By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 3: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) chief executive officer Jason Tan Chin Foo has been appointed Chair of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Asia Pacific Chapter for the 2026–2028 term, becoming the first Sarawakian to take on the regional leadership role.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Sarawak’s business events industry and reflects the growing role of the region in shaping the future of the global business events sector.
Tan said stronger regional collaboration, collective leadership and a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term impact would be crucial as Asia Pacific continues to expand its influence in the international business events landscape.
“I’m honoured to be appointed as ICCA Asia Pacific Chair. My aspiration is to build a stronger, more connected and inclusive Asia Pacific Chapter where collaboration becomes our greatest strength.
“Together, we will share knowledge, elevate professional standards and champion sustainable development to create a more resilient business events industry that delivers lasting value for our members, our destinations and our communities” he said in a media release today.
Tan also expressed his appreciation to Jane Vong Holmes, Asia Pacific senior manager at GainingEdge and immediate past chair of the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter, for her leadership and service to the chapter.
He said Vong Holmes had strengthened the chapter through her vision, passion and dedication, providing a strong foundation for its future development.
Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and BESarawak Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee said Tan’s appointment was an honour for Sarawak and reflected the confidence placed in his leadership by the international business events community.
“Jason’s appointment is a recognition of his leadership and dedication to the business events industry.
“We are honoured that he has been entrusted with this important regional role, and we are confident he will contribute meaningfully to strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and the continued growth of the business events industry across Asia Pacific,” he said.
ICCA Asia Pacific senior regional director Waikin Wong said the appointment reflected both Jason’s leadership and the continued evolution of the Asia Pacific business events industry.
“Jason’s appointment is a testament to his leadership, industry expertise and commitment to advancing the business events sector.
“His collaborative approach and strategic perspective will be invaluable in bringing members together, strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the continued growth of the Asia Pacific Chapter,” he said
ICCA is the global association for the international meetings and conventions industry, representing more than 1,000 member organisations across more than 100 countries and territories through its six regional chapters — Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, Middle East, and North America.
The association connects the global business events community to advance collaboration, knowledge exchange, advocacy and professional excellence.
Tan’s appointment places Sarawak at the forefront of regional efforts to strengthen the business events sector, while highlighting the State’s growing profile as an international destination for conferences, conventions and other major business events. — DayakDaily
