BANGKOK, 9 December 2025 – Sarawak has been announced as the host for two major international water industry events: the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 and the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition (WWCE) 2028.
The announcement was made by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg during his plenary keynote address, “Water: Driving Sarawak’s Resilient and Sustainable Future”, at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2025 (WDCE 2025) held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.
Abang Johari said the conferences will serve as leading platforms for global experts, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss emerging challenges, share best practices and advance innovation in the water and wastewater sectors.
“These conferences will serve as leading global platforms bringing together prominent experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the world to discuss emerging challenges, share best practices, and advance innovation in the water and wastewater sectors,” he said.
He added that the events will also provide opportunities for international partners to shape the next generation of water resilience and resource governance.
Sarawak was selected to host WWCE 2028 after a successful bid in Bordeaux, France, in 2023. The Congress is expected to attract around 10,000 delegates from 80 countries, positioning Sarawak as a global hub in the water industry.
Meanwhile, organisers of BIWWEC 2026 are targeting between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, with representatives from 30 to 40 countries expected to attend.
Chairman of the Malaysia Water Association (Sarawak Branch), Ts. Kelvin Kuek Hann Yih, said the event will highlight Sarawak’s growing role in the international water sector and provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The announcement was witnessed by several dignitaries, including Ambassador of Malaysia to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, and IWA Executive Director Dr Kala Vairavamoorthy.
The hosting of BIWWEC 2026 and WWCE 2028 underscores Sarawak’s commitment to advancing sustainable water management and strengthening its position in the global water industry.
