KUCHING, 2 March 2026: As long-haul travel demand continues to rebound and shift towards more sustainable and experience-driven travel, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is showcasing Sarawak offerings at ITB Berlin 2026 from 3–5 March in Berlin, Germany.
At this year’s ITB Berlin B2B show, Sarawak is presenting the theme Journey Unveiled: ‘Redefining River Routes to Storied Lands’. It signals the introduction of a signature experience portfolio designed to position the state’s riverine and heritage narratives for the global travel trade.
The unveiling reflects Sarawak’s evolving approach to long-haul engagement — one anchored in authenticity, cultural depth and place-based storytelling.
Leading Sarawak’s delegation at ITB Berlin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Sarawak, YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, signals the State Government’s strong commitment to international market development and long-haul destination positioning.
“Europe remains an important long-haul market for Sarawak. Our participation at ITB Berlin is not merely about visibility, but about strengthening relationships, building confidence among trade partners, and positioning Sarawak as a destination defined by authenticity and sustainability”.
As the world’s largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin attracts over 100,000 trade visitors and industry stakeholders from more than 190 countries, providing Sarawak with a strategic platform to deepen engagement across key European markets, including Germany, the UK, and the Nordic and Benelux nations.
In 2025, Sarawak welcomed 57,107 visitor arrivals from Europe, including 7,525 arrivals from Germany, reflecting the region’s growing importance as international travel demand continues to evolve.
Sarawak’s participation comes at a pivotal time as global travellers seek destinations that offer depth, cultural richness, and immersive nature-based experiences.
Guided by its CANFF tourism pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals — Sarawak spotlights its nature-based and community-driven offerings that distinguish the state as the Gateway to Borneo.
During the three-day ITB Berlin, 3 to 5 March, Sarawak will engage in strategic business meetings, destination briefings, and trade networking sessions to expand product distribution, strengthen tour operator partnerships, and amplify market awareness ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which targets 43 million international arrivals nationwide.
BANGKOK, 2 March 2026: The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a leading nonprofit research organisation for the global wellness industry, has announced the renewal of its partnership with Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) for a fourth consecutive year.
This ongoing collaboration ensures continued access to in-depth research and data-driven insights on Thailand’s evolving position within the USD6.8 trillion global wellness economy.
Thailand’s wellness market expanded from USD38.8 billion in 2023 to USD42.7 billion in 2024. According to the latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report by GWI, Thailand ranked 7th among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023 and 2024, with a 10.1% increase.
In 2024, Thailand maintained its position as the world’s 24th largest wellness economy, ranking 9th in the Asia-Pacific region. The country is ranked 15th globally for wellness tourism, with spending surging by 36.4% between 2023 and 2024 — one of the fastest growth rates worldwide — bringing the market to USD14 billion.
Other fast-growing wellness sectors in Thailand include wellness real estate (22.9% annually) and spas (18%). The spa sector demonstrated strong momentum, with spending at destination spas and hotel/resort spas increasing by more than 20% between 2023 and 2024.
“Thailand’s continued rise as a global wellness leader — reaching a USD42.7 billion market and achieving double-digit recent growth — reflects both the country’s deep cultural commitment to wellbeing and its forward-thinking investments in innovation and preventive health,” said GWI Chair and CEO Susie Ellis. “The remarkable expansion in wellness tourism, spas, and wellness real estate highlights how Thailand is meeting the evolving expectations of today’s wellness consumers while shaping the future of the global wellness economy.”
“At BDMS Wellness Clinic, we believe that a strong wellness economy must be built on credible data, evidence-based insights, and a long-term vision,” said BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS) CEO Dr Tanupol Virunhagarun.
“Our continued collaboration with the Global Wellness Institute and our sponsorship of the Geography of Wellness data underscore our commitment to supporting preventive healthcare and positioning Thailand as both a regional and global wellness hub.”
Phuket, Thailand, will host the 20th anniversary of the Global Wellness Summit, a prestigious gathering of international thought leaders shaping the future of the wellness industry, taking place from 10 to 13 November 2026.
About the Global Wellness Institute The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future.
About BDMS Wellness Clinic As Thailand’s largest private healthcare network, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) provides advanced medical-based wellness services through its flagship wellness centre, BDMS Wellness Clinic. Grounded in scientific evidence and personalised medicine, BDMS Wellness Clinic has grown to become Thailand’s largest wellness clinic network, with 25 branches nationwide. Building on more than 50 years of tertiary-level medical services across its network of 58 hospitals, the BDMS group is extending its strengths into the wellness space.
