Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 3 December 2025 — The 3rd International Business Events Forum – BE in SABAH 2026 was officially introduced to media and industry stakeholders during the BE in SABAH 2026 Industry Connect & Media Preview, held on 3 December 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu.
The session marked the first formal preview of BE in SABAH 2026 ahead of the main forum scheduled for 4–5 February 2026, bringing together representatives from government agencies, tourism and Business Events bodies, industry stakeholders and the media to outline the forum’s positioning, objectives and international scope.
Jointly organised by Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter, BE in SABAH 2026 carries the theme “Global Collaboration Through Business Events.” The forum is supported by key state and destination stakeholders including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Sabah Convention Bureau, Sabah Tourism Board and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), and is positioned as a strategic Asia Pacific platform examining how Business Events support trade facilitation, investment flows, market confidence and cross-border collaboration.
Speaking at the Industry Connect & Media Preview, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, JP, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah International Convention Centre and Organising Chairperson of BE in SABAH 2026, said:
“BE in SABAH 2026 is designed as a regional platform for dialogue and collaboration within the global Business Events community. In a period of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Business Events play an increasingly strategic role in facilitating trade, investment and knowledge exchange. The forum brings international and Asia Pacific leaders together to share perspectives, strengthen partnerships and support long-term industry resilience.”
BE in SABAH 2026 will feature a high-level international speaker line-up representing leading global institutions within the Business Events ecosystem. Participating organisations include the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), International Exhibition and Event consulting firms, major convention and exhibition centres, destination and convention bureaux, as well as industry media and strategy organisations such as those focusing on global market intelligence and destination advisory services.
The two-day programme is structured around keynote sessions and plenary discussions addressing issues shaping the global Business Events landscape. These include global industry growth and competitiveness, cross-border collaboration as a commercial strategy, artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making, sustainability and climate responsibility, leadership and resilience in volatile markets, future workforce development, and the role of Business Events in supporting trade, investment and long-term economic outcomes.
Designed for Business Events organisers and suppliers, convention and exhibition venues, convention bureaux and destination marketers, government agencies and policymakers, trade and industry associations, corporate leaders and investors, industry media and analysts, as well as future industry leaders, BE in SABAH 2026 offers access to institutional perspectives that influence policy, investment and industry
standards.
The 3 December Industry Connect & Media Preview also reinforced BE in SABAH’s positioning as an Asia Pacific convening platform. Hosted at the waterfront Sabah International Convention Centre, the forum leverages Sabah’s connectivity within the East ASEAN and Asia Pacific region while maintaining a clearly international outlook.
The 3rd International Business Events Forum – BE in SABAH 2026 is expected to welcome approximately 800 regional and international delegates. Early Bird registration is available until 31 December 2025, and the forum is HRD Corp claimable.
BE IN SABAH 2026
Dates: 4–5 February 2026
Venue: Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: www.beinsabah.com.my
