As BE in SABAH 2026 came to a close, what remained was more than the discussions held, the connections made and the ideas shared over two days. There was a growing sense that something meaningful had taken shape in Sabah – a stronger belief in what the state can contribute to the business events industry, and in the role it can play within ASEAN and beyond.
The forum brought together people with different experiences, perspectives and responsibilities, but the message was clear: progress comes from showing up, working together and following through. For Sabah, BE in SABAH 2026 was both a reflection of the journey so far and a reminder that the journey ahead is one that must be built together.
Global Collaboration through
Business Events
Sabah is Ready for the Global Business Events Stage
In her closing remarks, Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki J.P., Organising Chairman of BE in SABAH 2026, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah International Convention Centre and MACEOS Sabah Chair, stressed that global business events do not pause. They move relentlessly from city to city, across time zones and continents, carried by leaders whose calendars are defined by urgency and consequence. That is the context in which BE in SABAH 2026 must be understood. Its significance was not measured by the number of sessions held or how full the rooms were, but by the fact that the world came to Sabah, even briefly, and did so with purpose.
When Dr Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), arrived in Kota Kinabalu directly from Dubai, delivered a keynote, and departed again the same afternoon for Melbourne, it illustrated a defining truth of this industry. Business events are built on constant motion, continuous engagement, and the discipline to show up where conversations matter. That Sabah was part of this global rhythm speaks volumes about its growing credibility.
Such moments do not occur by chance. They are enabled by confidence. The continued support of the Sabah Government reflects a clear recognition that business events are no longer peripheral activities, but strategic instruments of economic growth, international engagement and long term industry development. In today’s tourism landscape, destinations earn trust not through aspiration, but through consistency, standards and delivery over time.
BE in SABAH has matured within this reality. What began as a regional gathering has evolved into a platform of substance, one that convenes policymakers, industry leaders, associations, and practitioners into a shared space for serious conversation. Over two days, discussions moved beyond theory into the practical realities shaping the business events sector: governance, sustainability, talent development, competitiveness and capability building. The quality of dialogue reflected an industry increasingly conscious of its responsibility to contribute to national and regional outcomes.
This evolution has been guided by deliberate leadership and regional vision. Through MACEOS, and with strong stewardship at both national and Sabah Chapter levels, BE in SABAH has expanded its lens beyond state boundaries into East ASEAN. Sabah’s geographic position, connectivity, and institutional readiness position it not as an endpoint, but as a gateway. In a region defined by proximity and interdependence, collaboration is not optional but it is essential.
The forum’s growing international relevance was further reinforced through tangible outcomes. Partnerships forged, knowledge exchanged, and capacity built all signalled a platform designed to last. Initiatives such as the BE Youth Hub, the BE Boot Camp, and the Certified Event Designer programme reflect a long term investment in people, recognising that the sustainability of the industry rests not on infrastructure alone, but on professional competence and shared values.
What distinguishes BE in SABAH is not scale, but intent. It is not measured by spectacle, but by seriousness. The forum’s strength lies in its ability to bring together a global industry that is often too busy to pause, and to do so in a way that commands respect.
What distinguishes BE in SABAH is not scale, but intent. It is not measured by spectacle, but by seriousness. The forum’s strength lies in its ability to bring together a global industry that is often too busy to pause, and to do so in a way that commands respect. Feedback from international leaders affirming its quality and relevance is not an accolade to be celebrated lightly. It is a responsibility to be upheld.
In the end, BE in SABAH 2026 was not a conclusion, but a continuation. A reaffirmation that nation building through business events is a long conversation, one shaped by trust, partnership, and continuity. Sabah’s role in that conversation is becoming clearer with each edition. Not as a destination seeking attention, but as a credible partner contributing meaningfully to the global business events ecosystem.
And in an industry that never stops moving, being part of that journey matters.
Business Events – A Catalyst for Nation Building
As BE in SABAH 2026 drew to a close, Datuk Dr M Gandhi, President of MACEOS emphasised that the significance of the gathering was not found in a summary of sessions or a recount of programmes, but in what the platform itself represents within the evolving role of business events in nation building.
Business events today are no longer defined by scale alone. They function as strategic instruments of national development, shaping how countries present themselves to the world, how industries are positioned, and how economic relationships are formed.
Through exhibitions, conventions, and congresses, they create structured environments where trade, investment, innovation, and talent intersect with intent and direction.
This is why MACEOS continues to frame business events as a catalyst for nation building, Acara Perniagaan Pemangkin Pembangunan Negara. In this context, business events are not merely economic multipliers. They are enablers of competitiveness, credibility, and long term national relevance. Platforms such as BE in SABAH exist beyond the lifespan of a single programme. They convene an entire ecosystem, organisers, venues, hoteliers, service providers, associations, policy makers, and partners into a shared space where ideas are exchanged with clarity and purpose. Over time, these interactions strengthen institutional capability, professional discipline, and market confidence, all of which are essential to sustainable development.
The conversations across the two days reflected the realities facing the industry today. Expectations are higher. Scrutiny is closer. Markets are increasingly interdependent. Discussions on governance, sustainability, talent development, and innovation underscored a simple truth: progress in business events requires professionalism, collaboration, and long term thinking. Short term access and transactional engagement are no longer sufficient if the industry is to continue serving national and regional economic objectives.
