KUCHING: The 9th International Research Conference of the World Society of Disaster Nursing (WSDN) 2026 will bring global stakeholders together to advance more sustainable and inclusive ways to protect lives and support communities during disasters.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said through the conference, Sarawak should learn about selected disaster preparedness and response approaches from other countries to strengthen the state’s emergency management system.
He noted that natural disasters are becoming more frequent – partly driven by increasingly evident climate change – and require more comprehensive and continuous preparedness.
“Countries like Japan have structured and effective disaster management systems. Whether it is floods or public health emergencies, they have strong systems, continuous training and close collaboration between agencies and communities.
“As we witnessed last year, the worst floods hit Bintulu along with several other incidents we had never anticipated before. Therefore, there are approaches we must learn from and adapt as references for Sarawak,” he said.
He said this during a press conference on the WSDN 2026 International Research Conference at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Sarawak will host the prestigious conference from Sept 17 to 19, 2026, at the BCCK, with more than 500 international delegates expected to attend, including healthcare experts, researchers and emergency management practitioners.
Held under the theme ‘Accelerate Networking: A Catalyst to Go Over the Horizon’, the conference will provide a platform for meaningful exchanges on emerging technologies, innovative solutions and practical strategies to strengthen disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
Dr Sim also said that beyond knowledge-sharing, WSDN 2026 is expected to generate an estimated RM4.1 million in economic impact and support more than 300 jobs, particularly across the tourism, hospitality and services sectors.
“The conference also aligns with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) by reinforcing efforts to build a resilient, future-ready public health system capable of responding effectively to evolving challenges,” he said.
The conference will feature globally recognised experts in disaster nursing and emergency response, including Prof. Dr Aileen M. Marty from the University of Miami (USA), Prof. Dr Jamie Ranse from Griffith University (Australia), and Prof. Dr Sonoe Mashino from the University of Hyogo (Japan), alongside leading regional practitioners and researchers shaping the future of disaster healthcare worldwide.
The conference is organised by the Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, in collaboration with the World Society of Disaster Nursing, Business Events Sarawak, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and the Association for Malaysian Emergency Nurses.
