By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 27: The Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026, slated for Jan 27 to 29, 2026, will be a landmark gathering of the global aerospace and aviation community, a major leap in positioning Sarawak as an emerging aerospace and aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the inaugural event, to be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), embodies Sarawak’s strategic ambition to anchor itself in one of the world’s fastest-growing high-technology sectors.
Hosted by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and i-CATS University College, and organised by Borneo Business Connect Sdn Bhd with strong support from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Sagah said APACE 2026 reflects the powerful collaboration between the Sarawak government, federal ministries, and regional partners, including the Socio-Culture and Education (SCE) Cluster of BIMP-EAGA.
“We are anticipating more than 3,000 visitors, over 1,000 delegates, 50 exhibitors, and more than 60 distinguished speakers across more than 50 conference sessions.
“These numbers reflect strong global interest and underscore APACE’s importance as a new hub for knowledge exchange and industry collaboration in the Asia Pacific,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex Media Room today.
Sagah confirmed that the conference will be officially launched by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Jan 27.
“The presence of our Premier reflects the highest level of commitment to develop aerospace, advanced engineering, and green technology as new engines of growth for Sarawak. It signals to the global community that Sarawak is serious, ready, and open for long-term partnerships and investments in this sector,” he said.
He stressed that APACE 2026 is a milestone demonstrating Sarawak’s determination to become ASEAN’s next competitive aerospace hub, in line with the State’s green, inclusive, and innovation-driven economic transformation agenda.
According to Sagah, Sarawak’s green energy capacity gives it an unmatched competitive edge in an industry where operational costs and environmental responsibility are critical.
“Our stable, sustainable and cost-competitive renewable energy allows us to support advanced aerospace manufacturing, heavy MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) operations, and even critical data centres for digital transformation in the aerospace and new space industry. In short, we are building the infrastructure for a truly sustainable aerospace future,” he said.
He revealed that Sarawak is currently facilitating discussions expected to culminate in the signing of between five and seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the conference.
“These agreements represent new investments and critical partnerships that will immediately contribute to the growth of the regional aerospace ecosystem,” he added.
Sagah described APACE 2026 as a “direct gateway to opportunities”. “It is the platform to engage with our leadership, network with the region’s top professionals, and secure your position and investment in a location that offers not just potential, but a solid foundation for sustainable growth,” he said, extending a warm invitation to industry players, academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and global partners.
The conference will centre its discussions around four key pillars: the future of aeropolis development; aerospace and the digital economy; sustainable aviation and green technology; and talent development for aerospace excellence.
International speakers from Singapore, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Japan, Indonesia and beyond are expected to participate. Among the notable speakers are Ts Dr Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah (NAICO Malaysia), Joeri Aulman (NACO Netherlands Airport Consultants), Dato Azlikamil Napiah (MYSA), Takehiro Nakamura (JAXA), and Laurence Lagriffoul (NOVASPACE).
A major highlight will be the APACE Career Day and Educational Talk on the third day, jointly organised by MEITD and PERKESO with i-CATS University College and CENTEXS. The initiative aims to inspire and equip young talents — especially Sarawakians — for careers in aviation, aerospace engineering, airport operations, digital aviation technologies, and other high-value sectors, in line with the Sarawak Talent Development Blueprint.
Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, MEITD permanent secretary Datu Adana Jed and Borneo Business Connect executive director Nadzeem Abd Rahman were present. — DayakDaily
