Kota Kinabalu: Informa Markets Malaysia has put Sabah on the beauty and wellness map with the launch of its inaugural Cosmobeauté Malaysia Borneo Festival 2026 (CBMB 2026), here, signaling a new chapter for East Malaysia’s beauty and wellness industry.
The CBMB 2026 is powered by Cosmoprof Asia Hong Kong and held at the Sabah International Convention Centre until today (May 26).
“This is a milestone not only for the industry but also for Sabah’s growing reputation as a destination for business events, tourism and lifestyle-driven investments,” said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai, when officiating the two-day CBMB 2026, here, Monday.
Josie said tourism is one of Sabah’s most important economic pillars, supporting local businesses, generating employment and driving entrepreneurship Statewide.
“Today’s visitors increasingly seek destinations offering wellness, beauty and authentic local experiences, making such industries ever more important to the tourism value chain.
“This is why the CBMB 2026 is both timely and significant,” she said.
“The event complements the Sabah Government’s development priorities by providing a platform for business expansion, regional collaboration, talent development and knowledge sharing.
“The event creates opportunities for small and medium enterprises, young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses to gain greater exposure and participate more actively in international markets,” she said.
Informa Markets Malaysia Event Director Kelie Lim said the event is a start to an exciting new chapter for the beauty and wellness industry in Borneo.
“Today, we are proud to bring that same energy, opportunity and industry connection to Sabah for the very first time,” she said, adding that Sabah’s growing hospitality sector and entrepreneurial spirit give it tremendous potential for the industry.
She also invited participants to the flagship Cosmobeauté Malaysia and beautyexpo 2026, set for Sept 29 - Oct 1 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event is expected to draw more than 400 companies and 15,000 trade visitors from 60 countries.
Meanwhile, CBMB 2026 Event partner, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah Branch President Datuk Dexter Lau, said the decision to come onboard required little deliberation.
“When we looked at what this event represents, we saw far more than an exhibition. We saw a valuable platform to bring people together, open doors and create opportunities for Sabah’s business community,” he said.
Dexter said the event reinforces Sabah as a promising hub for business and investment given its strategic location and strong regional networks.
Exhibitors at the festival shared the same enthusiasm. Cosmecnique Beauty Gallery Sdn Bhd Marketing Executive Angie Ng, on her first visit to Sabah, said strong crowd turnout gave her confidence.
“We are very happy that this fair can help our business grow,” she said. Her company offers Paris-formulated, Malaysia-made salon treatments and face and body machines covering lifting, whitening and serum applications.
Taiwan AC Scientific Inc General Manager Cynthia Pang was equally taken with the State, praising locals as friendlier and more enthusiastic than elsewhere in Malaysia.
The company drew interest for its sunscreen range, which uses proprietary nano technology to produce finer cream particles than the industry standard, with its OEM product line also covering cleansers and anti-acne solutions.
Zhejiang Cheerflor Cosmetics Co. Limited Manager Yin Zheng, visiting Sabah for the first time, said he was happy to introduce the company’s Color Rose and Murmurmuse makeup brands to a new audience.
“We want to bring lots of beautiful colours and beautiful kinds of makeup to help girls be themselves,” he said.
PFT International Distribution Sdn Bhd Marketing Manager Mohd Syafiq Ismail and Director Queen Tan made the trip from Kuala Lumpur to introduce their German-technology, surgery-free nail braces system, which treats ingrown and fungal nails and carries particular importance for diabetic patients.
“Happy, because we are family. Sabah and East and West Malaysia is a family,” Mohd Syafiq said, with Queen Tan adding, “One Malaysia.”
For the record, the CBMB 2026 is organised as an extension of Cosmobeauté Malaysia and beautyexpo, Southeast Asia’s leading beauty trade platforms with exhibitors from Malaysia, China and Taiwan, among others.
Supporting partners are the State Industry Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry, Sabah Convention Bureau, Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers Sabah Chapter, Junior Chamber International Kota Kinabalu, Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malaysian Association of Hotels Sabah Chapter and Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association.
In addition to the exhibition, the event also places emphasis on education and industry upskilling through curated seminar sessions featuring market insights, business strategies and regional industry perspectives.
Visitors who spend a minimum of RM200 in a single receipt during the two-day CBMB 2026 will be eligible to participate in the Spend and Redeem campaign and receive exclusive rewards.
