BGMT 2026 consolidation of the medical tourism industry Sarawak

KUCHING, 12 Oct: Borneo Global MediTourism Congress and Expo (BGMT) 2026 is a strategic platform for Sarawak to expand its international cooperation network as well as explore new opportunities in the development of global medical tourism industry.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that BGMT is an important platform for bringing together various related sectors to explore cooperation opportunities and develop the medical tourism industry in Sarawak.

"This is a good start for an important industry. As for this first-time prospect, I believe we've made a very good start.

"We have brought together hospitals, healthcare providers, tourism organizations, hotels, technology companies, investors, medical device manufacturers, universities, government agencies and various other stakeholders under one roof", he said.

He said this through the text of a speech read by his Deputy Minister, Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew at the BGMT 2026 Launch Meeting at Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK) today.

At the same time, he also welcomed the participation of international delegations including from Egypt, Nigeria, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and southern Philippines reflecting developments in discussions on medical tourism internationally.

He said the participation opened up space for Sarawak to expand its cooperation network, as well as introducing the state's capabilities and potential to international markets.

Meanwhile, BGMT Organizing Chairman who is also the President of Sarawak Tourism Federation Audry Wan Ullok said that BGMT was created to bring together various sectors that play a role in developing medical tourism ecosystem.

"This event is a platform to bring together an entire ecosystem for exchanging ideas, forming strategic partnerships and exploring business opportunities.

"This is where the international market can get to know Sarawak more closely, thus opening up a space for discussion about the future of medical tourism in Borneo", he said.

Audry said BGMT was also a space to build business relationships and open up opportunities for local industry players to partner with international partners.

Thematically 'Shaping Sarawak's Role in the Global Medical Tourism Landscape', the two-day congress and expo took place from 12 to 13 October, with the participation of 500 delegates, 51 exhibitors and 44 speakers.

The conference featured several important sessions that discussed Malaysia's national direction in medical tourism, ASEAN landscape and discussed various topics and issues across the country and industry.