BEC is one of the important steps to create stability and prosperity in ASEAN. Through economic projects involving Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam, the Good Neighbour Policy can be implemented effectively, providing benefits not only for Indonesia but also for the entire ASEAN region. Through this cooperation, we can realise Borneo’s great potential as a green and digital economy hub in ASEAN.
Borneo Economic Forum, 13 August 2024
M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M.
Co-Chair of Borneo Economic Community
Why Borneo, Why Now?
Positioned as the third-largest island in the world, Borneo lies at the heart of maritime Southeast Asia and along the equator. Shared by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the island is home to more than 24 million people and is endowed with significant natural resources and biodiversity. Its tropical rainforest, the largest contiguous rainforest in Asia and among the oldest in the world, plays a vital role in regional ecological sustainability and global climate regulation.
Recognizing Borneo's strategic importance and economic potential, the Borneo Economic Community (BEC) seeks to strengthen collaboration and connectivity among businesses and stakeholders across the island.
As part of these efforts, the Borneo Economic Forum (BEF) was established as a platform to strengthen regional dialogue, enhance connectivity, and foster greater economic cooperation across the island. The forum brings together policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders to discuss common development priorities and opportunities for cooperation.
Program Highlights
Leadership Remarks
Perspectives from Borneo’s leaders on strengthening regional connectivity, investment, trade, and sustainable economic development across the island, highlighting shared priorities and opportunities for deeper integration, collaboration, and long-term prosperity across Borneo.
Press Conference
The Borneo Economic Forum will provide a platform to communicate the Forum’s key discussion, announcements, and priority initiatives to the media and wider public.
VIP Lunch
An exclusive and curated networking opportunity bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders from across Borneo in an informal setting to exchange perspectives, strengthen relationships, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Opening Panel: Shaping the Future of Borneo
A high-level conversation bringing together leaders and senior representatives from across Borneo to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the island’s future.
Three Strategic Roundtable Discussion
The Strategic Roundtable Discussion will be arranged in a hollow-square format, creating an interactive setting that encourages open discussion, active participation, and convenient note-taking.
Borneo Grid: Powering ASEAN’s Growth
Digital Borneo: Powering the New Economy
Towards A Unified Borneo Integrated Industrial Hubs
Gala Dinner at Hilton Kuching Hotel
An exclusive Gala Dinner bringing together business leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders from ASEAN and Borneo to explore collaboration opportunities and strengthen business ties following the Forum.
Business-to-Business (B2B) Matching
Alongside BEF 2026, we are opening doors to broader industry players and external enterprises. This ensures an expanded pool of participants, maximizing your opportunities for high-value Business-to-Business matching and strategic partnerships.
The meetings will be arranged on 8 October 2026.
Locations
Sheraton Kuching Hotel
No. 2, Jalan Padungan,
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia,
93100
Tel: +60 8-2221188
Hilton Kuching Hotel
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia,
93100
Tel: +60 82-223 888
Join the 2nd Borneo Economic Forum
Shaping the Future of Borneo
7 – 8 October 2026 ● Sheraton Kuching Hotel & Hilton Kuching Hotel, Sarawak, Malaysia
Register to take part in two days of high-level discussions, networking, and business engagement bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics, and other stakeholders from across Borneo and beyond. Explore key economic issues, exchange perspectives, build meaningful connections, and discover opportunities for collaboration and partnership shaping Borneo’s shared economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contacts
For further information, inquiries and partnership, please contact:
For further assistance, please contact:
Partners
Borneo Economic Forum 2026 is held by Borneo Economic Community (BEC), in partnership with the Government of Sarawak, with the support of the BIMP-EAGA Sarawak Association (BESA).
Sponsors
