Today, 4 February 2026, marks the opening of 3rd International Business Events Forum – BE in SABAH 2026, and a milestone shaped by vision, continuity and growing confidence. Delegates from across regions, sectors and disciplines have gathered in Sabah, reflecting not only the increasing relevance of this forum, but a shared recognition of the powerful role business events now play as platforms where industries converge, partnerships are forged and long-term collaboration takes root.
Where Connections, Collaboration and Global Perspectives Meet
Guided by this year’s theme, “Global Collaboration through Business Events,” the forum moves beyond dialogue to create a space where ideas translate into action and insights generate real impact. When BE in SABAH was first introduced in 2024, the goal was simple yet significant: to build understanding, interest and confidence in business events within Sabah’s local ecosystem. In 2025, the forum expanded, welcoming regional and international partners and testing Sabah’s ability to convene at a higher level. Now, in 2026, BE in SABAH takes its next step, evolving from participation to sustained partnerships, from gatherings to lasting impact. It is continuity, rather than scale alone, that sets BE in SABAH apart. In just a few short years, what began as an idea has grown into a platform that returns annually with increasing clarity, purpose, and trust, a platform shaped by learning, strengthened through collaboration, and sustained by commitment.
This year, 33 speakers from 18 countries and territories share their expertise with more than 900 delegates from across the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. . While the numbers are impressive, the true strength of BE in SABAH lies in quality of dialogue and collaboration, in conversations that build understanding, shape perspectives and generate meaningful opportunities.
Behind the programme are months of meticulous planning, coordination and engagement. Many speakers are leaders and practitioners from global platforms such as IBTM World, The Meetings Show London, IMEX Frankfurt, ICCA Congresses and international venue forums in Melbourne and Beijing. Some have travelled across continents; others have adjusted demanding schedules, all to contribute their insights to Sabah’s growing business events ecosystem. Bringing these voices together within the East ASEAN context is a deliberate choice, reflecting a belief in the power of regional platforms to strengthen global readiness and industry capability.
Strong leadership support continues to anchor the forum’s growth. The steadfast backing of Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah, together with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and the Yayasan Sabah Group, reflects a strategic understanding of business events as drivers of economic growth, international engagement and industry development.
The forum is further enriched by global and national industry leadership, including Dr Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer of ICCA, whose advocacy at international platforms such as the World Economic Forum reinforces the role of business events in shaping global collaboration. Datuk Dr M Gandhi, President of MACEOS, also brings valuable perspective, bridging international standards with real market realities and strengthening relevance, capability and confidence within the local ecosystem.
At its core, BE in SABAH is about people and connection. For international participants, it offers space to explore new markets, establish partnerships and identify opportunities across East ASEAN, a region of more than 84 million people with proximity, shared economic interests and strong networks. For local and regional stakeholders, it provides an opportunity to engage at international standards, build confidence and operate within a global business events environment, positioning Sabah confidently on the world stage.
As BE in SABAH 2026 takes place over the next two days, delegates are encouraged to engage openly, challenge perspectives and explore collaborations that will continue long after the forum concludes, reinforcing Sabah’s growing role within the global business events ecosystem.
For more information, kindly visit www.beinsabah.com.my.