BUSINESS Events Forum (BE in Sabah) 2026 continues to strengthen its position as an international business events platform, evolving from a local initiative into a forum that enables sustained global partnerships, said Organising Chairperson Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki.
According to her, the presence of delegates and speakers from various regions reflected the growing relevance of business events as platforms for industry convergence, relationship-building and long-term collaboration.
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“This year, the theme ‘Global Collaborations Through Business Events’ reflects the focus of our conversations over the next two days,” she said.
Rosmawati, who also Chair of Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (Maceos) noted that when the BE in Sabah Forum was introduced in 2024, its intention was to build understanding, interest and confidence in business events within the local ecosystem, before expanding its reach to regional and international partners in 2025.
“Today, BE in Sabah Forum 2026’ shifts that journey outward; from building participation to enabling sustained partnerships,” she said, adding that the continuity of the forum was a clear signal of commitment to the industry, partners and future work ahead.
This year’s forum brings together 33 speakers from 18 countries and territories across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania, engaging with more than 900 delegates from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond over two days.
“These figures provide important context, but the true strength of this forum lies in the quality of participation and dialogue it enables – creating space for informed exchange, practical collaboration and shared understanding at an international standard,” said Rosmawati.
The SICC Chief Executive Officer said the programme was the result of months of coordination and careful curation, involving industry leaders she had encountered at major international platforms such as Aime Melbourne, Imex Frankfurt, The Meetings Show London and ICCA Congresses in Abu Dhabi and Porto.
“Bringing these voices together within the East Asean context is a deliberate and considered choice, grounded in the belief that regional platforms play an important role in strengthening global readiness and industry capability,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for his support and leadership in positioning Sabah within the global business events industry, noting that clear direction from the State Government had enabled sustained public-private collaboration.
Rosmawati further acknowledged International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Senthil Gopinath for ICCA’s continued engagement with the forum, describing it as a shared commitment to strengthening capability, professional standards and knowledge exchange within the industry.
“Dr Senthil’s leadership in advancing this advocacy and his presence at BE in Sabah Forum 2026 add significant depth and perspective to the conversations taking place over the next two days,” she said.
She also recognised Maceos President Datuk Dr M Gandhi, saying it played an important role in advancing professionalism and capacity-building within Malaysia’s business events ecosystem.
Rosmawati said the convergence of international perspectives from ICCA and on-the-ground industry experience from Maceos allowed the forum to operate as a meaningful platform where global standards are complemented by real market realities.
She said BE in Sabah is designed not as a showcase, but as a global working platform focused on practical perspectives, including governance, sustainability, innovation, talent development and market access.
Meanwhile, there are plans for a ship hotel to be located near the SICC jetty and operational by mid-year to enhance accommodation capacity for large-scale events.
She said the forum provides international participants with opportunities to explore new markets and partnerships within East Asean, while enabling local and regional stakeholders to engage confidently at international standards.
She thanked strategic partners, sponsors, supporting agencies, the Maceos Sabah Chapter and the Sabah International Convention Centre team for their perseverance and commitment in delivering the forum.
Several memoranda of understanding were exchanged between D’Heritage Sdn Bhd (SICC) and international as well as local industry partners, focusing on knowledge exchange, capacity-building and destination development.
“These MoUs reflect working relationships that extend beyond this forum and are intended to be progressed through continued engagement,” she said.
Across two days, BE in Sabah 2026 will explore strategic issues shaping the Business Events industry, including Business Events as enablers of trade, investment and market confidence; Regional and cross-border collaboration in Asia Pacific; Leadership, governance and industry resilience; Artificial intelligence, innovation and data-led strategies; and Talent development, professional standards and future readiness.
