Malaysia wins hosting rights for International Congress on Parasitology (ICOPA) 2030

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KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2026 – Malaysia has successfully secured the hosting rights for the International Congress on Parasitology (ICOPA) 2030, further strengthening the country’s position as a preferred destination for major international scientific congresses and Business Events. The bid was initiated by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) in 2021, with the successful outcome achieved through close collaboration between the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM), MyCEB and Business Events Sarawak.

Scheduled to take place from 18 to 23 August 2030 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, ICOPA 2030 will mark a significant milestone as the first time the congress will be hosted in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The congress is expected to welcome approximately 2,500 delegates from the global parasitology and tropical medicine community, contributing to international visitor arrivals and generating wider economic benefits for Kuching, Sarawak and Malaysia.

Held once every four years, ICOPA is a major international scientific congress that brings together researchers, academicians, practitioners and experts to advance knowledge, encourage scientific exchange and strengthen international collaboration. The successful bid demonstrates the confidence of the international community in Malaysia’s capabilities, infrastructure and strong Business Events ecosystem. Beyond its economic contribution, hosting ICOPA 2030 will create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, professional networking and the development of a long-term legacy for Malaysia’s scientific community.

Ms. Tan Mei Phing, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB, said, “Securing ICOPA 2030 is a significant achievement for Malaysia and reflects the international community’s confidence in our ability to host major global scientific congresses. The journey began when MyCEB initiated the bid in 2021, and today’s success demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between our national association, destination partners and the Business Events industry.”

“Bringing ICOPA to Malaysia and Southeast Asia for the first time is not only an important milestone for our Business Events industry, but also an opportunity to create meaningful impact through knowledge exchange, international research collaboration and professional development. We look forward to welcoming approximately 2,500 delegates from around the world to Kuching in 2030,” she added.

MyCEB congratulates the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM) on this significant achievement and acknowledges the strong collaboration with Business Events Sarawak and all relevant partners and stakeholders who contributed to the successful bid. This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration in attracting high-value international Business Events to Malaysia and further elevates the country’s profile on the global stage. It also demonstrates the important role of Malaysia’s Business Events ecosystem in identifying and securing international congresses that deliver economic, professional, scientific and legacy benefits for the country.

MyCEB remains committed to working closely with MSPTM, Business Events Sarawak and relevant industry partners towards the successful delivery of ICOPA 2030, while continuing to position Malaysia as a leading destination for international Business Events.