BERLIN, 2 March 2026: ITB Berlin is turning 60 as it raises the curtain on a new trade show year with a special anniversary edition from 3 to 5 March 2026.
Events will officially kick off with the opening press conference on Monday, 2 March 2026, offering media representatives a concise overview of key industry trends, strategic developments and the main topics at arguably the world’s leading travel trade show.
Photo credit: ITB Berlin. Every year, ITB Berlin attracts around 3,000 media representatives who report live from the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show.
Messe Berlin CEO Mario Tobias will present the highlights, topics, and trends of the 60th-anniversary edition, along with the Host Country, Angola, represented by Angola’s Minister of Tourism. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel
EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, will speak about the new EU strategy for sustainable tourism and the current priorities of European tourism policy.
Phocuswright Senior Vice President Content, Mitra Sorrells, will present the latest market data and trend analyses, including on global market growth in so-called growth regions (Middle East, Latin America, India) and the growing use of AI in the travel sector.
Following the press conference, media representatives join a behind-the-scenes tour, which will offer a preview of selected stands and key areas of the trade show before it officially opens.
On Monday at 1600, the UN Ministers’ Summit at ITB Berlin will take place. The opening day will conclude with the newly organised ITB Berlin Opening Gala, featuring Angola as the official host country.
About ITB Berlin The ITB Berlin 2026 exhibition halls are open to trade visitors from Tuesday, 3 to Thursday, 5 March as a B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the leading trade show for the global travel industry. In 2026, it celebrates its 60th anniversary under the motto “Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy.”
At the same time, the ITB Berlin Convention will take place under the theme “Leading Tourism into Balance,” bringing together 400 top speakers from business, science and politics on four stages and across 17 thematic tracks to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
At ITB Berlin 2025, 5,800 exhibitors from more than 170 countries and territories displayed their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors.
SINGAPORE, 2 March 2026: Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for travel suppliers worldwide, and the Indian airline Akasa Air (AKJ), have signed a new, long-term content distribution agreement.
With this deal, Travelport becomes the first global distribution system (GDS) to sign a content agreement with Akasa Air, underscoring the airline’s confidence in Travelport as its preferred distribution channel.
“Choosing our first global travel retailing platform was significant for Akasa’s growth and expansion plans, but the final decision was easy based on Travelport’s strength in India and beyond,” said Vice President, Commercial & Sales, Sagar Naik. “Travelport’s singular focus on agents, its industry-leading search speed, and its history of customer service and satisfaction made it the perfect partner and easy choice for Akasa.”
This partnership will enable Akasa Air’s flights, offers, and services to be distributed through Travelport’s extensive network of travel agents globally, broadening the airline’s reach and supporting Akasa’s focus on strong financial and commercial performance as it expands its global footprint.
The distribution agreement also allows agents to access Akasa’s content through Travelport+, the fastest and most innovative travel content platform, potentially unlocking new opportunities for Akasa to achieve its goal of expanding its ancillary revenue ecosystem.
“We’re honoured Akasa has entrusted Travelport to be its first GDS partner and in granting us a preferred GDS status in point-of-sale India before any other,” said Travelport Global Head of Air Partners Damian Hickey.
About Travelport Travelport is a global technology company that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide. Buyers and sellers of travel are connected by the company’s next-generation marketplace, Travelport+, which simplifies how brands connect, upgrades how travel is sold, and enables modern digital retailing. Headquartered in the UK and operating in more than 165 countries, Travelport is focused on driving innovation to simplify the complex travel ecosystem.m
About Akasa Air Akasa Air has served over 20 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. It currently connects 24 domestic and six international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Sri Vijaya Puram, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Kozhikode, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE) Kuwait City (Kuwait) and Phuket (Thailand). Akasa Air currently operates 30 737 MAX aircraft.
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 March 2026: Preliminary January 2026 traffic figures released Friday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show continued growth in both international air passenger and air cargo markets, supported by the steady expansion in global economic activity.
The region’s airlines carried a total of 35.5 million international passengers in January, representing a 3.6% increase compared with the same month last year, when volumes were boosted by the Lunar New Year festive period, which fell in late January 2025.
In revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) terms, demand rose by 3.3%. In comparison, available seat capacity grew by 4.6% year-on-year, resulting in a 1.1 percentage point decline in the average international passenger load factor to 82.8%.
