BE In Sabah 2025 Returns for Its Second Edition

The Inaugural event last year

27 January 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is poised to take centre stage in the global business events arena as it proudly hosts the 2nd International Business Events Forum – BE in SABAH 2025.

This prestigious forum, organised in collaboration with the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), Sabah Chapter, is scheduled to take place from February 27 to 28, this year.

Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, strategic location, and world-class facilities, the Sabah International Convention Centre is the ideal setting for bringing together global leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. This event aims to foster collaboration and drive advancements in the business events industry.

The forum enjoys strong backing from the state government, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and the Yayasan Sabah Group, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. This partnership underscores Sabah's growing significance as a premier destination for transformative business events.

This year’s forum revolves around the theme "Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events," which emphasizes the region's increasing prominence in the global business events landscape. With a focus on business growth, harnessing the beauty of nature and culture, cultivating leadership, and strategic planning, BE in SABAH 2025 promises not only to shape the future of the industry but also to showcase Sabah's unique charm as an exceptional destination for business events.

The key highlights for the BE in SABAH 2025 are engaging Keynote Speeches and Panels, Global Economic Impacts of Business Events: Shaping the Future Growth of the Tourism Industry and Unlocking Business Events Expansion Opportunities in Asia Pacific. How can East ASEAN leverage to fuel APAC Growth?

Other highlights are shaping the Future of Business Events – Is Our Business a Risky Business? Developing the Future Industry Leaders – Talent Acquisition and Retention in A Globalised Workplace and The Role of Environmental Conservation in Tourism and Hospitality: For a Promising Future as well as Community-Based Tourism: Empowering Local Communities

Highlights also include Innovation and Impact: Embracing Triple Bottom Line Thinking for Lasting Results, Charting the Growth: Asia Pacific Dominance in the Business Events Industry - Challenges and Opportunities and Why Events Fail: Designing for Impact

Influential Speakers include Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), The Netherlands, Datuk Dr. M Gandhi, Founder & Chairman of Bumiati Holdings Sdn Bhd cum President, Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS), Malaysia and Dato' Vincent Lim, President, C.I.S. Network Sdn Bhd cum Asian Federation for Exhibition & Convention Associations (AFECA), Malaysia.

Also speaking are Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (2015-2024), France, Dame Doria (DC) Cordova, Chief Executive Officer, Excellerated Business Schools, United States of America, and Ruud Janssen, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Event Design Collective GmBH, Switzerland.

Networking opportunities include Connect with international stakeholders, top-tier corporate buyers, and regional government leaders, creating valuable partnerships to elevate your business.

According to Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SICC and Organising Chairperson of BE in SABAH 2025, "BE in SABAH 2025 is not just an event but also a platform for transformative dialogue and actionable strategies that redefine the role of business events in economic growth and cultural preservation. Sabah's unique position in East ASEAN makes it a vital hub for fostering collaboration, and we are excited to welcome global stakeholders to experience the synergy of our natural wonders, vibrant culture, and dynamic business potential."

Sabah offers a one-of-a-kind experience, blending the sophistication of a world-class Business Travel destination with the rich cultural and natural heritage of Borneo. Its strategic location within the East ASEAN Growth Area makes it a gateway to emerging markets, offering unmatched potential for collaboration and innovation.

Attendees will also have the chance to enjoy exclusive post-event activities, including ecotourism adventures, cultural immersions, and culinary tours that celebrate Sabah's legacy and biodiversity.

Kota Kinabalu is easily accessible via direct international flights, which range from 2 to 6 hours. It is also accessible via a 2.5-hour connecting flight through Kuala Lumpur. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is only a 20-minute drive to Sabah International Convention Centre.