IMPORTANT: PREFERENTIAL JOINING FEES:
SHS MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO ICOMOS MALAYSIA MEMBER “EARLY BIRD” REGISTRATION FEE OF RM 1890 (STUDENT: RM 1390) AND RM 1200 FOR ACCOMPANYING PERSON (SPOUSE)
FOR REGISTRATIONS BEFORE 30 SEPTEMBER (more below).
IF YOU INTEND TO REGISTER UNDER THIS PREFERENTIAL RATE PLEASE LET US KNOW URGENTLY by email to sarawakheritagesociety@gmail.com or by message to our WhatsApp line 018 780 2006 to facilitate ICOMOS validation of your registration.
For inquiries : SHS WhatsApp: 018 780 2006 / email: sarawakheritagesociety@gmail.com
If you have not heard of ICOMOS or have only a vague idea of what it is, here is the essential:
ICOMOS stands for the International Council on Monuments and Sites. It is the world leading international non-governmental organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage. Established in 1965 and headquartered in Paris, France, it is an official advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on cultural heritage. It has 12,000 members through 100 National Committees (ICOMOS Malaysia being one of them) and 31 international Scientific Committees in various disciplines. It is regularly mobilised to assist countries in the preparation of their submissions of sites nominated as candidates to UNESCO World Heritage status.
ICOMOS GA26 will take place 18 to 24 October 2026 at Kuching’s Borneo Convention Centre. Organised by ICOMOS Malaysia, it will be first triennial ICOMOS General Assembly / Scientific Symposium hosted in Asia. It will gather a large number of heritage and experts and practitioners from all over the world.
So, for any heritage conservation practitioner, custodian or heritage aficionado here in Sarawak and in Malaysia, from grassroots to Government, this will be a golden occasion to learn and to update oneself on the global debate on heritage conservation and management and to contribute to it.
A unique occasion to connect with international networks and exchange knowledge on ways to strengthen heritage strategies, policies and conservation efforts..
Also an occasion to showcase Sarawak’s rich, diverse and multi-dimensional heritage.
The importance of this event is enhanced by the fact that it takes place at a time of a significantly evolving global debate on heritage conservation, with, in particular, focus on the concept of “living heritage” which places increased weight on reinforcing all stakeholders participation in heritage conservation decision making and management and systematically integrating intangible heritage dimensions. This is reflected in the “Respect, Enhance, Accept, Partnership” theme of the event: These dimensions will be debated at the Scientific Symposium leg of the event.
SHS is a partner organisation of ICOMOS GA26
On 9 June 2026 a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between ICOMOS Malaysia and SHS to enhance collaboration. “At a time when many cultures face the pressures of rapid modernisation, GA2026 serves as an important reminder that heritage must be protected and passed on to future generations. Heritage conservation is a shared responsibility” said Dato Sri YB Karin Hamzah, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts at that occasion.
The conference will include a Heritage exposition and a Public programme.
Registration is still open on the ICOMOS GA26 website. Joining charges are for the whole conference (which includes lectures, expert meetings, workshops, master classes, site visits, social gatherings…) and reflect international rates for such events.
SHS’s partner status makes SHS members eligible to the preferential ICOMOS Malaysia Member “early bird” registration fee of RM 1890 (Student: RM 1390) and RM 1200 for accompanying person (spouse) for registrations before 30 September 2026.
There is also an Online participation option and a way to get involved is to apply to contribute as a volunteer.
We at SHS look forward to this major event. We will do our best to contribute to its success and to enhance our “3A”s Awareness, Advocacy and Advice” toolkit.