KUCHING: LabAsia Borneo Edition 2026 officially opened yesterday at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), marking the return of Southeast Asia’s premier laboratory exhibition to East Malaysia. The event highlights the region’s strengthening position as a burgeoning hub for scientific research, laboratory technologies, and high-value industries.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, this three-day exhibition is strategically co-located with the IUPAC 51st World Polymer Congress (MACRO 2026), creating a unique convergence of laboratory professionals, scientists, researchers, technology providers, manufacturers, and industry leaders. Together, the two events facilitate knowledge exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the translation of scientific research into practical industrial and commercial applications.
The opening ceremony was officiated by The Honourable Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, following welcoming addresses from representatives of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM), and Informa Markets Malaysia.
The return of LabAsia to Borneo reflects the rising demand for laboratory technologies driven by expanding healthcare, biotechnology, environmental sciences, food processing, energy, and advanced manufacturing across Sarawak and the wider region. In Malaysia, the scientific instruments market is projected to reach US$275.25 million by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.65% from 2025 to 2032 — underpinned by sustained investment in research and development and increasing demand for advanced analytical capabilities across multiple sectors.
Since its inception in 2007, LabAsia has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading exhibitions dedicated to laboratory technology, scientific instruments, and analytical solutions. Its return to Borneo underscores its commitment to making laboratory innovation more accessible to organisations across East Malaysia and supporting the region’s expanding scientific ecosystem.
This year’s exhibition features over 60 brands and companies from five countries, showcasing the latest laboratory equipment, scientific instruments, analytical technologies, and automation solutions from both local and international firms.
Beyond the exhibition floor, visitors can participate in technical presentations, live product demonstrations, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration between academia, research institutions, laboratories, and industry. The co-location with MACRO 2026 further enhances the experience by connecting participants with internationally renowned experts in polymer science and advanced materials.
“Over the years, LabAsia has been the meeting point for Malaysia’s laboratory and scientific community. Today, we are excited to begin a new chapter as LabAsia returns to Borneo, as this region is full of opportunity. By bringing LabAsia closer to where growth is happening, we are making it easier for researchers, laboratory professionals, manufacturers, and solution providers to connect, share knowledge, and explore new prospects,” said Mr Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia.
The Honourable Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian highlighted that the co-located events align with Sarawak’s vision of becoming a regional centre for scientific research, innovation, and sustainable industrial development.
“Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, Sarawak is aiming for an innovation-driven, environmentally sustainable, and economically resilient future. Science, technology, and innovation are the foundations of this transformation. Hosting international scientific events like LabAsia Borneo Edition and MACRO 2026 demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the research ecosystem, nurturing scientific talent, and fostering global partnerships that will benefit future generations,” he said.
LabAsia Borneo Edition is organised with support from Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) and IUPAC, reflecting a shared dedication to advancing scientific excellence, fostering innovation, and enhancing professional collaboration within the laboratory and chemical sciences community.
“Our theme, ‘New Polymers and Innovative Materials for a Sustainable Future,’ reminds us that chemistry is more than molecules and reactions — it’s about creating solutions. Just as monomers connect to form strong, versatile polymers, each researcher, educator, industry partner, and student here contributes to building a more sustainable future. When these ideas come together, they create something far greater than the sum of their parts,” said Datuk ChM Dr Soon Ting Kueh, President of IKM.
Running from 28–30 July 2026 at BCCK, LabAsia Borneo Edition 2026 offers scientists, researchers, laboratory professionals, manufacturers, educators, and industry stakeholders the opportunity to explore emerging laboratory technologies, exchange expertise, and forge partnerships that support scientific and industrial progress across Malaysia and the wider region.-pr/BNN
