Sabah's business events industry scores big at national awards
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 8): Sabah's standing in Malaysia's business events industry received a major boost after the state's top venues, the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and Sutera Harbour, picked up multiple honours at the Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) 2025.
The ceremony, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre last night.
The awards, organised by the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), recognise excellence and innovation across the country's business events sector.
SICC emerged a double winner, taking the Congress/Conference Excellence Award for BE in Sabah 2025 in the 1,001 delegates and above category, and the Consumer Exhibition Excellence Award for Big Sabah Sale 2024 in the 5,001-10,000 square metres category.
The waterfront venue also earned a Merit Award in the Purpose Built Convention & Exhibition Centre Excellence category.
'At Sabah International Convention Centre, we believe in the power of storytelling, not just through events, but through the journey of building something meaningful for our industry and our community,' said SICC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Hajah Dr. Rosmawati Haji Lasuki J.P.
'Participating in MBEA was a natural step for us to reflect on how far we've come and to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and passion that have shaped our path. Even as a relatively young venue in East Malaysia, bold ideas, strong collaboration, and a clear purpose can make a lasting impact in the national and international business events landscape,' she added. Sutera Harbour, meanwhile, was recognised with a Merit Award in the Hotel with Meeting Facilities Excellence category for its contributions to Malaysia's MICE sector.
The integrated resort, which spans 384 acres and includes The Magellan Sutera, The Pacific Sutera and Sutera Harbour Marina & Country Club, offers over 950 rooms, two grand ballrooms, a convention centre and 29 flexible meeting spaces.
'This award is not only a source of pride, but also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to service excellence and innovation,' said Sutera Harbour Group deputy chief executive officer Gerry D'Cruz.
'The launch of our Rafflesia Function Hall at The Magellan Sutera reflects our drive to position Sabah as a premier MICE destination with uniquely local experiences.' Both venues have played host to major conferences, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings, with events ranging from the World Tourism Conference to ASEAN leadership dialogues.
The wins come as Sabah positions itself under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint to attract more high-profile business events and strengthen its reputation in the Asia Pacific region.
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