Meanwhile, global manufacturing activity strengthened at the start of 2026. Firm demand for consumer and intermediate goods supported air cargo volumes, alongside front-loading activity ahead of factory closures during the festive period. Against this backdrop, international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose by 5.9% year-on-year in January. With offered freight capacity expanding by 4.9%, the average international freight load factor edged 0.5 percentage points higher to 56.1%.
Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “The year began on a positive footing for Asian carriers, with international passenger and cargo markets maintaining growth momentum into 2026, building on gains achieved last year.”
Menon added: “Expanded network connectivity has provided travellers with greater choice during the festive period, while the strengthening of selected Asian currencies has also supported outbound travel. Continued global demand for goods produced in Asia, partly reflecting shifts in global supply chains, has likewise supported air cargo activity.”
Looking ahead, he concluded: “The overall picture for the year ahead looks broadly positive, with underlying global economic conditions relatively firm. Nevertheless, geopolitical and trade developments continue to pose uncertainty. At the same time, airlines face intensifying competition and persistently high costs, and are carefully managing expenses to preserve profitability.”
BANGKOK, 2 March 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts has reported a strong operational and financial performance for 2025, highlighting the group’s resilience, disciplined execution and strengthening international profile.
The results reflect a year marked by solid revenue growth, improving margins and continued progress in positioning Centara as a globally competitive hospitality brand rooted in Thai heritage.
System-wide revenues increased by approximately 10%, while the group recorded total revenue of THB12,318 million in 2025.
Revenue per available room increased by 5% compared with the previous year, driven by a 4% rise in average room rate to THB5,922. While profit from the hotel business declined slightly due to development-related expenses and new openings, overall results reflected a resilient operating platform and a portfolio positioned for long-term growth.
A key milestone in 2025 was the full opening of The Atollia by Centara Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, a large-scale, multi-island, multi-brand destination. The launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives within the project was a major contributor to the group’s revenue growth and strengthened Centara’s position in the international luxury resort segment.
Building on this momentum, Centara has set a revenue growth target of 14-15% for 2026. Growth will be driven by international expansion, portfolio upgrades, brand repositioning and continued recovery in global tourism, particularly in Thailand and North Asia.
Two of the group’s Thai resorts are scheduled for transformation during the year. Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin and Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Krabi will undergo extensive renovations and be repositioned under the Centara Reserve brand. The Krabi property will become the second Centara Reserve worldwide by the end of 2026. These initiatives are expected to lift full-year revenue per available room to between THB4,600 and THB4,800, compared with THB4,281 in 2025.
Flagship property, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, reflects Centara Hotels & Resorts’ continued international expansion and brand momentum.
International expansion remains a core pillar of Centara’s strategy. The group entered Nepal in January 2026 with the opening of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, marking its debut in the country. In the second quarter, Centara Life Namba Hotel Osaka will open, marking the group’s second property in Japan and expanding its presence in a key urban lifestyle market.
In Vietnam, the joint opening of Centara Hotel and Residences Van Don and Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don will add almost 1,000 rooms to the group’s inventory.
In Thailand, Centara Life Hotel Surat Thani is scheduled to open in the second half of the year, strengthening domestic coverage in secondary destinations.
Centara is also intensifying global sales and marketing activity in 2026. Roadshows across 18 countries and closer collaboration with international travel trade partners are designed to support new openings and reinforce demand in core markets, including Thailand, Europe, Asia, Russia and the Middle East.
Brand development continues to play a central role in the group’s evolution. The Centara Grand Experience will be rolled out globally in 2026, while the group will refine the Centara Reserve brand to emphasise exclusivity, bespoke guest journeys and deeper emotional brand connection.
Technology investment is enabling greater operational efficiency and enhanced guest engagement. A central data warehouse has been established to support advanced analytics and hyper-personalisation across the portfolio. A newly developed booking engine has been designed for scalability, seamless connectivity, and future integration with artificial intelligence.
The Centara mobile application, launched in December 2025, has already recorded more than 100,000 downloads, reflecting growing customer engagement and the continued expansion of the group’s loyalty ecosystem.
Sustainability remains embedded throughout Centara’s operations. In 2025, the group reduced energy consumption by 26%, water usage by 33%, waste sent to landfill by 23% and overall emissions by 24%. Solar panels were installed at 18 properties, enabling Centara to generate more than three times as much solar power as in the previous year.
Centara also became the first hotel group in Thailand to achieve full Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification across its entire portfolio. Responsible business initiatives continued to expand, with partnerships involving 66 educational institutions resulting in more than 3,000 student internships, alongside employment opportunities for senior citizens and people with disabilities that exceeded legal requirements.
