SWWICE 2025 Positions Sabah as an Emerging Global Leader in Sustainable Wholistic Wellness Tourism
- nabalunews
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
11 August 2025
KOTA KINABALU: Following the resounding success of the recent Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference & Expo (SWWICE 2025), Sabah is now firmly established as a rising global hub for sustainable wellness tourism. The event, held from 24 June to 3 July, brought together international wellness pioneers, eco-conscious entrepreneurs, and cultural advocates, showcasing Sabah’s natural beauty and cultural richness through a diverse programme of conferences, exhibitions, cultural galas, and immersive nature retreats.
Spokesperson for the event, Cleopatra Lajawai, shared, building on the momentum of SWWICE 2025, the organisers are excited to announce a series of upcoming events scheduled for October and November 2025, designed to deepen Sabah’s position as a leader in sustainable wholistic wellness. These sessions, supported by QiMag, will continue to highlight the event’s core principles and expand opportunities for international collaboration, certification, and investment.
The conference, held from 24 to 26 June at the Magellan Sutera Resort, adopted the theme “Sustainable Wholistic Wellness Tourism”. Over 250 delegates from fifteen countries participated, engaging with 26 distinguished speakers specialising in areas such as integrative medicine, sustainable architecture, energy healing, and transformational leadership. The event was officially opened by Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, and Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board.
Highlights included community-led wellness dialogue sessions titled “Voice for Health”, a celebration of Sabahan cultural crafts called “Kadaiku”, and holistic therapies under “Rakta Wellness”. The programme also featured bio-resonance therapies, soul alignment, breathwork, and emotional clearing demonstrations, each aligned with the event’s guiding “10 Pillars of Sustainable Wholistic Wellness”.
On 26 June, the prestigious gala dinner at the Pacific Sutera Ballroom was attended by Thonny Chee, CEO of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd. The evening featured vibrant cultural performances, including the “1 Sabah” ethnic medley and traditional Sumazau dance by the Sabah Cultural Troupe. Key moments included the launch of the Energy Medicine Practitioners Association Malaysia (EMPAM), recognition of founding members, and the presentation of the Vital Energi Seal to Germany’s Alexander Geissler for BioHotel Mattlihaüs. The event also supported Soroptimist International Kota Kinabalu’s Period Poverty Programme through a charity donation, while guests enjoyed a lively lucky draw with prizes ranging from antique collectibles to stays at BioHotel Mattlihaüs and Danum Valley, as well as passes to the upcoming CHG Top Wellness Global Summit in Thailand.
From 27 to 29 June, the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) hosted the SWWICE Wellness & Smart Lifestyle Expo, which drew thousands of visitors. The event featured 300 fully booked booths and themed zones such as SWWICE Wellness, Smart Lifestyle, Baby Festival, and Life+. Outdoor hubs included Decakila Basketball Court and 22Cycle Seaside Ride. The programme included business matching with GoGlobal Solutions, autism awareness talks by Dr Natasha, estate planning insights from RightWill, hypnotherapy demonstrations by the Malaysian Psychological Hypnotherapy Association (MPHA), nutrition seminars, CPR and safety workshops, and children’s competitions. Total sales exceeded RM3.6 million, signalling strong regional interest in health-tech and wellness solutions. Over RM300,000 worth of prizes and vouchers were distributed, engaging visitors and rewarding participation.
The final phase of SWWICE 2025, from 1 to 3 July, offered participants an immersive wellness retreat across Sabah’s scenic highlands. Activities included visits to Kinabalu Park, Pekan Nabalu, Poring Hot Springs, Kipungit Waterfall, Sabah Tea Garden, and Bombon Fish Spa, complemented by cultural visits to Mari Mari Cultural Village and relaxation at StoneAgeSpa and Perkasa Hotel. The retreat’s activities focused on the “10 Pillars of Sustainable Wholistic Wellness”, incorporating breathing techniques, Fragrant Qigong, nature grounding, and emotional release exercises.
Building on this momentum, Sabah will host a series of QiMag-supported events in October and November 2025, designed to further promote sustainable wellness. These sessions will take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from 17–19 October and 7–9 November, offering opportunities for delegates to deepen their understanding of wholistic health principles, explore certification pathways, and engage with local practitioners.
These upcoming events will continue to showcase Sabah’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural tapestry, and innovative wellness community. They will serve as vital platforms for fostering international collaborations, inspiring future investments, and solidifying Sabah’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable wellness tourism.
SWWICE 2025 has positioned Sabah as a pioneer in sustainable wholistic wellness, leveraging its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and visionary practitioners. The event’s success has ignited a new chapter for Sabah’s wellness economy, attracting international attention and setting a benchmark for future initiatives.
As Sabah prepares for its upcoming events, the message is clear: the region is ready to redefine the global wellness narrative, one rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and authentic cultural expression.
SWWICE 2025 extends heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Convention Bureau, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) for their unwavering support. Special appreciation goes to all speakers, delegates, exhibitors, visitors, and the dedicated organising and volunteer teams whose passion and efforts made this extraordinary celebration possible.
