SARAWAK has secured a major international medical congress with more than 1,000 lung‑disease specialists expected to travel to Kuching for the 11th Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC 2028) of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
The four-day event in March 2028 will coincide with World Tuberculosis Day and is projected to generate an economic impact of MYR8.2 million (about USD2.1m).
It will be the first time the regional conference will be held on Borneo, and only the second occasion Malaysia has hosted it, following an earlier edition in Kuala Lumpur in 2007.
Tuberculosis remains one of the most pressing global public health threats, exacerbated by the spread of drug‑resistant strains, delays in diagnosis, gaps in treatment adherence and persistent social stigma, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) said in a statement anncoucing the conference win.
These challenges are particularly complex in the Asia-Pacific, where healthcare systems vary widely in capacity and accessibility, complicating coordinated disease control across borders.”
In Sarawak, authorities have been ramping up efforts to improve early detection and access to care. BESarawak said one recent initiative has been the use of portable handheld X-ray devices by the Bintulu divisional health office to expand tuberculosis screening, particularly in remote communities.
Health officials say such local initiatives, while promising, need broader regional cooperation and sustained knowledge-sharing to achieve lasting results.
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The 2028 conference is intended to act as a catalyst for that cooperation, bringing together policymakers, clinicians, researchers and community representatives to accelerate practical solutions in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while also strengthening cross‑border partnerships.
“APRC 2028 directly supports Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, where healthcare is not only about treatment, but about equity and inclusion,” said Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak.
Better prevention and control of tuberculosis and other lung diseases require strong collaboration between government, academia and communities to improve access, strengthen awareness, and build trust. This is critical in addressing stigma, ensuring people feel safe and supported to seek early diagnosis and treatment.”
The scientific programme will combine technical sessions with community engagement, reflecting an emphasis on translating research into policy and practice.
Professor Dr Abdul Razak Muttalif, Organising Chairman of APRC 2028 and member of the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, said: “We want to bridge science, policy, and practice for a tuberculosis-free future and better lung health for all, hence the APRC 2028 will feature a large-scale programme with workshops, plenaries, symposiums, and community outreach sessions to include all segments of society.
We believe that everyone – government, associations, industry, academia and local communities – can be advocates for a tuberculosis-free future.”
Local event leaders say the successful bid reinforces Sarawak’s positioning as a host destination that prioritises long-term outcomes beyond tourism revenue.
“Winning APRC 2028 reflects Sarawak’s growing reputation as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo,” said Jason Tan Chin Foo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak.
He added that the conference would be designed to deliver outcomes aligned with broader development goals supported by the state government.
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“With strong government backing under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and BESarawak’s legacy framework, we are committed to ensuring that APRC 2028 delivers meaningful legacy outcomes. By convening global experts and stakeholders, the conference will catalyse advancing solutions to critical health challenges, particularly tuberculosis, while contributing to long-term development goals aligned with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” Tan said.
The event is being organised by national and state medical and academic bodies, with support from Sarawak’s public health authorities and its business events agency.
