Sabah set to shine as global business events hub in 2026
KOTA KINABALU (June 11): Sabah will enter the next phase of its journey as a regional business events (BE) hub next year.
Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Lasuki said the third edition of BE in Sabah is scheduled to take place from Feb 4-5 next year under the new theme 'Global Collaboration Through Business Events'. It is jointly organised by SICC and MACEOS Sabah Chapter.
'The 2026 edition will mark a turning point, not just a forum but a full-scale live demonstration of the strength and potential of global business events.
'BE in Sabah 2026 will bring together decision makers, organisers and associations from around the world, not just to connect but to experience the global business events ecosystem in motion,' Dr Rosmawati said when briefing Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew on Monday.
Sabah, which delivers a seamless, professional experience through a trusted supply chain, world class venues, efficient logistics and rich cultural heritage, is where the world meets and where business events move forward together, she added.
Liew said the continued support from her ministry (KePKAS), together with international bodies such as International Congress and Convention Association and local agencies, including the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, has played a pivotal role in elevating BE in Sabah into a respectable regional forum from the time it was first introduced in 2024 to raise greater awareness among local BE players.
'More importantly, aggressive international marketing efforts by Dr Rosmawati and her team have significantly raised the visibility of Sabah on the global business events map. Sabah's participation in the ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has borne fruit,' she said.
Dr Rosmawati expressed her appreciation for unwavering support from KePKAS and the Chief Minister's Office.
'From high-level dialogues to impactful connections, BE in Sabah is now drawing attention as a serious platform for international business collaboration,' she said.
Briefing the minister, she said 161 international delegates representing 29 countries attended this year's edition of BE in Sabah, themed 'Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events'. The two-day forum highlighted global insights, sustainability, and strategic partnerships.
'The event also delivered tangible economic returns for Sabah. Direct delegate expenditure was recorded at RM899,364, a significant increase from RM588,800 in 2024.
'Similarly, the total economic impact soared from RM1.38 million in 2024 to RM2.1 million in 2025. This reflects a growing confidence and participation in Sabah's business events landscape.
'Tax revenue also increased from RM35,328 in 2024 to RM53,961 this year, while the number of jobs supported rose from 100 to 120. This indicates broader economic stimulation across the tourism, hospitality, and service sectors,' Dr Rosmawati shared.
Also present were the ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, SICC Director of Finance Catherina Wee, Assistant Director of Corporate Communications Clara Lim, and Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications Rachel Hee.
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