Sarawak has won hosting rights for the 11th Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2028 (APRC 2028) of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. It is a milestone win for Malaysia and Borneo.
Scheduled for 23–26 March 2028 in Kuching, in conjunction with World Tuberculosis Day, the conference is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates from across the APAC region, generating an estimated total economic impact of RM8.2m (US$2.07m). It will be the first time APRC is hosted in Borneo, and the second time in Malaysia since Kuala Lumpur in 2007.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most urgent public health challenges, driven by the rise of drug-resistant strains, delayed diagnoses and treatment, as well as poor access to healthcare. Across the Asia-Pacific, the diversity of healthcare systems further complicates coordinated control efforts.
In Sarawak, efforts to strengthen early detection and access to care are already underway, including the adoption of portable handheld X-ray technology by the Bintulu Divisional Health Office to enhance tuberculosis screening, particularly in reaching remote communities. However, scaling these efforts across the region requires stronger collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
APRC 2028 will respond to this need by bringing together global and regional leaders to accelerate practical solutions in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while strengthening partnerships across borders and sectors.
“The Sarawak government’s support towards APRC 2028 is our commitment to ensuring that Sarawak’s healthcare system is inclusive and accessible,” said The Honourable Datuk Amar professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, deputy premier and minister of public health, housing, and local government Sarawak.”
“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,” added Jason Tan Chin Foo, acting CEO 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.”
