BE Sabah Forum 2026 Strengthens Global Collaboration Through Business Events

4 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The BE in Sabah Forum 2026 officially opened with a strong call for sustained global collaboration through business events, as Sabah positions itself as a growing international convening destination.

Delivering the opening speech, Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, JP, Organising Chairperson of BE in Sabah, Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and Chair of the MACEOS Sabah Chapter, welcomed more than 900 delegates and industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

The ceremony was officiated by Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister of Sabah, representing Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah.

In her address, Rosmawati highlighted the growing importance of business events as platforms where industries converge, partnerships are formed and long-term collaboration begins. She noted that the forum’s 2026 theme, “Global Collaborations through Business Events,” reflects the strategic focus of discussions taking place over the two-day programme.

Tracing the forum’s evolution, she said BE. in Sabah was first introduced in 2024 to build understanding and confidence within the local business events ecosystem.

The initiative expanded in 2025 to include regional and international partners, and in 2026 has shifted its focus towards enabling sustained partnerships.

“What is most significant is not the scale of this forum, but its continuity,” she said, adding that the forum’s annual return reflects growing clarity of purpose, strengthened partnerships and trust within the industry.

This year’s forum features 33 speakers from 18 countries and territories, representing perspectives from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. Speakers will engage with delegates on topics ranging from governance and sustainability to innovation, talent development and market access.

Rosmawati emphasised that the forum’s strength lies in the quality of dialogue and participation it enables, supported by months of careful curation and coordination. Many speakers, she noted, are global industry leaders whom she has engaged with at major international platforms such as IMEX Frankfurt, AIME Melbourne, The Meetings Show London and ICCA congresses worldwide.

She expressed appreciation to the Sabah Chief Minister for his steadfast support in advancing Sabah’s positioning within the global business events industry. Under his leadership, she said, clear direction has been provided through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and the Yayasan Sabah Group, enabling sustained public-private collaboration.

Acknowledgement was also given to Dr. Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), for ICCA’s continued engagement with the forum and its advocacy for the business events industry at global platforms, including the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Rosmawati also recognised Datuk Dr. M. Gandhi, President of the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), for the association’s role in strengthening professionalism and capacity-building within Malaysia’s business events ecosystem.

A key highlight of the opening ceremony was the exchange of several memoranda of understanding between D’Heritage Sdn Bhd (SICC) and both international and local partners.

These included collaborations with the Goyang Convention & Exhibitors Bureau and Goyang International Expo Foundation, 10X, MYKZ Venture Holdings, and AIC Footprints Travels & Tours Sdn Bhd, focusing on knowledge exchange, capacity-building and destination development.

Rosmawati said BE in Sabah is designed not as a showcase, but as a global working platform that facilitates meaningful networks and real business opportunities, particularly within East ASEAN, a region with a population of more than 84 million.

She concluded by thanking strategic partners, sponsors, supporting agencies and industry associations, as well as the MACEOS Sabah Chapter and the SICC team, for their commitment and perseverance in delivering the forum.

The BE in Sabah Forum 2026 continues bringing together international and regional stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and enhance global readiness within the business events industry.