Sarawak to strengthen disaster management through international forum in Kuching this Sept

KUCHING (Feb 12): Sarawak will host the 9th International Research Conference of the World Society of Disaster Nursing (WSDN) 2026 from Sept 17-19 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, with more than 500 delegates expected to participate from across the globe.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the conference underscores Sarawak’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response through collaboration among government agencies, experts and communities working towards a common goal.

“It is important for us to host in Sarawak because natural disasters are increasing in frequency, partly due to climate change.

We had the worst flood in Bintulu last year, and these are events we never expected,” he told a press conference.

Dr Sim noted that the conference provides an opportunity for Sarawak to learn from countries with advanced disaster management systems, including Japan and China.

“We always want to be better prepared, and avoid being in a frantic situation,” he added.

Beyond its role as a knowledge-sharing platform, WSDN 2026 is expected to generate an estimated RM4.1 million in economic impact and support more than 300 jobs, particularly across tourism, hospitality, and services sectors.

Dr Sim noted that the conference aligns with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to build a resilient and future-ready public health system.

“From natural disasters to public health emergencies, effective preparedness and response require the government, experts, and communities working together.

“In Sarawak, this belief is reflected in how we manage disasters.

“Our Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) brings together multiple agencies and stakeholders under a framework, with people at the centre of every response.

“This approach ensures structured and sustainable disaster management while prioritising community needs,” he added.

The programme will also explore ways for communities, neighbourhoods, and local networks to become active partners in disaster response, leading to more practical and community-driven solutions.

Among the international experts expected to participate are Professor Dr Aileen M. Marty of the University of Miami, Professor Dr Jamie Ranse of Griffith University and Professor Dr Sonoe Mashino of the University of Hyogo, alongside regional practitioners and researchers in disaster healthcare.

Dr Sim also expressed his gratitude to the Kulliyyah of Nursing of International Islamic University Malaysia (UIA) and collaborating organisations, including the World Society of Disaster Nursing, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and the Association for Malaysian Emergency Nurses, for bringing the conference to Sarawak.

Meanwhile, conference chairperson Dr Nurul’Ain Ahayalimudin said WSDN 2026 would integrate technology more deeply into its programme through the use of Augmented Reality in Tabletop Exercises (AR-TTX), simulating real-life disaster situations to enhance decision-making and response capabilities.

“We believe technology plays a critical role in strengthening how we prepare for and respond to emergencies.

“Innovation and technology in disaster nursing and emergency response are among the key focus areas of WSDN 2026,” she said.

WSDN chairperson Prof Dr Sonoe Mashino noted that the 8th International Research Conference of WSDN was held in Kobe, Japan two years ago, and expressed her anticipation for a successful conference in Kuching.

Also present were Unimas head of nursing department Dayang Zuraina Abang Kashim and BESarawak acting chief executive officer Jason Tan.