The group’s achievements were recognised through multiple awards in 2025, including honours for corporate governance, brand leadership, sustainability and executive excellence from both national and international organisations.
Commenting on the year, Centara Hotels & Resorts President and Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat said 2025 had been a highly productive year despite global industry headwinds, adding that the group remains firmly on track to achieve its long-term ambition of becoming a top 100 global hotel group by 2027.
With expansion already underway, Centara Hotels and Resorts enters 2026 with strong momentum, a clear strategic direction and a continued focus on delivering high-quality experiences through growth, innovation and responsible business.
Bangkok’s expansive Central World shopping haven.
Speaking in Bangkok, to the press at the Centara Grand at Central World, Thirayuth was asked whether the Chirathivat family’s high-profile international retail investments through Central Retail had delivered indirect benefits to Centara’s hospitality business?
While emphasising that the retail and hotel divisions operate independently, he noted that the reputational halo effect has been meaningful.
The international visibility generated by flagship retail assets such as Selfridges in London and KaDeWe in Germany has helped elevate the broader Central Group ecosystem in global markets.
According to Chirathivat, this enhanced visibility has strengthened awareness of the Centara brand among consumers, partners and investors alike, particularly in Europe, where brand credibility is a critical factor in hospitality growth.
From a financial performance perspective, Centara’s 2025 results were notable not only for topline growth but for the group’s ability to convert that growth into disproportionately stronger profitability. When asked directly how a disciplined 10% increase in revenues could translate into an estimated 15% uplift in EBITDA, Chirathivat was candid in his response.
He explained that the initial margin expansion came from “cutting the fat” — removing structural inefficiencies, tightening procurement, simplifying operating models, and eliminating non-essential overheads to create a leaner, more efficient organisation. This approach delivered immediate benefits across the portfolio without compromising service quality or brand standards.
Importantly, he stressed that the remaining uplift was not achieved solely through cost reduction. A meaningful share of the improvement came from higher labour productivity and improved workforce deployment, supported by focused investment in human resources. Strengthened training, clearer accountability and a more unified performance culture enabled teams across the group to operate with greater efficiency and purpose. Chirathivat praised the strong work ethic and collective spirit within Centara, noting that alignment and moving in the same direction have become a decisive factor in translating revenue growth into sustainable profit expansion.
The group’s finance leadership reinforces this emphasis on financial discipline and organisational effectiveness.
Appearing alongside the CEO is Gun Srisompong (right), Chief Financial Officer and Vice President – Finance and Administration of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Looking ahead to 2026, Centara remains focused on selective international expansion, with an emphasis on asset-light management contracts and partnerships across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Continued investment in brand development, systems, and people is expected to enhance operational resilience and long-term value creation further.
With a stronger balance sheet, improving margins and a clearer global brand identity, Centara enters its next phase of growth from a position of confidence. The group’s 2025 performance demonstrates how disciplined execution, operational focus and human capital can combine to deliver resilient results in an increasingly competitive global hospitality landscape.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a respected hospitality industry expert, writer and commentator with more than four decades of experience across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Formerly a senior hotel executive and general manager, he has worked with leading international hotel groups and has been based in Thailand for over 30 years. Andrew is a frequent contributor to industry publications, a regular speaker at hospitality forums, and is widely recognised for his insights into hotel performance, tourism trends and brand strategy in emerging and mature markets.
SINGAPORE, 2 March 2026: Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has named Andy Tan as General Manager, as the hotel advances towards its opening this April in the Selegie–Mount Sophia enclave.
With more than three decades of hospitality and travel experience, Tan brings a strong blend of operational leadership and commercial acumen, underpinned by a proven track record in pre-openings, brand positioning, and performance-led execution.
Photo credit: Varel Singapore. Andy Tan
As the Southeast Asia flagship of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, Varel Singapore marks a significant milestone for the brand in the region.
Positioned as an ‘urban oasis’ rooted in neighbourhood connection, the hotel aims to establish a distinct presence within Singapore’s evolving boutique hospitality landscape.
A forward-thinking business builder, Tan has held senior regional and global leadership roles across Asia Pacific, Europe, and international markets. These include Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Most recently, he served in a senior leadership capacity at Millennium Hotels & Resorts, supporting commercial performance and operational alignment across its global portfolio.
(Source: Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel)
BATAM, 2 March 2026: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) is set to boost trade and tourism in the Riau Islands Province with the launch of its new daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, commencing 13 March 2026.
