Curtin University Malaysia has officially assumed full managerial and operational responsibility for the International Journal of Business, Events and Legacies (IJBEL), following a formal handover from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
The transition, finalised on January 20, 2026, solidifies the university’s role as the academic lead for the world’s first journal dedicated to the economic, social, and environmental legacies of business events. While Curtin University Malaysia takes over operations, BESarawak will remain the founding and strategic partner, providing ongoing advocacy and guidance.
Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, pro vice-chancellor of Curtin University Malaysia, indicated that this agreement “marks an important step in strengthening academic–industry collaboration to advance research, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership in business events and legacy studies”.
Established in 2022, IJBEL has rapidly gained international traction. Under Curtin University Malaysia, the journal is set to expand its global influence with the upcoming 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition. This project, a collaboration with the Goyang Convention Bureau, will feature a dedicated legacy forum during Goyang Destination Week.
Jason Tan Chin Foo, deputy CEO of BESarawak, noted that the transfer aligns with the organsation’s “legacy principles of continuity and sustainability”, ensuring the journal remains a key piece of global intellectual capital for the business events sector.
