The 3rd BE in SABAH forum has just concluded, and I am very pleased to share that it has successfully achieved its objectives. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the strong support we received. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Sabah State Government, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, as well as our shareholders, the Yayasan Sabah Group, our sponsors, and partner organisations. Their trust and commitment were instrumental in making this forum a reality.
From Destination to Driver of Ideas and Impact
Business Events as Catalyst for Nation Building
One of the most remarkable aspects of BE in SABAH was the calibre of our speakers and moderators. Over the past two days, our hall was transformed into a truly international forum. We welcomed 33 speakers from 18 countries, each bringing not only global perspectives but also distinct personalities and lived experiences. Their presence created a rich exchange of ideas and energy. Every speaker contributed in their own way, much like different voices in a musical ensemble, each with a unique tone and strength, yet perfectly harmonised.
For our local Sabahan participants in particular, this was a rare and valuable opportunity. Normally, to hear insights of this depth, one would need to travel long distances across continents. Yet, for these two days, global expertise was right here at our doorstep. I truly believe this exposure will help shift mindsets in Sabah, across the region including the Philippines, Brunei, and Indonesia, and also among participants from West Malaysia.
There is still a common misconception that business events are simply a form of tourism. In reality, business events create tourism. They are a business in their own right, driven by transactions, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. This is why this year’s forum deliberately brought together participants from across the entire business events ecosystem. Beyond traditional MICE players such as professional conference organisers and hoteliers, we welcomed convention centre owners, contractors, suppliers, food service providers, and entrepreneurs. This diversity reflects the true ecosystem that sustains and grows the business events industry.
From Conversations to Collaboration
I am also delighted to share that delegates from 33 countries participated this year, many of whom are business leaders. In line with our theme of global collaboration through business events, this objective was clearly realised. We have already seen tangible outcomes, including proposals for future collaborations. Organisations such as Nikkei Inc, Informa Market have expressed interest in organising events in Sabah, and we have received both verbal commitments and formal letters of intent for future partnerships. Participants from India, the United States, China and Korea have indicated their intention to return to Sabah, for upcoming BIGSABAH Sale. This demonstrates that BE in SABAH is a genuine meeting place for business, whether as entrepreneurs, consultants, or strategic partners. Over the past two days, meaningful connections were formed, and real collaborations were set in motion.
Strengthening Industry Capability
For BE in SABAH 2026, we also introduced a series of pre and post forum initiatives to ensure that local participants benefited fully from the presence of our international speakers. These included business matching sessions, a Business Events Bootcamp conducted by ICCA, and the GainingEdge programme, supported by the Sabah Convention Bureau.
One initiative I would like to highlight is the BE Youth Hub. This year, we brought together university students from Sabah and West Malaysia, as well as international students from Korea and New Zealand. The objective was to create early awareness of what the business events industry truly is. By exposing students while they are still studying, we enable them to understand the industry, build relevant skills, and be industry ready upon graduation. This approach ensures they can contribute meaningfully from the outset, rather than spending additional time trying to find their footing through internships.
Another important development is the introduction of the Certified Trusted Advisor programme. Last year, we launched the Certified Event Designer programme, and I am pleased to share that this year, 60 percent of the event’s operational and administrative functions were handled by graduates of that programme. Building on this success, we are now introducing the Certified Trusted Advisor certification. This completes the professional circle by equipping individuals not only with the ability to design events, but also to advise, consult, and sell with credibility and confidence. Through this initiative, we aim to grow a stronger pool of skilled and knowledgeable industry professionals in the market.
See You at BE in SABAH 2027
Building on this success, Sabah has firmly positioned itself on the global business events map. We are excited to carry this momentum forward. It is therefore my pleasure to announce that the 4th Business Events Forum, BE in SABAH 2027, will take place from 28 to 29 January 2027 at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
We look forward to welcoming you again. See you at BE in SABAH 2027.