The new route will improve connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Batam, a fast-growing hub for business and tourism, while strengthening links across key destinations in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Photo credit: AirAsia. AirAsia flies the KUL-BTH route on 13 March 2026.
Malaysia is Batam’s largest source market for tourists, accounting for over 25% of foreign tourist arrivals between January and August 2025. The new daily service is expected to stimulate cross-border travel further and support the continued growth of Batam’s tourism sector.
In 2025, international passenger arrivals at Hang Nadim International Airport reached nearly 140,000, a 64% increase compared to 2024. With the launch of this route, AirAsia anticipates a significant rise in passenger traffic, projecting more than 22,000 travellers to fly in and out of Batam within the first three months of operations.
This new service marks another important milestone for AirAsia, expanding its network to 19 routes and reinforcing its position as a key connector between Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2025 alone, AirAsia carried nearly three million guests between the two countries, underscoring its ongoing commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening bilateral ties.
AirAsia Malaysia General Manager Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “We are pleased to launch our new daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, further strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia. As one of our key markets, Indonesia continues to play an important role in our growth strategy, and this expansion reflects our commitment to supporting regional trade, tourism and economic development.
“Batam is not only a strategic gateway for business and investment, but also a vibrant destination shaped by rich cultural diversity and a variety of attractions from iconic architecture and beautiful beaches to historical sites and family-friendly experiences. With Malaysia as Batam’s largest source market, we are confident this route will drive stronger two-way travel and create greater opportunities for both communities. AirAsia remains committed to offering affordable fares and seamless connectivity to bring people and economies closer together.”
The routes will begin with daily flights starting 13 March 2026, from Kuala Lumpur to Batam with promotional fares starting from MYR169 all-in one-way*, while Batam to Kuala Lumpur starts from IDR899,000 all-in one-way*. The special fares are available for booking until 8 March 2026 for travel between 13 March 2026 and 24 October 2026, exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Batam (BTH)
KUCHING, 27 February 2026: After two years of uniting 1,700 participants, featuring more than 50 speakers, and engaging representatives from over 80 organisations across 37 countries, the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) returns in 2026 from 24 to 26 June 2026 for its third edition.
Hosted in Kuching, Sarawak — home to some of the world’s most significant rainforest carbon sinks — RAYS continues to ground climate dialogue within a landscape globally recognised for its ecological value.
From left: YBrs. Encik Dzulkornain Masron, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports); YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; YBrs. Dr Sharzede Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board; YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak; YB Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Entrepreneur Development); YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board; and YBrs. Encik Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, at the launch of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026.
Borneo’s intact forests and deep peatlands rank among the planet’s most effective natural carbon reservoirs, making Kuching a meaningful setting for youth-led conversations on climate action, governance, and the future of shared planetary stewardship.
Funded and organised by the State Government of Sarawak, and endorsed by ASEAN, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and UN Tourism, RAYS 2026 will attract over 700 youth participants from all 11 ASEAN countries.
The summit will feature 17 speakers from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, and around the world — including representatives from Panama, the UK, the US, Kenya, and other countries — contributing to a holistic and comprehensive programme.
From left: YBrs. Encik Dzulkornain Masron, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Entrepreneur Development); YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak; YB Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports); YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board; YBrs. Encik Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; and YBrs. Dr Sharzede Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, gather for a group photo following the announcement of RAYS 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak.
Officiating the launch, Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, underscored the summit’s growing regional role.
“RAYS reflects Sarawak’s conviction that youth must not be placed at the edge of sustainability conversations, but firmly at the centre of them. Through this summit, Sarawak positions itself as a convening hub for youth-led climate leadership in the region. In this space, ASEAN’s diverse voices converge, where collaboration is nurtured, and where shared responsibility is strengthened.”
The 2026 programme brings together keynote dialogues, youth-led labs, and policy-focused sessions that centre lived experience, regional perspectives, and practical pathways to action.
Delegates will also take part in curated offsite excursions showcasing Sarawak’s protected rainforest sites and vibrant urban culture. The summit journey culminates with delegates attending the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026, offering a cultural lens into how community, heritage, and conservation intersect within Sarawak’s responsible tourism model.
RAYS 2026 is anchored by the theme “Youth: Many Ways, One Planet”, reflecting the belief that while young people bring diverse perspectives, disciplines, and experiences, they share a collective responsibility — and opportunity — to shape sustainable futures. This theme guides the summit’s direction and reinforces its focus on inclusive, cross-cultural climate leadership.
