Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) proudly announces the appointment of Datu Hii Chang Kee as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective 1 November 2025. Datu Hii, who currently serves as the Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Operation) overseeing public communication, service transformation, innovation, and the digitalisation of government services, succeeds Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, who retired in August this year.
Renowned for his progressive vision and inclusive leadership, Datu Hii brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of how government, industry, and community can collaborate to create meaningful impact. His appointment marks a significant step forward for BESarawak as he aims to steer the organisation toward becoming Malaysia’s leading convention bureau and a regional powerhouse for legacy-driven events.
“The appointment of Datu Hii is timely and strategic,” said The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. “His position within the government enables him to bridge strategy and execution, ensuring that Sarawak becomes an international model of inclusive leadership where collaboration between government and industry drives sustainable growth.”
Guided by this shared vision, Datu Hii is committed to positioning Sarawak as a premier destination for impactful, legacy-driven business events that contribute significantly to the economy, community, and sustainable development. This aligns closely with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which prioritises sustainability and innovation as the foundation for long-term progress.
Outlining his direction for BESarawak, Datu Hii shared that the organisation’s growth over the next five years will be shaped by three strategic pillars — transformation and innovation, impact and legacy, and partnerships and people. To achieve these goals, BESarawak will focus on five key areas: destination development, market diversification, digital transformation, sustainability leadership, and talent development. “These areas form the backbone of Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised destination for high-value, high-impact business events where progress, partnership, and pride merge for a sustainable future,” he said.
With over 30 years of experience in the public sector, Datu Hii has made notable contributions to business events and tourism in Sarawak. He previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, where he played an instrumental role in the formulation of the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021–2035. His extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, and tourism policy development uniquely positions him to elevate Sarawak’s global competitiveness in the business events industry.
“His appointment marks a new chapter for Sarawak’s business events industry — balancing continuity with fresh ambition,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak. “Datu Hii’s strong background in public service and his deep understanding of the business events landscape will be invaluable in advancing the industry’s significance to the government, economy, and society.”
In addition to his leadership in government, Datu Hii recently chaired the Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit, which culminated in the Borneo Legacy Declaration — a landmark agreement endorsed by policymakers and influencers from Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. The declaration underscores Sarawak’s leadership in driving long-term positive change across the Asia Pacific and highlights Datu Hii’s ability to unite international stakeholders in advancing legacy-driven business events.
Throughout his distinguished career, Datu Hii has served on several key boards, including the Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Arts Council, and Tourism Malaysia, contributing to milestone projects such as the Borneo Cultures Museum. He holds degrees in Housing, Building and Planning, Law, and Human Resource Development, and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows Programme.
With Datu Hii at the helm, BESarawak embarks on a renewed era of strategic growth and innovation — one that seeks to strengthen Sarawak’s reputation as a world-class destination for meaningful business events while creating a legacy that benefits generations to come.