Kota Kinabalu, 28 February 2025 – BE in SABAH 2025 successfully brought together keystakeholders from across the Asia Pacific business events industry, fostering new
collaborations, strategic discussions, and innovative approaches to propel the sector forward.
Officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of
Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, and Patron of BE in SABAH, the event
underscored the critical role of business events in driving economic development,
knowledge exchange, and cross-border partnerships.
In her address, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew reaffirmed Asia
Pacific’s growing influence in the global business events landscape. She emphasised that
the region is not just a participant, but a driving force shaping the industry’s future. The energy and commitment displayed at BE in SABAH 2025 reflected Asia Pacific’s ambition and capability in leading innovation and industry transformation.
She also reaffirmed the region’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of the
business events sector, recognising its role as a catalyst for economic progress,
knowledge sharing, and regional collaboration. She praised the strategic
partnerships forged throughout the event—including the strengthening ties between ICCA, MACEOS, and key industry stakeholders—which will continue to elevate Sabah’s position as a competitive player in the business events arena.
BE in SABAH 2025 featured a diverse programme of panel discussions, networking sessions,and keynote presentations, addressing the evolving landscape of business events. A key highlight was the emphasis on Asia Pacific’s growing role in the global business events industry. Industry experts provided insights into emerging markets, regional synergies, and strategic initiatives to position the sector for long-term success.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, J.P.,
Organising Chairperson of BE in SABAH 2025, MACEOS Sabah Chair, and CEO of
Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), stated:
“The discussions, insights, and connections made here will not end when we leave this venue.They are the foundation for future collaborations, new business opportunities, and strategies that will shape the business events industry for years to come.”
She encouraged all delegates to translate ideas into action, ensuring that the event’s
impact extends far beyond its two days.
The closing ceremony was attended by Mr Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International
Congress and Convention Association (ICCA); Datuk Dr M. Gandhi, a veteran in the global business events industry; and Yang Berbahagia Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah. Their presence reinforced BE in SABAH’s growing international significance and its role in shaping the future of business events in Asia Pacific.
The event also served as a strategic platform for global industry leaders and international
organisations to explore collaborative strategies, enhancing regional connectivity and
fostering stronger ties between Asia Pacific nations and the global business events
market.
As BE in SABAH 2025 comes to a close, it leaves behind a powerful legacy of
collaboration, innovation, and growth. With the strong support of the Sabah State
Government, strategic partnerships with ICCA, MACEOS, and MyCEB, and the
unwavering commitment of business event professionals, BE in SABAH has set the
stage for a future where business events are not just gatherings, but catalysts for
economic progress, knowledge exchange, and industry evolution.
As momentum builds beyond this event, BE in SABAH remains dedicated to empowering the region, elevating emerging destinations, and creating impactful opportunities for the global business events community. With already in the
pipeline, the event’s success this year marks the beginning of an even greater push towards transformation and collaboration in the business events industry.
