Sabah has once again demonstrated its growing capability as a destination for high-impact international scientific congresses as nearly 200 leading materials scientists, engineers and industry experts from 13 countries convened at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) for the 14th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials (ACCM 2026).
Hosted through a collaborative partnership between Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Brunei, the four-day conference brought together global experts to advance research into bio-based, recyclable and longer-lasting composite materials—technologies increasingly critical to aviation, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and modern electronics.
While composite materials have transformed industries through their exceptional strength and lightweight properties, managing these materials at the end of their lifecycle remains one of manufacturing’s greatest sustainability challenges. ACCM 2026 provided an important international platform for researchers and industry leaders to explore practical solutions that support a more circular economy.
The conference also reinforced Sabah’s growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting specialised international association meetings that deliver long-term economic and intellectual value.
Supported by the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB), ACCM 2026 aligns with the state’s strategy of attracting knowledge-driven business events that extend benefits well beyond tourism by facilitating international collaboration, research partnerships and innovation exchange.
We aren’t just looking at how to make materials stronger or lighter anymore; we’re asking what happens to them 20 years down the line. Bringing this level of international expertise together in Sabah allowed us to move past theory and focus on real-world adoption, making sure the next generation of cars, planes and power grids leave a significantly smaller footprint on the planet.~ Ts. Dr. Fethma M Nor, Organising Chair of ACCM 2026
International Delegates Generate Economic and Knowledge Legacy
International delegates represented approximately 93% of total attendance, travelling from countries including South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region.
Beyond the conference itself, delegates contributed directly to Sabah’s visitor economy through hotel stays, dining, transportation and participation in local tourism experiences.
A dedicated post-conference programme introduced participants to Sabah’s cultural and natural attractions. Around 80 delegates visited Mari Mari Cultural Village alongside a city tour featuring landmarks such as the Tun Mustapha Tower and the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. Many delegates also extended their stay to visit Mamutik and Sapi Islands, Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs, and wildlife river cruises to experience Sabah’s renowned proboscis monkeys and fireflies.
hese extended itineraries provided additional business opportunities for local hotels, tour operators, transport providers and tourism stakeholders, demonstrating how international conventions can generate wider destination impact beyond the conference venue.
New ASEAN Collaboration Emerges
One of the conference’s significant outcomes was the establishment of groundwork for the ASEAN Society for Composite Materials, a regional collaborative body aimed at strengthening Southeast Asia’s research capabilities through joint projects, knowledge sharing and future funding initiatives.
The initiative reflects the broader legacy that international scientific congresses can create by fostering enduring partnerships that continue well after delegates return home.
SCB Chief Executive Officer Mdm. Noredah Othman attended the conference Gala Dinner to welcome delegates and recognise their contribution to advancing global scientific collaboration.
It is an absolute privilege to welcome such brilliant minds from across the globe to Kota Kinabalu. Events like ACCM 2026 demonstrate that Sabah is far more than a breathtaking eco-tourism destination, we are a dynamic home for world-class innovation. When international experts gather here to solve global challenges, it inspires our local scientific community and creates a lasting legacy for Sabah. ~ Noredah Othman
Malaysia Takes on Regional Leadership
The conference also marked another milestone for Malaysia’s growing leadership in advanced materials research, with Prof. Mariatti announced as the incoming President of the Asian-Australasian Association for Composite Materials (AACM) for 2028.
Following its successful edition in Sabah, the conference will travel to Jeju Island, South Korea, for the 15th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials in 2028.
As destinations increasingly compete to host knowledge-intensive international meetings, ACCM 2026 highlights how business events serve as powerful platforms for scientific advancement, international collaboration and sustainable economic development. For Sabah, hosting such globally recognised conferences further strengthens its position as one of Malaysia’s emerging hubs for world-class association congresses and high-value business events.