Convention bureau in forward mode — CEO

0

THRILLED: Jillian sharing the joy of receiving the award with her husband.

MIRI: Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) hopes to continue positioning itself as the leading Asian convention bureau by hosting 33 conventions this year.

Its chief executive officer Jillian Ann Heinrich said SCB’s plan included the Chinese World Medical conference in July.

Jillian told The Borneo Post this yesterday after receiving the state award – Johan Bintang Kenyalang (JBK) Kehormat – from Acting Head of State Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.

Asked about the award, Jillian said she was very grateful to Sarawak for recognising her work, adding that she was pleased with the way SCB had been able to kick-start a leading industry in the state.

“Since we established, we have attracted 180 new conventions to be held here, bringing in people from all over the world. It makes good economic sense, and forms part of the state’s development programmes.”

Several recipients of various state awards interviewed also thanked the state government for recognising their contributions in helping to develop the state.

Among them were former Miri police chief ACP Jamaludin Ibrahim, who is the deputy secretary of NKRA (Ministry of Home Affairs), the general manager of the Sarawak Cultural Village Jane Lian Labang, and chief inspector Arman Khan Abdullah.

“I am very happy and thankful to the state government for the award although I only served four years and seven months in Sarawak. This is the first award I have received from the Sarawak government,” said Jamaludin.

Jamaludin also has several other awards at home, including the Panglima Setia Pasukan Polis (PSPP) in 2007 from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Pingat Pekerti Terpuji, and Ahli Negeri Sembilan (2005).

Arman Khan, who also served with the Miri district police, said the award would spur him to do better for the country.

“I am proud to receive this award from the state, the first since I came to Sarawak in 1979.

“In my 33 years of service, I have also awards including the Anugerah Pasukan Kesasterian (from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong) in 2009 and Pingat Perkhidmatan Setia, 2010, from the Chief Minister of Sarawak.”

Meanwhile, Jane said she felt honoured to be recognised for her 20 years of service at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

“Surely, this award will spur me to work harder and bring greater progress to SVC. Hopefully, it will also motivate others, particularly the youths, to be dedicated in their work.”