KUCHING: LabAsia Borneo Edition 2026 officially opened at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday, marking the return of Southeast Asia's leading laboratory exhibition to East Malaysia as the region strengthens its position in scientific research, laboratory technologies and high-value industries.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the three-day exhibition is co-located with the IUPAC 51st World Polymer Congress (Macro 2026), bringing together laboratory professionals, scientists, researchers, technology providers, manufacturers and industry leaders to promote knowledge exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration and the application of scientific research in industry.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian following welcoming addresses by representatives of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) and Informa Markets Malaysia.
The exhibition returns to Borneo amid growing demand for laboratory technologies driven by the expansion of healthcare, biotechnology, environmental sciences, food processing, energy and advanced manufacturing across Sarawak and the wider Borneo region, with Malaysia's scientific instruments market projected to reach US$275.25 million by 2032.
Since its debut in 2007, LabAsia has grown into one of Southeast Asia's leading exhibitions for laboratory technology, scientific instruments and analytical solutions, with this year's edition featuring more than 60 brands and companies from five countries and regions showcasing laboratory equipment, analytical technologies and automation solutions.
Visitors can also attend technical presentations, live product demonstrations and networking sessions, while the co-location with MACRO 2026 connects participants with internationally recognised experts in polymer science and advanced materials.
Informa Markets Malaysia Country General Manager Gerard Leeuwenburgh said LabAsia had long served as a meeting place for Malaysia's laboratory and scientific community and its return to Borneo marked a new chapter for the exhibition.
"Over the years, LabAsia has been the meeting place for Malaysia's laboratory and scientific community," he said.
"Today, we are excited to begin a new chapter as LabAsia returns to Borneo because this region is full of opportunity.
"By bringing LabAsia closer to where this growth is taking place, we are making it easier for researchers, laboratory professionals, manufacturers and solution providers to connect, exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities."Sim said the co-located events supported 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 pursuing a future that is innovation-driven, environmentally sustainable and economically resilient," he said.
"Science, technology and innovation form the foundation of this transformation.
"Hosting international scientific events such as LabAsia Borneo Edition and MACRO 2026 reflects our commitment to strengthening the research ecosystem, developing scientific talent and fostering global partnerships that will benefit future generations."The exhibition is organised with the support of IKM and IUPAC, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing scientific excellence, encouraging innovation and strengthening collaboration across the laboratory and chemical sciences community.
IKM President Datuk ChM Dr Soon Ting Kueh said the congress theme, "New Polymers and Innovative Materials for a Sustainable Future", highlighted the role of chemistry in creating practical solutions.
"Just as individual monomers connect to form strong and versatile polymer chains, each researcher, educator, industry partner and student gathered here contributes a unique building block towards a stronger, more sustainable future," he said.
"When these ideas come together, they create something far greater than the sum of their parts."LabAsia Borneo Edition 2026 runs from July 28 to 30 at BCCK, offering scientists, researchers, laboratory professionals, manufacturers, educators and industry stakeholders opportunities to explore emerging laboratory technologies, exchange expertise and build partnerships that support scientific and industrial advancement across Malaysia and the region.
