The World Society of Disaster Nursing will convene healthcare professionals and emergency disaster managers in Malaysia in September for the 9th International Research Conference of the World Society of Disaster Nursing (WSDN 2026).
Taking place 17-19 September 2026 in Kuching, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), organisers expect to welcome over 500 delegates from around the world to WSDN 2026. Under the theme ‘Accelerate Networking: A Catalyst to Go Over the Horizon’, the conference will offer a platform for exchange on emerging technologies, innovative solutions, and practical strategies that enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across diverse healthcare systems.
The WSDN 2026 is expected to deliver strong economic value to Sarawak, generating an estimated RM4.1m (US$1.05m) in Total Economic Impact and supporting over 300 jobs.
“From natural disasters to public health emergencies, Sarawak understands the importance of preparedness and resilience. WSDN 2026 aligns strongly with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by strengthening resilient, inclusive, and future-ready systems in the field of public health. While disaster response differs across regions, this conference allows us to build a common understanding of more sustainable ways to protect lives and support communities during disasters,” said The honourable datuk amar professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, deputy premier of Sarawak and minister for public health, housing and local government Sarawak, who chaired a press conference dedicated to the event.
“Beyond advancing the global medical and disaster nursing agenda, WSDN 2026 provides a platform to examine how local communities can play an active role in disaster preparedness and response. This emphasis on shared outcomes, capacity building, and long-term value reflects Sarawak’s commitment to collaborative, impact-focused business events that deliver meaningful benefits for people and communities,” added Jason Tan Chin Foo, acting CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
“This year, WSDN 2026 will integrate technology more deeply into its programme through the use of Augmented Reality in Tabletop Exercises (AR-TTX), a more realistic learning approach that simulates real-life disaster situations. AR-TTX allows participants to strengthen responses and facilitate better decision-making in real emergencies,” said Dr Nurul’Ain Ahayalimudin, conference chair of WSDN 2026. “We believe technology plays a critical role in strengthening how we prepare for and respond to emergencies, hence innovation and technology in disaster nursing and emergency response are one of the key focus areas of WSDN 2026.”
The WSDN 2026 Conference is organised by the Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and supported by the World Society of Disaster Nursing (WSDN), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and the Association for Malaysian Emergency Nurses (AMEN).
More information: www.wsdn2026.com
