Malaysia has taken a major step towards hosting one of the world’s most prestigious cultural heritage events with the launch of the Professional & Institutional Engagement Initiative in preparation for the 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly & Scientific Symposium 2026 (GA2026).

The initiative brings together Malaysia’s leading professional bodies, heritage organisations, conservation experts, universities, tourism stakeholders and civil society under a unified platform to strengthen national collaboration in preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Sarawak to Host the World’s Heritage Community

With the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), the initiative forms part of ICOMOS Malaysia’s comprehensive preparations for GA2026, which will be held in Kuching, Sarawak from 17 to 24 October 2026.

The international event is expected to attract more than 1,500 delegates from over 130 countries, making it one of the largest global gatherings on cultural heritage ever hosted in Malaysia.

Hosting the General Assembly further reinforces Sarawak’s growing reputation as a destination for culture, sustainable tourism and international events while providing an opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s unique multicultural heritage to the world.

A Shared Responsibility for Heritage Conservation

Recognising that heritage preservation requires collective effort, the Professional & Institutional Engagement Initiative seeks to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, urban planners, engineers, archaeologists, museums, tourism professionals, conservation practitioners, educational institutions and local communities.

The initiative aims to encourage knowledge sharing, promote innovation in heritage conservation and inspire greater public appreciation of Malaysia’s diverse cultural and historical assets.

Sarawak Showcases Its Living Heritage

Welcoming the initiative, MTCP Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described GA2026 as a significant milestone for both Sarawak and Malaysia.

He said Sarawak is honoured to host the 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium, adding that the event presents an exceptional opportunity to introduce the state’s living heritage, cultural diversity and commitment to sustainable tourism to an international audience.

According to him, the General Assembly will strengthen Sarawak’s position as a leading destination for culture and sustainable tourism while creating new opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships in heritage conservation.

More Than an International Conference

ICOMOS Malaysia President Faisal Abd Rahman emphasised that Malaysia’s vision extends far beyond organising a successful international conference.

He described hosting GA2026 as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish lasting partnerships that will strengthen heritage conservation, professional collaboration and public appreciation of the nation’s shared cultural legacy.

He also highlighted that heritage conservation today requires collaboration across multiple disciplines.

Architects, archaeologists, planners, universities, practitioners, government agencies and local communities all have important roles to play in ensuring that Malaysia’s cultural heritage continues to thrive for future generations.

The Professional & Institutional Engagement Initiative provides the national platform needed to encourage these collaborations.

Celebrating UNESCO’s 80th Anniversary

In addition to the General Assembly, GA2026 will also serve as Malaysia’s international platform to commemorate UNESCO’s 80th anniversary through a variety of public programmes, exhibitions and community engagement activities.

The event has also received formal recognition from the National Heritage Department, which has designated GA2026 as a programme of national importance while expressing its full support for Malaysia’s hosting of the prestigious gathering.

Strong Support from Professional and Heritage Organisations

The launch was attended by representatives from numerous professional bodies and heritage organisations, including:

• Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM)
• Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP)
• Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM)
• Malaysian Urban Design Association (PEREKABANDAR)
• Ikatan Ahli Arkeologi Malaysia
• Badan Warisan Malaysia
• Penang Heritage Trust
• Perak Heritage Society
• Sarawak Heritage Society

Their participation reflects a collective national commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s heritage conservation ecosystem while ensuring the successful hosting of GA2026.

Building a Lasting Legacy Beyond 2026

Beyond welcoming the world’s leading heritage professionals, the Professional & Institutional Engagement Initiative aims to create a lasting legacy by encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding public awareness and fostering stronger partnerships across the heritage sector.

As Malaysia prepares to welcome the global heritage community to Kuching in October 2026, the initiative also seeks to inspire Malaysians to view cultural heritage not only as something to preserve, but as a shared national responsibility and an opportunity for sustainable development, education and cultural tourism.

With Sarawak taking centre stage, GA2026 promises to be a landmark event that will elevate Malaysia’s standing on the global heritage map while showcasing the nation’s remarkable cultural diversity and commitment to preserving its priceless heritage for generations to come.