Sarawak can benefit from hosting 2027 SEA Games, say economists

The state’s tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said hosting the games was well within Sarawak’s capabilities.

PETALING JAYA: Economists have backed Sarawak’s bid to host the 34th SEA Games, saying the biennial sporting event has the potential to bring economic benefits to the state.

Geoffrey Williams said it represents a declaration of Sarawak’s ambition to enhance its reputation as a developing region.

Geoffrey Williams.

“It ties in with major local initiatives like Sarawak Airlines, their state-owned bank, and Sarawak’s sovereign wealth future fund,” he told FMT.

Williams said Sarawak is looking to project itself as an appealing investment destination by showing it is capable of funding an international sporting event.

Hosting the SEA Games has the potential to attract significant foreign direct investment into the state, he added.

Williams also said hosting the SEA Games would be more affordable than major international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games, and may yield a positive return.

“The recent difficulties in finding a host for the Commonwealth Games was because the cost for Victoria, Australia was estimated at A$7 billion (RM21 billion), which is too high.

“The SEA Games are much cheaper and affordable, and are more likely to generate a net positive return,” he said.

It was previously reported that the budget for the 2017 SEA Games was approximately RM700 million.

Last Saturday, Sarawak expressed to the federal government its interest in hosting the 34th SEA Games in 2027, either on its own or as a co-host.

The state’s tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said hosting the games was well within Sarawak’s capabilities, citing the availability of suitable facilities to accommodate the large-scale event.

Kameel Mydin Meera.

Economist Ahamed Kameel Mydin Meera from Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah also supports the endeavour, saying it is capable of bringing lasting benefits to Sarawak.

However, he warned that the economic success of the games is contingent on the state’s capacity to sustain the expense.

He said with proper organisation, the games could bring financial and other benefits to Sarawak.

“Improved sports facilities and infrastructure will also boost future tourism and benefit locals long after the games have ended,” he said.