1. Kayaking / Rafting Adventure
2. Kayaking & Semenggoh Orang Utan Adventure
3. Kayaking, Orang Utan and Longhouse Adventure
4. Rafting & Semenggoh Orang Utan Adventure
5. Rafting, Orang Utan and Longhouse Adventure
6. 3 days 2 night Benuk Homestay Kayaking Adventure

Meritz Hotel Miri

During the soft opening, the hotel will be opening up 88 rooms which consists of a mix of superior room, deluxe room and premier suite. A common lounge is available on every three floors for activities gathering with complimentary internet access services. The hotel also provides gym and swimming pool facilities. Future facilities include spa & sauna, business centre and gift shops. There will be an upcoming largest indoor ballroom and meeting rooms available soon for booking. Once fully opened, the hotel consists of 290 elegant guest rooms and suites. More rooms will be open for booking in the near future.

M Bar Lobby Lounge will be ready daily from 8am to 12 midnight. Other F&B outlets, such as M Signature Revolving Restaurant & Bar, The Grand Old Lady All Day Dining, Sky Garden Outdoor Dining, and Reflection Fun Pub & Outdoor Lounge will be opened in stages.

Meritz Hotel will be having launching promotion on voucher for the price of RM160 nett or B$68 nett on 2D1N stay at superior room with breakfast. Call +6085-417888 for enquiry.

The Grand Old Lady All Day Dining at Level 17

For more information:
Joanne Law
Public Relations Executive
Tel: +(6)085-417888
Email: pr@meritzhotel.com

Mr Mike Cannon, Managing Director of SCB

Mr Cannon comments, “After eleven years at the helm of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux, the offer of a position as Managing Director of the Sarawak Convention Bureau came as a welcome surprise. I feel both privileged and very honoured — not to mention excited about working with the talented and enthusiastic SCB team who flourished so brilliantly under Jill Henry’s expert guidance. I’m only too aware that I’ll be following in mighty footsteps!”

Dato’ Dr. James Dawos Mamit, Deputy Minister of Tourism comments, “I am pleased to welcome Mike Cannon to Malaysia. Sarawak has successfully gained recognition in the MICE industry and I am confident that this contribution and experience will bring not only Sarawak, but Malaysia to another level of success in MICE.”

Dato’ Sri Dr. Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah, Chairman of SCB comments, “On behalf of the State Government, we are pleased to welcome Mike Cannon to Sarawak to share his knowledge and expertise within the conventions industry. With his strengths and past achievements, we can see the potential of bigger things to come and a greater contribution towards the development of Sarawak as a competitively global MICE destination.”

Mr Cannon has worked with Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) in Papua New Guinea, and later spent time with Qantas, then Dalgety Travel, as Manager of Victoria before starting his own destination management firm; AFIT-Specialist Tours.  He was a founding board member of the National Tourism Alliance (NTA) of Australia, has served on the board of ITOA (now ATEC – the Australian Tourism Export Council) with two years as Chairman, and was an integral part of The Australian Tourism Minister’s Advisory Council (driving the needs of the Convention Bureaux and business events industry following the launch of Minister Joe Hockey’s Tourism White Paper). A current councillor with the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), Mr Cannon has also served on various advisory boards and action groups, for example Southern Cross University’s Tourism Advisory Council and the Catherine Hill Bay Progress Association & Dune Care Inc.

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya before moving to Australia for boarding school, Mr Cannon is a graduate of Harvard Business School with a Certificate of Owner/ President Management, in 1991 (OPM/ Hbs).

His past achievements include convincing the Federal Government and its Authority to recognise the importance of Business Events in Australia, worth A$17.3B to Australia’s economy at the time. Furthermore, he has also established for the Bureaux of Australia, maximum marketing dollars from the Government’s Export Market Development Scheme and positioned the Convention Bureaux of Australia as having a core role in the development of Australia’s export services.

Welcome beads necklace and orangutans presented by Sarawakian ladies

The streets of Kuching were abuzz with activities as 170 visitors from China experienced ‘Business and Adventure’ in Sarawak through a 5-day 4-night trip. Among the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, Bako National Park, and a cat theme party at state-of-the-art Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. Other activities included a Sarawak River Cruise, museum visit, as well as specially-themed parties and dinner events to showcase the versatility of Kuching as an exciting destination for Chinese incentive groups.

Ms Alice Khor, Managing Director of Bel-Air Travel & Tours comments, “We are excited to welcome this group of Chinese guests from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Taiwan to showcase Kuching’s main attractions for both leisure and business visitors. With the success of this trip, we definitely look forward to receiving more business to Sarawak in the coming months.”

“Travellers from China love the allure of nature and adventure, which Sarawak is perfect for. Furthermore, the variety of food and daily activities is sure to keep them active and continuously exploring,” she adds.

Mr. Chew Chang Guan, General Manager of the Sarawak Convention Bureau says, “China is a fast growing tourist generating country and is definitely a promising market for Sarawak. There will be opportunities abound for Sarawak in terms of Business Events and the Bureau is keen to support all meeting and incentive groups from all over the world.”

“Sarawak is able to cater to their preferences, and we are more than happy to welcome them to truly experience an adventure of a lifetime,” he adds.

Ms. Kelly Liu of CTS MICE Service China, remarked, “The Chinese in China were initially unaware of what Sarawak had to offer. However, through my previous site inspection I started to fall in love with her. She gives me the feeling of peace with nature and the easygoing people are just so welcoming! From this trip, we are confident to get more people from China to know about this beautiful land.”

With support from the Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Convention Bureau, and the Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau through the Twin Deals offer with Malaysia Airlines, the group consisted of high-level executives from Perfect World and its corporate partners, plus various media journalists who were treated to the ideal Sarawak experience.

Kuching, 28 March - Perfect World group arrival at Kuching International Airport

For more information, please visit www.myceb.com.my  for Malaysia’s Twin Deal and www.sarawakcb.com for business events support to Sarawak.

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.