New for RAYS 2026 is the Planet Futures Forum, a collaborative climate simulation designed to immerse youth in the realities of how climate decisions are made. Through scenario-based negotiation and systems thinking, participants will step into the roles, constraints, and trade-offs that shape real-world climate governance.
The Planet Futures Forum aims to build youth capacity in design thinking, negotiation, and collective decision-making, while producing a negotiated RAYS Youth Declaration that reflects the complexities of balancing environmental, social, and economic priorities.
Outcomes from the Planet Futures Forum will extend beyond the summit through the RAYS Fellowship Programme, a new 12-month leadership journey focused on collective climate governance and action.
The fellowship will bring together 10 to 15 young leaders ready to engage in real decision-making and shared governance. Rooted in the principle of “Many Ways, One Planet,” the programme creates space for diverse youth voices to co-design solutions, learn from indigenous and local knowledge holders, and contribute to governance proposals emerging from RAYS.
Over the course of a year, fellows will co-design governance structures grounded in community legitimacy, practise shared decision-making in real organisational or community contexts, strengthen their ability to lead across differences, and translate summit dialogue into applied action.
The fellowship begins at RAYS 2026 and continues through guided monthly online learning sessions, applied governance work, and collaborative cohort engagement.
Further details on the Planet Futures Forum and the RAYS Fellowship Programme will be announced in due course. Interested participants are encouraged to follow updates via the official RAYS website and social media channels.
Registration for RAYS 2026 is now open, with Early Bird passes available for purchase until 15 March 2026 via the official RAYS website.
Ticket Snapshot
• Early Bird Pass
MYR200: 15 March 2026
• General Pass
MYR350: First-time delegates
• Alumni Pass
MYR250: Returning delegates
• Group Pass
MYR250 per person — minimum 10 participants
(Schools, universities, and youth organisations)
• Kuching Group Pass
Kuching-based institutions or organisations interested in sending a group delegation of 20+ pax, should contact: [email protected]
KUCHING, 27 February 2026: Riding on its strongest performance to date, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is leading a nationwide conversation to strengthen Malaysia’s business events ecosystem through a legacy-focused approach aligned with national development priorities.
Through its Ramadan engagement series themed Satu Meja, Seribu Cerita, Sarawak is bringing together government agencies, associations, academia, industry leaders and media across Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Kuala Lumpur and Penang to reinforce collaboration, expand future bid pipelines, and position business events as a strategic driver of long-term economic and social impact.
Photo credit: BESarawak. The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak and BESarawak’s Board of Directors at BESarawak’s Ramadan engagement night in Kuching.
The initiative marks a significant step in aligning industry stakeholders at a critical juncture of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, ensuring that business events continue to deliver measurable value beyond the visitor economy and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak and Malaysia’s broader development agenda.
“As we enter the final phase of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, this is a critical window for us to strengthen alignment across the ecosystem and sustain collaboration at its highest level. At this stage, a cohesive industry moving in the same direction matters more than ever,” said Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, at the first Ramadan engagement in Kuching. = “Through BESarawak, we will continue to actively support organisers in delivering impactful business events in Sarawak by refining concepts, strengthening innovation, and aligning programmes with our broader development priorities We remain committed to working hand in hand with the industry to ensure that every stakeholder is empowered to contribute meaningfully and generate lasting outcomes for industries, communities, and the wider economy”.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah urges government, associations, academia, industry and the media to continue driving impact together.
Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and BESarawak Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee commented: Over the next four years, we will be guided by three pillars to transform Sarawak into a business events destination of strategic value: transformation and innovation, legacy and impact, and partnerships and people,” said “This means stronger bid support, designing events with built-in legacy outcomes and closer collaboration with government, academia and industry stakeholders who can strengthen the overall impact.”
BESarawak Acting CEO Jason Tan Chin Foo noted: “Legacy impact remains central to our strategy. To achieve lasting impact, our ecosystem — government, associations, academia, industry, and media — must remain cohesive and aligned. Our collaboration must continue beyond the event so that the true value is sustained long after the event is held.”
Sarawak’s focus on the ecosystem continues to deliver measurable results. In 2025, Sarawak recorded its strongest performance to date, with 160 business events scheduled through 2030, totalling a projected economic value of MYR483.5 million. Sarawak also hosted 159 business events in FY2025 alone, marking a 27% increase from the previous year and generating MYR491.4 million in total economic impact.
