad said, “SEB is very honoured that the International Hydro Power Association (IHA) has decided to bring its world congress to Kuching. We could not have achieved this without strong support from the Sarawak Convention Bureau.”
“With the IHAC 2013, SEB will be able to establish new international relationships to assist Sarawak to manage social and environmental issues faced by hydropower development, counteract negative historical experiences and address dated issues about the hydropower industry’s approach to sustainability,” he added.
Mr. Zulkefli Hj Sharif, CEO of MyCEB expressed, “The bid success for IHAC 2013 will be very beneficial to the State as the conference will leave a legacy in terms of new alliances created and expertise gained from the IHA in the implementation of the State Government’s SCORE agenda.”
Furthermore, Mrs. Jill Henry, CEO of SCB commented, “With a long list of potential SCORE projects lined up between 2016 to 2020, the IHAC 2013 will definitely be a great opportunity for local hosts, SEB to provide IHA a unique opportunity to showcase the transformative capacity of hydropower to change economies and in turn, the lives of ordinary communities.”
“The SCB are in full support of the IHAC 2013 as the economic impact of the SCORE agenda will provide a permanent boost to Sarawakians’ standard of living in years to come,” she adds.
