Sarbex 2010 expects to attract 20,000 visitors

KUCHING: The three-day 12th Sarawak Builder’s Expo (Sarbex 2010) is set to attract a large crowd of 20,000 people.

PROMOTING SARBEX 2010: (From left, front row) Voon, Sim and Iskandar as well as (from left, back row) Tan, Sujoy and Ting holding up the Sarbex 2010 poster during a photo-call yesterday.

An annual event organised by Sarawak Housing And Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda), in collaboration with Mantra Communication Sdn Bhd and Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), will run from May 7 to 9, at the BCCK.

“Our venue this year will be bigger compared to last year and thus we should be expecting some 20,000 visitors over the three days of the event.

“Last year we had around 10,000 to 15,000 visitors when it was held at Permata Exhibition Centre,” Sheda secretary-general Sim Khiang Chiok told a press conference yesterday.

He added that last year some of the visitors were drop-in’s who were diners at the eatery there.

But this year, he said, only those who are really interested in the exhibition should be coming over.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to officiate at the event this year.

Themed “Sarbex 2010: Total Living Exhibition”, the exhibition is aimed at bringing together the housing and property developers, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials, estate agents, and bankers all under one roof.

Sim said there will be 60 developers, including those from West Malaysia, Singapore and Sabah, taking part and visitors will be spoilt for choices.

“The concept for ‘Sarbex 2010 Total Living’ stresses not just on homes but also on the home and lifestyle furnishings to meet the expectations of discerning home buyers.

Complementary partners range from home appliances, interior décor, home and lifestyle furnishings, landscaping, health and wellness and others to showcase their products,” he said.

Organising chairperson Violet Voon said: “Apart from that, visitors also get to attend free seminars, technical seminars and a ‘Feng Shui’ talk for existing home owners to enhance their homes.”

She added that as the last day of the exhibition falls on Mother’s Day, the event was family friendly, with a Mother’s Day special, massive lucky draws, free door gift giveaways, kid’s zone, children concert and other performances.

Set with such an exceptional line-up of activities, many exhibitors are all fired up to kick start the event — utilising this exhibition as the perfect time to offer exciting special offers and unveil new products in a bid to both garner new clientele, as well as sustain existing customers amidst this highly competitive industry.

On the other hand, Mantra Communication and BCCK are equally keyed up about the prospective turnout for the three days, seeing that this would be a first for the event to be held in a state-of-the-art venue that fringes the world’s oldest rainforest yet boasts cutting-edge technologies and green facilities, as well as the 5-star services.

Mantra Communication Sdn Bhd director, Patricia Tan said: “Indeed, it is an honour to have been appointed by Sheda to manage this prestigious event.”

Mantra Communication Sdn Bhd is a locally brewed brand communication agency.

Established in 1998, Mantra offers broad-based solutions in above-the-line and below-the-line communication strategies.

In keeping with the demands of the industry, Mantra has expanded its offerings by setting in motion a Brand Activation division that specialises in event management, exhibitions and conventions, online activities including social media initiatives.

Today Mantra dedicates itself to devising holistic campaign ideas for a growing clientele.

Also present at the press conference yesterday were Sheda assistant secretary-general Iskandar Sharkawi, Sheda council member Louis Ting and BCCK director of operation Sujoy Dey.