Jason Tan Chin Foo has been appointed chief executive officer of Business Events Sarawak, taking charge of the organisation with immediate effect. The appointment was announced in Kuching, Sarawak, on 14 July 2026.
Tan has served the organisation in several leadership roles since joining it in 2012. As Business Events Sarawak CEO, he will lead efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s standing as a globally competitive business events destination through collaboration, innovation and legacy-driven development.
His appointment comes as the organisation seeks to build a more connected business events ecosystem involving government, industry, academia, associations and the media. The approach aims to turn partnerships and ideas into economic, social and intellectual benefits for Sarawak.
“I believe the world’s most impactful business events destinations are built on strong ecosystems and meaningful collaboration among government, industry, academia, associations and the media. That is how ideas and partnerships are transformed into action, creating opportunities that strengthen our economy, communities and future,” said Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak.
A focus on collaboration and global competitiveness
Tan said Sarawak had established strong foundations in the business events industry and that his priority would be to bring those strengths together. He plans to encourage closer coordination across the sector while creating conditions in which innovation, partnerships and new opportunities can develop.
“My aspiration is to bring these strengths together into a more connected and future-ready business events ecosystem by strengthening collaboration, aligning our collective capabilities, and creating an environment where innovation, partnerships and opportunities can thrive,” Tan said.
The new chief executive also intends to deepen international partnerships and strengthen Sarawak’s global competitiveness. Business events are expected to support the objectives of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 by generating lasting value for the economy, communities and knowledge-based sectors.
Tan said the organisation would pursue high-impact business events that leave a meaningful legacy for Sarawak. The strategy is also designed to reinforce the state’s position as the Legacy Capital of Business Events in Malaysia and Borneo.
Board backs new leadership
Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and Chairman of Business Events Sarawak, said the appointment reflected continuity and confidence in the organisation’s future direction.
“Jason has consistently demonstrated strategic leadership and a strong commitment to advancing Sarawak’s business events industry. The Board has every confidence that he will build on BESarawak’s strong foundations and achievements, further strengthen the organisation and the wider business events ecosystem, and lead the industry towards an even more impactful and globally competitive future for Sarawak,” said Datu Hii Chang Kee.
Tan has worked across several areas of the organisation during his career. His previous responsibilities have included business development, international event bidding, research, marketing and communications.
He has also contributed to strategic destination development, industry advocacy, legacy initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Business Events Sarawak said this work had played an important role in Sarawak’s emergence as one of Asia Pacific’s leading business events destinations.
Building a lasting events legacy
The leadership change places legacy at the centre of the organisation’s next phase of growth. Rather than measuring events only by attendance or immediate commercial activity, the stated approach focuses on the longer-term economic, social and intellectual value they can create.
Closer collaboration between public institutions, businesses, universities, associations and media organisations will form a central part of that work. Tan’s plans also call for stronger alignment between Sarawak’s existing capabilities and its ambitions in the international business events market.
The appointment gives Business Events Sarawak an experienced internal leader as it develops those priorities. Tan’s background across bidding, destination promotion, research and communications provides continuity while the organisation works to expand Sarawak’s international reach and secure lasting benefits from future events.
Photo shows: Datu Hii Chang Kee (left), Chairman of BESarawak, presents the official appointment to Jason Tan Chin Foo (right).
