KUCHING, Feb 21: Kuching is set to play host to the inaugural Borneo International Garden Expo Sarawak (BIGEXS) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from 17 to 19 March.
Organised by BCCK and Orchidwoods Company, the three day expo aims to feature Borneo’s unique nature and horticulture, as well as promoting Sarawak as one of the horticulture hubs in this region.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the event is timely as the COVID-19 pandemic has seen an upsurge interest in gardening and greening at home.
“Gardening is a positive physical activity that improves mental wellness and it also contributes to individual awareness of our impact on the environment.
“We are at the right place for something like this because we are very rich in flora and fauna,” he said while remarking that the President of Germany’s recent visit to the state’s nature attractions as a testament to our incredible biodiversity.
Moreover, he said the expo is also in line with the strategy toward value-addition to generate tourism as it will drive both domestic and regional tourism to Kuching.
“BIGEXS will bring approximately RM4.4 million in direct and indirect economic impact.
“The expo is also expected to bring a phenomenal media mileage for Kuching especially through social media,” he added.
The expo will feature more than 60 exhibition booths, garden display, marketplace, cooking demos with edible plants and talks by renowned botanist and the likes of Dr Peter Boyce and Sappasiri Chaovanich (Khun Home) of Thailand.
Also present at the launch were Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting; Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan as well as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datu Sherrina Hussaini. – TVS
