Kota Kinabalu, 27 February 2025 – The highly anticipated BE in SABAH 2025 officially opened today at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), bringing together business events (BE) leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from across the Asia Pacific region. The event serves as a strategic platform for high-level discussions on the evolution, opportunities, and future of the industry.
With the theme “Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events”, this year’s forum aims to foster collaborations, drive economic impact, and develop actionable strategies for the rapidly growing meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector. As Asia Pacific strengthens its position in the global business events landscape, BE in SABAH 2025 underscores the importance of regional partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation in shaping the industry’s future.
The event was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, representing the Chief Minister of Sabah. In his opening remarks, he highlighted Asia Pacific’s increasing role in international business events and reaffirmed Sabah’s commitment to supporting the growth of the industry as a key economic driver.
“The business events industry is a vital force in knowledge exchange, investment, and economic development. As Asia Pacific continues to expand its influence on the global stage, we must focus on collaboration, sustainability, and innovation to ensure long-term success,” he stated.
Also in attendance was Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, who serves as Patron of BE in SABAH 2025.
BE in SABAH 2025 is jointly organised by MACEOS Sabah Chapter and SICC, with strong support from the Sabah State Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Yayasan Sabah Group, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. This collaboration underscores Sabah’s rising influence as a premier destination for transformative business events.
The forum will explore key industry themes, including:
- Business Growth – Strengthening industry capabilities and expanding market opportunities.
- Leveraging Nature and Culture – Showcasing how Asia Pacific’s natural and cultural assets enhance business event experiences.
- Cultivating Leadership – Developing the next generation of business events professionals and decision-makers.
- Enhancing Skills and Strategic Planning – Equipping industry players with the tools to navigate an evolving global market.
The Organising Chairperson of BE in SABAH 2025 emphasised the event’s mission to build a resilient and forward-thinking business events ecosystem in the region.
“BE in SABAH 2025 is more than just a gathering of industry professionals—it is a catalyst for knowledge exchange, business development, and strategic alliances. By bringing together the brightest minds in the industry, we aim to foster collaborations that drive real-world impact for the Asia Pacific business events sector.”
Setting the tone for the conference, the first keynote session was delivered by Mr Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). He outlined the evolving business events landscape in Asia Pacific, emphasising the industry’s need to embrace change, technology, and sustainability to maintain global competitiveness.
The event features a distinguished roster of 21 speakers, panellists, and moderators from Asia Pacific, alongside four from Europe, one from Latin America, and one from North America. This diverse line-up includes Datuk Dr M Gandhi, President of the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS); ICCA Asia Pacific Board Members; and other leading industry experts, who will share insights and best practices. Their collective expertise underscores BE in SABAH 2025’s role as a pivotal platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange in the business events sector.
As the business events industry continues to evolve as a key economic driver, BE in SABAH 2025 plays a pivotal role in strengthening regional and international partnerships. With participation from associations, corporations, event organisers, and government agencies, the event is set to enhance cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities across the Asia Pacific business events sector.
With a shared commitment to innovation, resilience, and inclusivity, BE in SABAH 2025 will contribute to shaping the next chapter of business events in the region. The official launch underscores the collective vision of industry leaders to strengthen the sector through strategic engagement and sustainable growth initiatives.
