Sarawak has won the bid to host the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH), scheduled on August 5–8, 2026, at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. The congress is expected to attract 2,000 occupational safety and health experts from across the globe.
ACOH is a triennial congress, and the theme for the 2026 event is “Navigating Global Cross-Cultural Perspective on Occupational Health: Shaping the Future for Sustainability” focusing on how cultural differences influence occupational health approaches and how these insights can contribute to sustainable practices in the field. A key aspect of the congress is to motivate collaboration between academia and the workplace to advance the field of occupational health in the region.
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. There will also be Poster and Free Paper Presentations throughout the three-day event.
The Honourable Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak: “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. 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.”
Hosting the event is the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia (AOEMM) in collaboration with the Asian Association of Occupational and Environmental Health (AAOEH), which advocates for the protection of health of workers and the promotion of wellness within the working population.
Professor Dr. Abu Hasan Samad, Congress Chair of ACOH 2026, President of the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia (AOEMM), President of the Asian Association of Occupational and Environmental Health (AAOEH), and Chairman of the Malaysian Federation for Occupational Safety and Health (MyFOSH): “The Asian Congress on Occupational Health is a major triennial international conference on occupational and environmental health. Malaysia was selected to host ACOH 2026, making it the second time for our country to host after 29 years. With strong support from the Federal Malaysian government and Sarawak government, ACOH 2026 promises to be an impactful event for national and international participants.”
Dr Sathya Subramaniam, Secretary of ACOH 2026, Honorary Secretary of the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Malaysia (AOEMM) and the Secretary-General-Treasurer of the Asian Association for Occupational and Environmental Health (AAOEH): “It is truly a privilege and honour for AOEMM to be given the opportunity to host ACOH 2026. Set against the enchanting rainforests of Borneo, this prestigious event will be a melting pot of cutting-edge practices and ideas in occupational health. With the allure of delicious Malaysian cuisine and unmatched hospitality, this conference promises a truly unforgettable experience, blending professional growth with cultural exploration for global delegates.
Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak: “The estimated total economic impact of ACOH 2026 is valued at RM 16.4 million, categorised by direct delegate expenditure of MYR 8.9 million, MYR 984,000 in tax revenue for Sarawak, and 1,301 jobs supported and created from the organising and hosting of ACOH 2026. We also look forward to collaborating with the host to build an occupational and environmental health legacy that will benefit our growing communities.”
The international bid win resulted from a collaboration between the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), and the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
The event is supported by the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia through the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, Sarawak State Health Department, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), and Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB). It’s also supported by the Malaysian Federation for Occupational Safety and Health (MyFOSH) and Society of Occupational Medicine UK (SOM).
