Sarawak Premier officiates grand opening of Malaysia’s first voco Hotel

A group photo during the grand opening ceremony.

KUCHING, 28 July 2026: The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg today officiated the official opening of Wisma Elica, home to voco Kuching, Malaysia’s first hotel under the globally recognised voco Hotels by IHG Hotels Resort brand, together with Care Collective, East Malaysia’s largest senior wellness centre.

“Today is far more than the opening of a building. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for this landmark and for everyone who will walk through its doors in the years ahead. It’s a cumulation of years of planning, countless hours of dedication and the collective efforts of many people who believe that a long-established landmark could be transformed into something meaningful for the future of Sarawak,” said Managing Director of Elica Equity Sdn Bhd, Dato Bobby Ting in his welcoming speech.

voco Kuching draws inspiration from Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, with designs by SL+A Hotels and façade architecture by Neuman Studio and One Design Office. Neuman Studio, who is also lead design consultant for Care Collective, also ensures a cohesive architectural vision across the wider Wisma Elica development through collaborations with musician, Alena Murang and fashion designer, Jonathan Liang.

“voco Kuching brings together contemporary designs, thoughtful hospitality and a warmth that both the voco brand and the people of Sarawak are known for. We also admire Elica Equity’s decision to incorporate Care Collective in this development, as it reflects a broader vision that extends beyond hospitality, serving the changing needs of this community,” shared IHG Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President and Managing Director (East Asia & Pacific), Rajit Sukumaran. 

The Premier of Sarawak (front, centre) during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the entrance of voco Hotel in Kuching.

“voco Kuching is an important addition to Sarawak’s hospitality landscape, which would further strengthen Kuching’s position as a destination for leisure travellers, business events and international conferences. In addition, with the inclusion of both Care Collective and IHG Group’s voco within Wisma Elica, a new type of hospitality is born through this partnership. Thank you very much for your confidence in Sarawak,” commended the Sarawak Premier in his official address. 

Celebrating the grand opening of voco Kuching, which was officiated by the Premier of Sarawak (5^th right) alongside Dato Bobby Ting (6^th right) and Rajit Sukumaran (4^th right).

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg (2^nd right) signing the official plaque commemorating the grand opening of voco Kuching.

Attended by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia, Dato Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie anak Tayai as well as tourism stakeholders, business partners, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests, the grand opening marked a significant milestone for Sarawak’s tourism and hospitality industry while showcasing the state’s continued confidence in sustainable investment, urban regeneration and international partnerships.