“We have just one life to live — let’s take ownership, seize it, earn it, and make the most of every moment.” — Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak
“Tonight, I stand here to proclaim that nothing is impossible, and no dream is ever too grand.” — Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak
Sarawak has produced an exceptional talent in Amelia Roziman, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). Not only has she demonstrated her leadership abilities as the head of Malaysia’s inaugural convention bureau in the state, but she has also elevated the pride of Sarawak on the international stage. On October 18, 2023, she was inducted into the Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders 2023 in Las Vegas, a remarkable achievement.
Amelia now holds the distinct honour of being the first woman in Asia to receive this pre
stigious award. This latest accolade further enhances her impressive collection of industry awards.
In a heartfelt gesture, she dedicated this award to “every little girl and woman who grows up in a small town, facing substantial dreams and daunting obstacles”, reminding them that “their strength knows no bounds”.
She also expressed her gratitude to EIC for the honour, stating, “To be the first woman in Malaysia and Asia to receive this award is a once-in-a-lifetime happening that I will cherish forever. Tonight, I stand here to proclaim that nothing is impossible, and no dream is ever too grand. We have just one life to live — let’s take ownership, seize it, earn it, and make the most of every moment.”
The EIC Hall of Leaders award is widely recognised as the foremost recognition programme in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions, hospitality, and travel industry. It is often referred to as the industry’s “lifetime achievement award.”
This prestigious accolade acknowledges exceptional leaders who have left an indelible mark on the industry. These leaders have played a significant role in shaping the success of the industry as we know it today.
To date, one hundred and fifty outstanding leaders have been inducted into the Hall of Leaders, representing the brightest talents and exemplary leadership within the industry. The awards are formally presented during the annual Hall of Leaders Celebration, a highly anticipated event in the industry’s calendar.
Furthermore, every inductee receives a lasting tribute at the Hall of Leaders Recognition Pavilion, permanently housed in the Washington (DC) Convention Centre. This pavilion features a brief tribute video for each inductee, highlighting their illustrious careers.
Amelia is now officially recognised as a global influencer in the industry, and her commitment to empowering communities and individuals through business events remains unwavering. With over 21 years of experience in branding, marketing, and PR, she is a genuine trailblazer within BESarawak. Her journey in the industry began as a sales coordinator, and she has amassed 15 years of expertise in the realm of business events.
BESarawak, a non-profit organization, enjoys wholehearted support and funding from the Sarawak state government. It is specifically tasked with organising meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions. Amelia assumed the role of CEO on August 1, 2021.
Amelia’s success story with BESarawak includes her achievements in developing and implementing a five-year advocacy marketing plan called ‘Sarawak 2030’ in the government sector. The plan aims to transform the business events ecosystem entirely.
The first outcome of this plan was the inclusion of business events as one of the priority sectors in the Sarawak government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, signifying the government’s recognition of and support for the sector.
The next anticipated outcome is that by 2030, the business events sector will embody legacy impact and sustainability. This advocacy plan won the ICCA Best Marketing Award – Communication Category in 2021.
Amelia’s contributions have significantly bolstered Sarawak’s impressive tally of 23 awards for destination marketing initiatives, alongside her receipt of five professional awards.
Her most recent accolade, in 2021, marked a historic moment as the first individual in the business events industry to be honoured with the Ahli Bintang Sarawak (Member of the Order of the Star of Sarawak) medal by His Excellency, the Governor of Sarawak Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. This prestigious award solidifies the government’s recognition of the business events sector as a pivotal force for destination development.
Undoubtedly, Sarawak has been blessed with a wealth of prodigious talents across various domains. For instance, we have Datuk Pandalela Rinong, a diving sensation who made history as the first Malaysian woman to clinch an Olympic medal, earning bronze in London 2012 and silver at Rio 2016.
Another remarkable talent is Dewi Liana Seriesta, a singer, model, and former Malaysian beauty queen. She not only claimed the Miss World Talent title at the Miss World 2014 competition in London but also secured a gold medal for classical opera and three silver medals for contemporary, world, and various vocal categories at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), along with a special Industry Award and a medal, all in the same year.
In truth, there are many other amazing Sarawakians who have made a significant global impact, but their numbers are too vast to mention here. Nevertheless, they all deserve our full support, heartfelt appreciation, and genuine recognition.
I hope that their remarkable successes inspire countless young and talented women in Sarawak. With enthusiasm, dedication, and unwavering determination, I am confident they can seize the abundant opportunities before them and create their remarkable paths in their chosen fields.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
