BE in Sabah 2026 Set to Strengthen Regional and Global Business Events Landscape

3 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU : Sabah is positioning itself as a rising force in the Asia Pacific business events landscape as the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter unveiled key highlights of the upcoming BE in Sabah 2026 forum during a media preview today.

SICC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki said, scheduled for 4–5 February 2026, the third edition of BE in Sabah will convene regional and international leaders to examine how business events drive trade facilitation, attract investment, strengthen market confidence and stimulate cross-border collaboration.

"This edition carries the theme “Global Collaboration Through Business Events,” underscoring Sabah’s ambition to serve as a regional hub where global perspectives meet Asia Pacific opportunities," she said when announcing the event at SICC today.

She emphasised that business events now sit at the intersection of commerce, policy, innovation and human connectivity, making them powerful engines for economic development.

" BE in Sabah 2026 is designed to spotlight this influence through a series of high-level keynotes, plenaries and industry-led conversations."

According to her, the 2026 programme will feature internationally recognised voices, including:

Dr Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, discussing global growth trends and collaborative strategies driving the business events economy.

" Bernard d’Alessandri, President of the Chambre Monégasque du Yachting, speaking on risk, resilience and environmental responsibility in business events leadership and Akito Tanaka, Editor-in-Chief of Nikkei Asia, addressing entrepreneurship and decision-making in a fast-changing economic environment."

Ruud Janssen, Co-Founder of Event Design Collective will deliver the closing keynote on how events shape policy outcomes and long-term impact.

These sessions aim to equip delegates with strategic insights into global competitiveness, technology adoption, talent development and responsible event leadership, Rosmawati said.

"Building Capability and Future-Ready Talent

A notable feature of BE in Sabah 2026 is the involvement of Certified Event Designer (CED) graduates from around the world."

"Out of 24 participants trained this year, 16 have successfully earned certification, reflecting Sabah’s growing pool of event professionals capable of applying advanced event design methodologies."

"Their participation signals a commitment to raising industry standards and positioning Sabah as a destination with future-ready talent and strategic event capability."

"Economic Impact and Industry Confidence

With an expected 800 regional and international delegates, BE in Sabah 2026 is set to generate significant economic and industry benefits," she shared.

"The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, the Sabah Convention Bureau, the Sabah Tourism Board and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) have all pledged support for the event, underscoring the State’s commitment to developing Sabah as a high-value business events destination."