KUCHING: Sarawak has won the bid to host the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH), which will be held from 5 to 8 August 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The event is expected to attract around 2,000 international delegates, including occupational safety and health professionals from across the globe.

Themed “Navigating Global Cross-Cultural Perspective on Occupational Health: Shaping the Future for Sustainability,” the congress will focus on how cultural differences influence occupational health practices and how these insights can support long-term sustainability in workplace environments.

The scientific programme for ACOH 2026 will include three plenary sessions and 12 symposiums, covering topics such as innovations in occupational health, sustainable practices, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, and mental health.

The event will also feature poster and free paper presentations over its three-day duration.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, emphasised the significance of the event, stating that it aligns with Sarawak’s development goals, especially in emerging sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, where robust occupational health standards are essential.

“Sarawak is progressing rapidly, and our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy focuses on growing sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing and agriculture. We must ensure that strong occupational health and safety standards are in place to support a safe and healthy workforce. This congress is timely and aligns with our ambition to build a sustainable and resilient economy,” he said.

The event will be hosted by the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia (AOEMM), in partnership with the Asian Association of Occupational and Environmental Health (AAOEH), two leading organisations advocating for workplace health and wellness across Asia.

Congress Chair, Professor Dr. Abu Hasan Samad, who also serves as president of both AOEMM and AAOEH, said Malaysia is proud to host the ACOH again after a gap of 29 years.

He acknowledged the strong support from both federal and state governments in bringing the congress to Sarawak.

Dr. Sathya Subramaniam, Secretary of ACOH 2026, expressed his excitement about hosting the event in Kuching.

He described it as an opportunity not only for professional growth but also for cultural exchange, highlighting Sarawak’s unique heritage and renowned hospitality.

Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), said the congress is expected to generate an estimated RM16.4 million in economic impact.

This includes RM8.9 million in delegate spending, nearly RM1 million in tax revenue for the state, and over 1,300 jobs supported or created through the event’s execution.

The international bid was the result of a successful collaboration between AOEMM, BESarawak, and the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), who worked closely to bring the congress to Sarawak’s shores.

The event is further supported by key government bodies, including the Ministry of Human Resources, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Ministry of Health (MOH), Sarawak State Health Department, and industry partners such as MyFOSH and the Society of Occupational Medicine UK. -UKASnews