BESarawak, represented by Jason Tan Chin Foo (left centre), and Curtin University Malaysia, by Vincent Lee Chieng Chen (right centre), sign the Memorandum of Agreement, witnessed by Amelia Roziman, BESarawak CEO (centre).
Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has entered into an agreement to transfer ownership and operational control of the International Journal of Business, Events and Legacies (IJBEL) to Curtin University Malaysia, a move aimed at deepening academic involvement in the business events sector in Sarawak.
Under the agreement, Curtin University Malaysia will assume full responsibility for the management, editorial operations and development of the open-access journal. BESarawak will continue to be recognised as IJBEL’s Founding and Strategic Partner.
The agreement was formally signed in Kuching and witnessed by BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman.
BESarawak deputy CEO Jason Tan Chin Foo said allows Sarawak’s legacy-driven business events sector to “evolve as a field of study”. BESarawak will continue to support the journal through advocacy, promotion and strategic guidance.
Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive of Curtin University Malaysia, said the agreement reflects a growing alignment between academia and industry in advancing research and thought leadership in business events.
“Through IJBEL, Curtin University Malaysia will provide a credible and internationally aligned platform that brings together academic research with industry perspectives, while enhancing the visibility and impact of business events across academia, industry and government,” he said.
Launched in 2022, IJBEL was established as a dedicated journal examining the economic, social, environmental and cultural legacies generated by business events. Curtin University Malaysia has played a central role in the journal’s academic and editorial development since its inception.
The journal’s international reach has continued to expand. In 2025, BESarawak and Curtin University Malaysia announced plans for the IJBEL Korea Special Edition 2026, to be developed in collaboration with the Goyang Convention Bureau. The partnership will also include a legacy forum to be held during Goyang Destination Week in South Korea.
The transfer of IJBEL to Curtin University Malaysia is expected to further embed research, education and academic leadership into Sarawak’s business events ecosystem.