SARAWAK has won the bid to host the Asian Congress on Occupational Health with 2,000 professionals from across the globe expected to arrive in the Malaysian state on Borneo in August 2026.
The 24th ACOH at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (pictured above) is estimated to have a total economic impact of MYR16.4 million (about US$3.7m) and create more than 1,300 jobs.
Hosting the three-day event is the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia in collaboration with the Asian Association of Occupational and Environmental Health, which advocates for the protection health and wellness in the workplace and across the working population.
ACOH is held every three years and the 2026 conference theme is “Navigating Global Cross-Cultural Perspective on Occupational Health: Shaping the Future for Sustainability”. Topics will discuss how cultural differences influence occupational health approaches and how these insights can contribute to sustainable practices in the field.
The scientific programme includes three plenaries and 12 symposia covering topics such as Sustainable Practices in Occupational Health, Innovations in Occupational Health, Ergonomics, Industrial Hygiene and Mental Health and Wellbeing.
“The 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health is an important event for Sarawak. We are a rapidly developing state and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy focuses on major rising industries such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and agriculture,” said Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak.
We must pay attention to creating strong occupational health and safety standards so that people can work in safe and healthy conditions, building a sustainable ecosystem for economic activities to thrive.”
– Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak
Malaysia hosted its first ACOH 29 years ago and the 2026 edition again comes with support from the federal government and Sarawak government.
“ACOH 2026 promises to be an impactful event for national and international participants,” said Abu Hasan Samad, Congress chair and president of Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia.
Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak said: “The estimated total economic impact of ACOH 2026 is valued at MYR16.4 million, categorised by direct delegate expenditure of MYR8.9 million, MYR984,000 in tax revenue for Sarawak, and 1,301 jobs supported and created from the organising and hosting of ACOH 2026.
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“We also look forward to collaborating with the host to build an occupational and environmental health legacy that will benefit our growing communities,” Roziman said.
The international bid win was the result of collaboration between the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
