KUCHING: Kuching will host the inaugural Borneo–Japan NewTrends Trade Expo (BJNT) 2026 next month.
The event is set to bring together businesses, creative industries and cultural exchanges from Borneo and Japan to strengthen international collaboration and create new economic opportunities.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the expo would strengthen Kuching’s efforts to build international connections through business, culture, creativity and people-to-people exchanges.
He said the event would provide a platform for local businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and young talents to connect with Japanese companies, explore collaborations and create new business opportunities.
“Japan has long been one of Malaysia’s important economic and cultural partners. Through this expo, our local businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and young talents will have greater opportunities to connect with Japanese companies, explore new collaborations and create new business possibilities,” he told a press conference here today (July 27).
Besides business networking, the expo will feature programmes catering to students, technology enthusiasts, anime fans, cosplayers and members of the public interested in Japanese culture.
Wee said internationally renowned cosplayer Hakken, who is also a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador, would make a special appearance, which is expected to attract young visitors and further enhance Kuching’s image as a vibrant, youth-friendly city.
The expo will also feature forums on animation, artificial intelligence, intellectual property and the creative industry, alongside dedicated business matching sessions connecting Sarawak small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with Japanese and regional business partners.
He said international events such as BJNT 2026 are important platforms for Kuching to strengthen its global connections, while allowing the city to learn from international networks and raise its standards in areas such as hospitality, business and event management.
He added that such platforms would help local entrepreneurs gain greater exposure and prepare them to compete in the international market.
Wee said the event is expected to generate positive spillover effects for the local economy as visitors contribute to the hospitality, food and beverage, retail and tourism sectors while reinforcing Kuching’s reputation as a destination for international events.
“I look forward to seeing BJNT 2026 grow into a signature international event for Kuching and Sarawak in the years to come,” he said.
The two-day expo, organised by BrandSmith Sdn Bhd, will be held at The Everly Lhesson Hotel Kuching on Aug 15 and 16, with support from the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), Business Events Sarawak and other partners.
