Sarawak Secures Landmark Win to Host APAC’s Leading Lung Disease Conference in 2028

Sarawak has secured the hosting rights for the 11th Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2028 (APRC 2028) of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, reinforcing its growing positioning as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo.

Set to take place from 23–26 March 2028 in Kuching, and aligned with World Tuberculosis Day, the conference is expected to welcome more than 1,000 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region, generating an estimated RM8.2 million in economic impact. APRC 2028 will mark a historic first for Borneo and only the second time the conference is hosted in Malaysia, following Kuala Lumpur in 2007.

The event arrives at a critical time. Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges, fuelled by drug-resistant strains, delayed diagnoses, treatment adherence gaps, persistent stigma, and unequal access to healthcare. Across Asia-Pacific, the diversity of healthcare systems continues to complicate coordinated responses.

In Sarawak, steps are already being taken to address these gaps. Initiatives such as the use of portable handheld X-ray technology by the Bintulu Divisional Health Office are helping to strengthen early detection and expand screening efforts, particularly in underserved and remote communities. Scaling these efforts, however, will depend on stronger regional collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

APRC 2028 is designed to meet this moment, convening global and regional leaders to accelerate solutions in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while fostering cross-border and cross-sector partnerships.

“APRC 2028 directly supports Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, where healthcare is not only about treatment, but about equity and inclusion. The Sarawak government’s support towards APRC 2028 is our commitment to ensuring that Sarawak’s healthcare system is inclusive, accessible, and leaves no one behind,” said The Honourable Datuk Amar Prof. Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak.

“Better prevention and control of tuberculosis and other lung diseases require strong collaboration between government, academia and communities to improve access, strengthen awareness, and build trust. This is critical in addressing stigma, ensuring people feel safe and supported to seek early diagnosis and treatment.”

“We want to bridge science, policy, and practice for a tuberculosis-free future and better lung health for all, hence the APRC 2028 will feature a large-scale programme with workshops, plenaries, symposiums, and community outreach sessions to include all segments of society. We believe that everyone – government, associations, industry, academia and local communities – can be advocates for a tuberculosis-free future,” said Prof. Dato’ Dr Abdul Razak bin Abdul Muttalif, Organising Chairman of APRC 2028 and member of the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB).

“Winning APRC 2028 reflects Sarawak’s growing reputation as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo,” said Jason Tan Chin Foo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).

“With strong government backing under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and BESarawak’s legacy framework, we are committed to ensuring that APRC 2028 delivers meaningful legacy outcomes. By convening global experts and stakeholders, the conference will catalyse advancing solutions to critical health challenges, particularly tuberculosis, while contributing to long-term development goals aligned with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

APRC 2028 is organised by the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB) in collaboration with the Sarawak State Health Department, Malaysian Thoracic Association, the Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Sarawak (ATAS), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), with support from the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
 

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