Malaysia has secured the hosting rights for the International Congress on Parasitology (ICOPA) 2030, bringing one of the world’s major international scientific congresses to Kuching, Sarawak and marking the first time the congress will be held in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
The successful bid represents a significant achievement for Malaysia’s Business Events sector and underscores the country’s growing ability to attract high-value international congresses that deliver economic, professional, scientific and long-term legacy benefits.
ICOPA 2030 will take place from 18 to 23 August 2030 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), with approximately 2,500 delegates from the global parasitology and tropical medicine community expected to attend.
The bid was initiated by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) in 2021, with the successful outcome achieved through close collaboration between the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM), MyCEB and Business Events Sarawak.
The win also highlights the increasingly important role of destination and industry collaboration in securing international congresses for Malaysia, with the event expected to generate international visitor arrivals and wider economic activity for Kuching, Sarawak and the country.
Securing ICOPA 2030 is a significant achievement for Malaysia and reflects the international community’s confidence in our ability to host major global scientific congresses. The journey began when MyCEB initiated the bid in 2021, and today’s success demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between our national association, destination partners and the Business Events industry.
Bringing ICOPA to Malaysia and Southeast Asia for the first time is not only an important milestone for our Business Events industry, but also an opportunity to create meaningful impact through knowledge exchange, international research collaboration and professional development. We look forward to welcoming approximately 2,500 delegates from around the world to Kuching in 2030. ~ Tan Mei Phing, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB
Held once every four years, ICOPA brings together researchers, academicians, practitioners and specialists from around the world to advance knowledge in parasitology, promote scientific exchange and strengthen international collaboration.
For Malaysia, hosting the congress extends beyond delegate numbers and visitor expenditure. The event is expected to provide a platform for Malaysian researchers and professionals to engage with international peers, facilitate research collaboration, strengthen knowledge transfer and support professional development within the country’s scientific and medical communities.
The decision to stage ICOPA 2030 in Kuching also reinforces Sarawak’s growing profile as an international Business Events destination, supported by its convention infrastructure, destination capabilities and established ecosystem for hosting major international gatherings.
MyCEB congratulates the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM) on this significant achievement and acknowledges the strong collaboration with Business Events Sarawak and all relevant partners and stakeholders who contributed to the successful bid.
The successful bid demonstrates the strength of Malaysia’s Business Events ecosystem and its ability to bring together national associations, convention bureaux, destination partners and industry stakeholders to compete successfully for major international congresses.
As preparations progress, MyCEB remains committed to working closely with MSPTM, Business Events Sarawak and relevant industry partners towards the successful delivery of ICOPA 2030, while continuing to position Malaysia as a leading destination for international Business Events.
ICOPA 2030 at a Glance
- Event: International Congress on Parasitology (ICOPA) 2030
- Dates: 18–23 August 2030
- Venue: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak
- Expected attendance: Approximately 2,500 delegates
- Frequency: Held once every four years
- Significance: First ICOPA to be hosted in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
- Bid initiated: 2021 by MyCEB
- Key partners: MyCEB, Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM), Business Events Sarawak