ASEAN Delegates to Gather in Kota Kinabalu for JCI Senate Meeting

19 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu will host the Association of JCI Senators in South East Asian Nations (ASSEAN) Inc. Senate Board Meeting from 27 to 30 March, bringing together delegates from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and across Malaysia.

A key highlight of the event will be the historic installation of Patricia Poh as the first female President of the ASSEAN Senate, a regional organisation established in 2000.

“I am deeply honoured to serve as President of the ASSEAN Senate,” said Poh.

“This milestone reflects our progress in promoting diversity and inclusive leadership, and I look forward to fostering meaningful connections and impactful initiatives across the region.”

Delegates will also take part in an educational agro-tourism visit to Keningau, where they will explore local agricultural enterprises, including durian and dragon fruit farms, offering first-hand insight into Sabah’s vibrant farming and agro-tourism sector.

During the board meeting, discussions will focus on cross-border tourism, regional business opportunities, as well as collaborative social and non-governmental organisation (NGO) initiatives within the ASEAN region.

The event is supported by the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET ). Deputy Chief Minister III and MINDET Minister Datuk Ewon Benedict is expected to attend the installation ceremony and welcome dinner.

Photo caption: ASSEAN President Patricia Poh presenting an invitation to Datuk Ewon Benedict, witnessed by JCI Senators Benjamin Lo, Ivy Stanislaus and Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh.