BE In Sabah 2025 Concludes with A Strong Call for Global Collaboration and Industry Growth
28 February 2025
KOTA KINABALU: BE in SABAH 2025 successfully unites key stakeholders from across the Asia Pacific business events industry, fostering meaningful collaborations, strategic discussions, and innovative approaches to further advance the sector.
Honoured by the presence of Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, and Patron of BE in SABAH, the event highlighted the vital role that business events play in driving economic development, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enhancing cross-border partnerships.
In her address, Liew reaffirmed the Asia Pacific's burgeoning influence within the global business events landscape. She emphasized that the region is not merely a participant; it is a driving force shaping the industry's future. The energy and commitment evident at BE in SABAH 2025 showcased Asia Pacific's ambition and capability to lead innovation and industry transformation.
Liew also reiterated the region's dedication to the growth and sustainability of the business events sector, recognizing its role as a catalyst for economic progress, knowledge sharing, and regional collaboration. She commended the strategic partnerships formed during the event, including strengthened ties between ICCA, MACEOS, and key industry stakeholders, which will further enhance Sabah's position as a competitive player in the global business events arena.
BE in SABAH 2025 featured a diverse programme of panel discussions, networking sessions, and keynote presentations, addressing the evolving landscape of business events. A key highlight was the emphasis on Asia Pacific's growing role in the global business events industry. Industry experts provided insights into emerging markets, regional synergies, and strategic initiatives to position the sector for long-term success.
Reflecting on the event's impact, Datuk Dr. Rosmawati Lasuki, J.P., Organising Chairperson of BE in SABAH 2025, MACEOS Sabah Chair, and CEO of Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), stated, "The discussions, insights, and connections made here will not end when we leave this venue. They are the foundation for future collaborations, new business opportunities, and strategies that will shape the business events industry for years to come."
She encouraged all delegates to translate ideas into action, ensuring that the event's impact extends far beyond its two days.
The closing ceremony was attended by Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA); Datuk Dr M. Gandhi, a veteran in the global business events industry; and Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah. Their presence reinforced BE in SABAH's growing international significance and its role in shaping the future of business events in Asia Pacific.
The event also served as a strategic platform for global industry leaders and international organisations to explore collaborative strategies, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering stronger ties between Asia Pacific nations and the global business events market.
As BE in SABAH 2025 comes to a close, it leaves behind a powerful legacy of collaboration, innovation, and growth. With the strong support of the Sabah State Government, strategic partnerships with ICCA, MACEOS, and MyCEB, and the unwavering commitment of business event professionals, BE in SABAH has set the stage for a future where business events are not just gatherings, but catalysts for economic progress, knowledge exchange, and industry evolution.
As momentum builds beyond this event, BE in SABAH remains dedicated to empowering the region, elevating emerging destinations, and creating impactful opportunities for the global business events community. With BE in SABAH 2026 already in the pipeline, the event's success this year marks the beginning of an even greater push towards transformation and collaboration in the business events industry.
This was further underscored by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Event Organising Chairman and Chairman of the MACEOS Sabah Chapter, Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki, and the Managing Director of The Genuine Brands Sdn Bhd, Professor Dr Jeffery Yap, during the closing ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). The purpose of this two-year strategic partnership is to collaborate in the organisation and promotion of internationally recognised business events (BEs). The MoU was witnessed by Datuk Christina Liew.
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