Within this landscape, MACEOS plays a steady and deliberate role. As the national industry association, its focus remains on strengthening standards, building capability across the value chain, and supporting Malaysia’s positioning within the global business events ecosystem. This work aligns directly with national priorities, from trade facilitation and investment attraction to talent development and services sector growth.
BE in SABAH has also matured into a platform of growing regional relevance. Sabah’s position within East ASEAN, and its ability to convene stakeholders across borders, reflects the importance of credible regional platforms that complement national and global industry efforts. In doing so, Sabah reinforces Malaysia’s role as a regional connector while contributing to more balanced and inclusive economic development.
Behind the continuity of BE in SABAH lies sustained leadership and institutional intent. The commitment of the organising leadership, led by Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki JP, together with the Sabah International Convention Centre and the MACEOS Sabah Chapter, has ensured that the platform continues to evolve with clarity and discipline. Continuity of this nature does not occur by chance. It is a marker of institutional maturity.
Equally central to the forum’s success were its people. Speakers who shared experience with candour, delegates who engaged with seriousness, and partners who invested confidence in the platform all contributed to the quality of dialogue. Such engagement reflects the thoughtful professionalism that has enabled the business events industry to navigate decades of global change.
The timing of BE in SABAH 2026 adds further context. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, business events have been recognised at the national level as contributors not only to tourism, but to trade, investment, and the broader services economy. The discussions and experiences showcased during the forum mirror this broader national direction, reinforcing the shared responsibility of industry and association to strengthen standards, credibility, and long term capability.
Nation building through business events is achieved through continuity, discipline, and shared purpose.
In this sense, BE in SABAH 2026 was not an ending, but a reaffirmation. A reaffirmation that platforms matter when they are sustained with intent, that credibility is built over time, and that nation building is a long conversation, one that continues well beyond a single event.
Building Confidence Through Action
In his closing remarks at BE in SABAH 2026, Yang Berhormat Dr Andi MD Shamzureezal, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, representing Yang Berhormat Datuk Jafry Bin Ariffin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and Patron of BE in SABAH 2026, emphasised that BE in SABAH 2026 reflects how destinations today must earn confidence through action, not aspiration.
Business events have evolved. They are no longer peripheral gatherings or transactional encounters. They now occupy a strategic position within global engagement, functioning as platforms where intent is tested through execution, where standards are measured in practice, and where confidence in destinations is built over time.
In this sense, BE in SABAH stands as more than a forum. It reflects a shift in how destinations position themselves within the regional and international landscape. Credibility today is not declared; it is demonstrated. It is built through consistency, readiness, and the discipline to deliver on commitments long after the event hall lights have dimmed.
Sabah’s role in this evolving environment is both relevant and timely. Located within Asia’s dynamic growth corridor, Sabah sits at the intersection of regional connectivity, shared economic interests, and increasing cross border collaboration. Platforms such as BE in SABAH allow the state to engage deliberately and with focus, connecting with partners who value long term collaboration, reliability in standards and a shared understanding of value creation.
Across tourism, culture and environmental priorities, Sabah’s approach remains anchored in balance and credibility. Growth is not pursued at the expense of identity, nor is engagement divorced from responsibility. Business events contribute to this equilibrium by enabling structured, high value interactions that support economic activity while respecting cultural heritage and safeguarding environmental integrity.
The broader national context further reinforces this direction. The designation of Visit Malaysia 2026 signals recognition of the role business events play beyond tourism promotion alone. They are integral to trade, services and broader economic engagement. Sabah’s participation in this national initiative is grounded in preparation and realism, strengthening coordination, building capability and ensuring that engagement delivers outcomes that extend beyond individual events.
As attention turns toward Visit Sabah Year 2027, the relationships formed at BE in SABAH 2026 take on renewed significance. The forum becomes an invitation rather than a conclusion, encouraging partners to return, to deepen collaboration, and to engage with Sabah not merely as a host destination, but as a long term partner within the regional and global business events ecosystem.
The success of BE in SABAH 2026 was shaped by collective leadership and shared commitment. The continued engagement of the International Congress and Convention Association, led by its Chief Executive Officer Dr Senthil, reinforced Sabah’s connection to the global business events community. The leadership of Datuk Dr M Gandhi and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers further underscored the industry’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s business events ecosystem through meaningful collaboration.
Equally important were the voices that filled the forum. Speakers who shared experience with candour, partners who placed confidence in the platform, and delegates who travelled from near and far all contributed to a gathering defined by substance rather than spectacle.
Behind the scenes, disciplined execution ensured clarity of purpose. The organising leadership, led by Datuk Dr Hajah, together with the Sabah International Convention Centre and the MACEOS Sabah Chapter, delivered BE in SABAH 2026 with focus, coherence, and professionalism, reinforcing the forum’s credibility as a serious engagement platform.
As BE in SABAH 2026 concluded, one principle remained clear.
Sabah’s commitment lies in this continuity. In approaching engagement with openness and clarity, and in nurturing relationships that endure beyond a single event, the state continues to position itself not only as a venue for business events, but as a trusted partner in long term regional and international collaboration.
Tinggi Tinggi Gunung Kinabalu. Tinggi Lagi Sayang Sabah Pada Kamu.
In that sentiment lies the enduring spirit of BE in SABAH – grounded, purposeful, and looking forward.
