Curtin Malaysia Launches World’s First Business Events Legacy Journal: A Milestone in Industry-Academia Collaboration
Curtin University Malaysia has assumed full management and operational oversight of the International Journal of Business, Events and Legacies (IJBEL), marking a notable development in academia-business collaboration. This transition was established through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) on January 19, 2026, in Kuching, a ceremony attended by BESarawak’s Chief Executive Officer, Amelia Roziman.
Agreement Overview
According to the agreement, Curtin Malaysia will oversee the editorial and operational duties of IJBEL, while BESarawak will maintain its position as the Founding and Strategic Partner. This collaboration underscores BESarawak’s initiative in creating the first journal dedicated to exploring the legacy impacts of business events.
Statements from Leadership
Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, remarked that this agreement represents a significant step forward in enhancing the partnership between academia and industry. He indicated that IJBEL serves as a credible, internationally aligned platform that integrates academic research with industry insights, thereby amplifying the visibility and impact of business events across various sectors.
Journal Focus and Recognition
Launched in 2022, IJBEL focuses on investigating the long-term economic, social, environmental, and cultural impacts of business events and has gained recognition as an influential source for developing legacy-driven strategies.
Support and Commitment
Jason Tan Chin Foo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak, stated that the transfer of ownership is consistent with BESarawak’s legacy principles of continuity and sustainability, furthering the development of legacy-driven business events as a distinct area of study. He confirmed BESarawak’s ongoing commitment to support the journal through advocacy, promotion, and guidance to ensure IJBEL remains a vital source of global intellectual capital.
Future Plans
The journal plans to extend its international presence with the introduction of the 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition, which will be developed in partnership with the Goyang Convention Bureau. Additionally, a legacy forum is scheduled to take place during Goyang Destination Week, further reinforcing IJBEL’s role in advancing the discourse on legacy-driven business events on a global scale.
Signing Event Participants
Key participants at the signing event included Joachim Soon, BESarawak General Manager for Capacity and Digitalisation, and Muhamad Rahman Bin Sallehin, Manager of External Engagement at Curtin Malaysia.
(Source: Curtin University Malaysia)
