Bureau in search of international convention reps

KUCHING: Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) is searching for five young Sarawakians to represent the state at international conventions.

WHO WILL REPRESENT STATE?: (From left) Dylan, Simson, Akit and Henry after the launching ceremony of the International Association Convention Scholarship.

Its chief executive officer Jill Henry yesterday said the International Association Convention Scholarship welcomed applicants from government department or agencies, private companies and educational institutions.

“Three winners will be selected from the government sector while two from private associations. Successful applicants will each receive a grant of up to RM10,000 to be used to attend international conventions of their choice,” she told a press conference here.

She added: “It is an unique scholarship. I believe it is a one of a kind in Malaysia. The scholarship is open to all residents of Sarawak over 18 years old. It doesn’t matter what post you are or what profession you are from.”

This was the second year SCB sponsored the programme, Jill said, adding that this is in line with its role in promoting the state as a venue for international conventions.

She pointed out that Sarawak had great potential to be a convention venue, but the biggest challenge faced by the state was the lack of event organisers to bid for international conventions.

On which convention to attend, Jill said SCB had a detailed database on eligible international association conventions covering a huge range of topics.

Research manager Dylan Redas Noel said the conventions selected would be held from September 2010 to December 2011.

They must be on a rotating basis from different destinations and which Sarawak has the potential to host.

“Attracting international conventions to Sarawak would help boost the local economy,” he said.

Applicants must give a written submission on their educational background, areas of interest and how the selected convention would benefit their organisation and the State.

Last year, three winners were selected one each from the Northern, Central and Southern region of Sarawak.

They were Land and Survey Department senior town and country planning officer Lawrence Tseu, University of Malaya graduate from Kapit, Joe Peter Tukau and Nurul Jameela Nor Mazlan from the Curtin University of Technology in Miri.

Also present at the press conference were SCB director Akit Sebli and member of its board of director, Peter Simson.

The closing date for the scholarship is July 31, 2010.

The winners would be announced in the last week of August this year.

Members of the public could get the application forms from SCB’s office at Jalan Masjid or download from www.sarawakcb.com.

For further information, contact Dylan at 082-242516 or email info@sarawakcb.com.