Thursday, May 22, 2025
Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) unveiled Volume Three, Issue Two of the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, reinforcing its commitment to advancing research that drives meaningful and measurable impact within the global business events landscape.
IJBEL stands as the sole academic journal globally dedicated to exploring the intersection of business events, legacy building, and sustainable development. It remains at the forefront of thought leadership, driving critical conversations within academia and the industry on how events influence economic growth, inspire innovation, and generate lasting societal impact.
This latest edition presents a diverse compilation of peer-reviewed research articles, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking viewpoints, all designed to illuminate the strategic role that business events play in catalyzing positive change. The journal delves into how events act as platforms for policy development, economic acceleration, and knowledge dissemination on a global scale.
The launch at IMEX 2025, the premier global exhibition for meetings and events professionals, highlights Sarawak’s thought leadership in aligning event strategies with impactful legacies. It demonstrates the region’s proactive approach in integrating academic research into real-world business event practices, enabling stronger policy alignment, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable growth.
Curated with input from renowned academics, decision-makers, and industry experts, IJBEL Volume 3 Issue 2 serves as a vital connector between theoretical research and practical application. The journal promotes knowledge-sharing that drives informed decision-making and reinforces the importance of evidence-based planning in the events sector.
Through this publication, BESarawak strengthens its position as a pioneer in legacy-focused event development, championing Sarawak as a hub for intellectual leadership in the global meetings industry. IJBEL continues to be a cornerstone of efforts to document, analyze, and inspire the transformative power of business events in shaping communities and building a resilient future.
Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak said, “Congratulations to all involved in advancing research that strengthens the foundation of business events. For Sarawak, data-driven research strengthens our ability to align business events with economic priorities, such as sustainable development, investment attraction and talent growth.
“With a structured, data-driven approach, Sarawak’s business events can be catalysts for long-term legacy impact, ensuring that every meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition contributes meaningfully to our Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030.”
ICCA CEO and IJBEL Advisory Board Chairman Senthil Gopinath expressed sincere appreciation to Curtin University Malaysia and BESarawak for their pivotal role and outstanding leadership in guiding the development of IJBEL from inception to completion.
“IJBEL stands as a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing research, knowledge, and thought leadership in the global business events industry. As the journal matures, it is now ready to stand independently as a leading platform for business events research and legacy impact.
“We call upon all business events associations, industry leaders, and convention bureaus to join IJBEL in advancing knowledge, shaping policy, and driving meaningful change in the global business events landscape.”
Amelia Roziman, Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak says understanding how global markets respond to business events is crucial for Sarawak to design events that attract international stakeholders.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this report — our research partners, industry stakeholders, and the dedicated professionals who have worked tirelessly to shape this comprehensive study. Your expertise and commitment have been instrumental in driving Sarawak’s business events industry forward, ensuring that every event leaves a lasting legacy.”
Now entering its third year, the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) remains a vital resource for both academic researchers and industry professionals, offering a cross-disciplinary approach, practical case insights, and valuable experiential knowledge. It also acts as a strategic platform to spotlight destinations to a global audience.
IJBEL is the result of a collaborative effort between Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as its sole international association partner, Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and the Sarawak Research Society.
