Sarawak strengthens preparations for ICOMOS General Assembly 2026

Faisal Abd Rahman (front, left) and Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu (front, right) exchanging the signed MoU, witnessed by Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (centre).

KUCHING, 9 June 2026: Sarawak has taken a significant step forward in its preparations to host the 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 (GA2026) with a Memorandum of Understanding signing between the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Malaysia and the Sarawak Heritage Society, which took place earlier today during a press conference in Kuching.

Aimed at enhancing collaboration for heritage conservation, the MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in heritage research, documentation, knowledge exchange, training and community engagement. 

“At a time when many cultures face the pressures of rapid modernisation, GA2026 serves as an important reminder that heritage must be protected and passed on to future generations,” said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who witnessed the MoU signing. “Heritage conservation is a shared responsibility. Through this MoU, both organisations have committed to strengthening efforts that safeguard Sarawak’s living heritage while ensuring that local communities remain at the heart of these efforts.”

Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during today’s press conference.

“The journey towards bringing the ICOMOS General Assembly to Malaysia has been many years in the making. GA2026 represents not only a milestone for Malaysia and Southeast Asia, but also a platform to advance global discussions on living heritage and community-centred conservation. We are grateful for the strong support of the Sarawak Government and our many partners as we work towards delivering a successful and impactful Assembly,” commented ICOMOS Malaysia President, Faisal Abd Rahman, who noted that the success of GA2026 will depend on the collective contributions of government, associations, industry, academia and the wider community. 

According to President of the Sarawak Heritage Society, Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu, collaboration with ICOMOS Malaysia is a breakthrough for conservation, adding, “Partnering with an international body such as ICOMOS Malaysia is incredibly important because it brings together global expertise and local knowledge. It connects our heritage custodians to international networks, strengthens heritage policies and conservation efforts, and creates new opportunities for collaboration and learning. Together, we can build stronger programmes, empower communities, and ensure that our living heritage remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.”

“As the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, Sarawak believes that successful events are measured not only by attendance, but by the positive impact they leave behind. This collaboration demonstrates the legacy potential of GA2026 even before the event begins. ICOMOS Malaysia and the Sarawak Heritage Society are a powerful example of how partnerships can create meaningful change for communities and heritage conservation alike,” added Acting Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Jason Tan.

Also present at today’s press conference, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Morshidi Fredrick, MTCP Deputy Permanent Secretary, Julin Alen, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, Dr. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor and Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) Advisor, Datu Sabariah Putit. 

The 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 (GA2026) will be taking place in Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching from October 17 to 24, 2026, marking the first time it’s being held in Southeast Asia.

The 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 (GA2026) will be taking place in Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching from October 17 to 24, 2026. Convened by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the General Assembly is one of the world’s most significant gatherings dedicated to the conservation, protection, management and enhancement of cultural heritage sites and monuments. GA2026 will be the first ICOMOS General Assembly hosted in Southeast Asia, and has already attracted over 1,100 registrations from around the world. Visit www.icomosga2026.org for more information.