Curtin Malaysia takes the helm of world’s first business events legacy journal

Miri, Sarawak – 21 January 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has officially assumed full management and operations of the International Journal of Business, Events and Legacies (IJBEL), marking a major milestone in academic–industry collaboration for the business events sector.

The transition follows a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing with Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) in Kuching on 19 January, witnessed by BESarawak Chief Executive Officer, Amelia Roziman.

Under the agreement, Curtin Malaysia will now oversee IJBEL’s editorial and operational functions, while BESarawak retains its role as Founding and Strategic Partner, reflecting its pioneering contribution in conceptualising and launching the world’s first journal dedicated to the legacy impacts of business events.

Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia described the agreement as a major step toward strengthening academia-industry collaboration. “Through IJBEL, Curtin Malaysia is proud to provide a credible, internationally aligned platform that brings together academic research and industry perspectives, while enhancing the visibility and impact of business events across academia, industry, and government,” he said.

Established in 2022, IJBEL explores how business events generate long-term economic, social, environmental, and cultural impacts. The journal has since emerged as a leading voice in shaping legacy-driven strategies across academia, government and industry.

Jason Tan Chin Foo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak, emphasised that the transfer of ownership reinforces BESarawak’s legacy principles of continuity and sustainability, enabling legacy-driven business events to evolve as a field of study. “We will continue to support the journal through advocacy, promotion, and guidance to ensure that IJBEL lives on as shared, global intellectual capital,” he concluded.

The journal’s international influence is set to expand further with the 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition announced recently. In collaboration with the Goyang Convention Bureau, Curtin Malaysia will produce the special issue and host a legacy forum during Goyang Destination Week, reinforcing IJBEL’s role in advancing legacy-driven business events worldwide.

Also present at the signing ceremony were BESarawak General Manager for Capacity and Digitalisation, Joachim Soon, and Curtin Malaysia’s Manager of External Engagement, Muhamad Rahman Bin Sallehin.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

For more information on IJBEL, visit ijbelegacy.com.

Jason Tan (second from left) signed the MoA with Professor Vincent Lee, witnessed by Amelia Roziman (centre), Joachim Soon (left) and Muhamad Rahman bin Sallehin (right).