Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian announcing the 15th World Congress on Design and Health to be held in Sarawak in 2026. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak is set to host the 15th World Congress on Design and Health in 2026, the first of its kind to be held in Borneo.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the congress aligned with the Sarawak post-Covid development strategy's goals of economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
"This is an important event as design and health involve all these themes.
"It will take us a step further and we look forward to contributions from international experts on good design for housing, public transport and other facilities that will promote health and wellness for our people," he told a press conference on Friday (Nov 22).
Dr Sim said the congress aimed to improve quality of life through health-promoting design which emphasises creating environments that support wellness rather than purely addressing illnesses.
He said this resonated with Sarawak’s focus on health for environmental sustainability and economic development.
The congress, which will be hosted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), is targeting 1,000 International and local delegates from various fields, including health, local governments, architects and town planners.
It will also involve local partners such as the state Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry, Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHEDA), state Health Department and Business Events Sarawak.
The congress is organised by the Sweden-based International Academy for Design and Health, which promotes research-based design that supports health, wellbeing and quality of life.
