Rabies in Borneo Conference

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Rabies in Borneo Conference Rabies in Asia (RIA) & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026
29 September - 1 October 2026 | Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak

• The Rabies in Borneo (RIB) Conference was created as the inaugural congregation of experts in the prevention of rabies in Borneo. Fashioned after the Rabies in the Americas (RITA) and Rabies in West Africa (RIWA), Rabies in Borneo or RIB for short, aims to be the authoritative voice in the prevention and control of rabies in the community.

• The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) aims for Sarawak to be rabies free by the year 2025 and RIB is one of the steps towards that goal.

• RIB will bring together international and local experts and practitioners to create a platform of knowledge transfer and exchange. For the inaugural RIB, the aim is to unpack two approaches of rabies prevention; the scientific (medical and veterinary) method and community participation.

🐾 RIA & RIB 2026 | DAY 3The final day of Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026 marked the conclusion o...
01/10/2026

🐾 RIA & RIB 2026 | DAY 3

The final day of Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026 marked the conclusion of three meaningful days of knowledge sharing, collaboration and collective commitment towards a rabies-free future.

Day 3 brought together experts, practitioners, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders for insightful discussions on rabies control, surveillance, vaccination, molecular epidemiology, dog population management and community action through local leadership.

The conference concluded with the Conclusions & Recommendations Forum, highlighting key insights and strengthening the collective commitment towards advancing rabies elimination through collaboration and the One Health approach. 🌏🐾

A heartfelt thank you to all our speakers, delegates, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, organising committee members and everyone who contributed to the success of RIA & RIB 2026.

As we close this chapter, the journey continues…

✨ See you at Rabies in Asia 2027 in Bangkok, Thailand & Rabies in Borneo 2027 in Kuching, Sarawak! 🇹🇭🇲🇾

We are pleased to welcome Professor Dr. David Perera, Director Institute of Health & Community Medicine,Universiti Malay...
01/10/2026

We are pleased to welcome Professor Dr. David Perera, Director Institute of Health & Community Medicine,Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), as a distinguished speaker at Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026.

🌏 PLENARY 10
Molecular Epidemiology of Rabies in Sarawak

The study of the molecular epidemiology of rabies in Sarawak examines the genetic characteristics, diversity, and transmission patterns of rabies virus strains to better understand their origin and spread. This knowledge supports disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and the development of more effective rabies prevention and control strategies.

29 September – 1 October 2026
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

Jointly Organised By:
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
Place Borneo

Supported by:
Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), BESarawak

Partners:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (Rasmi), Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS)

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Chua Hock Hin, Head of Infectious Disease Unit, Sarawak General Hospital, as a distinguish...
01/10/2026

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Chua Hock Hin, Head of Infectious Disease Unit,
Sarawak General Hospital, as a distinguished speaker at Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026.

🌏 PLENARY 9
Saving Lives Through Timely Medical Treatment

Promoting timely access to appropriate medical treatment following potential rabies exposure, helping to prevent infection, reduce complications, and save lives through early intervention.

📅 29 September – 1 October 2026
📍 Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

Jointly Organised By:
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
Place Borneo

Supported by:
Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), BESarawak

Partners:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (Rasmi), Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS)

We are pleased to welcome Ts. George anak Bobby, Senior Research Officer, Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Depa...
01/10/2026

We are pleased to welcome Ts. George anak Bobby, Senior Research Officer, Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, as a distinguished speaker at Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026.

🌏 PLENARY 8
Sarawak Endorsed Dog-Mediated Rabies Control Programme

A coordinated programme focused on controlling and preventing rabies through dog vaccination, responsible pet ownership, disease surveillance, population management, and community awareness. The programme aims to reduce rabies transmission and protect both human and animal health across Sarawak.

29 September – 1 October 2026
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

Jointly Organised By:
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
Place Borneo

Supported by:
Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), BESarawak

Partners:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (Rasmi), Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS)

✨ RIA & RIB 2026 | DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS 🐾🌏Day 2 of Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026 brought together ...
30/09/2026

✨ RIA & RIB 2026 | DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS 🐾🌏

Day 2 of Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026 brought together experts, researchers, public health professionals, veterinarians and stakeholders for another day of meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange on rabies prevention and control.

The programme featured insightful plenary sessions, technical presentations and focused discussions addressing key areas including rabies surveillance, molecular epidemiology, dog population management, integrated vaccination programmes and community-based action.

As we continue to strengthen collaboration across disciplines and borders, the conversations and shared experiences throughout Day 2 contribute to advancing coordinated strategies towards rabies elimination and a safer, rabies-free future.

📍 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
📅 29 September – 1 October 2026

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Alison Hoeger, Consultant, North Star Biodiversity and Biosecurity, Brisbane, Australia, a...
30/09/2026

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Alison Hoeger, Consultant, North Star Biodiversity and Biosecurity, Brisbane, Australia, as a distinguished speaker at Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026.

🦇 PLENARY 7
Australian Bat Lyssavirus Surveillance (Wildlife)

This plenary session will focus on Australian Bat Lyssavirus surveillance in wildlife, highlighting the role of wildlife monitoring and surveillance in understanding lyssavirus activity and supporting effective disease prevention and risk management.

📅 29 September – 1 October 2026
📍 Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

Jointly Organised By:
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
Place Borneo

Supported by:
Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), BESarawak

Partners:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (Rasmi), Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS)

💬 FORUM 2 | RIA 2026 & RIB 2026🦮 Dog Population Management - Preventing More Puppies and Kittens 🐈Effective dog populati...
30/09/2026

💬 FORUM 2 | RIA 2026 & RIB 2026

🦮 Dog Population Management - Preventing More Puppies and Kittens 🐈

Effective dog population management plays an important role in reducing the number of unwanted puppies and kittens and promoting responsible pet ownership. By addressing uncontrolled breeding, communities can help reduce stray animal populations and improve animal welfare.

This forum will explore practical approaches to managing dog and cat populations, including responsible breeding, sterilisation, registration, vaccination, and proper care. It will also highlight the importance of community participation and public awareness in preventing unwanted litters.

Through collaborative and sustainable population management strategies, the programme aims to reduce the number of free-roaming animals, minimise the risk of disease transmission, and contribute to safer and healthier communities for both people and animals.

🎙️ PANELISTS

Dr. Kinley Choden (Bhutan)
Sub-Regional Repsentative for South East Asia, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

Dr. Melanie Pescadilla (Philippines, Negros Island)
DPM in Bais City

Dr. Joanita Jong (Timor-Leste)
Senior Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry

🎤 MODERATOR
Mr. Desmond Anak Douglas Jerukan (Malaysia)
Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG)

29 September – 1 October 2026
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

Jointly Organised By:
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
Place Borneo

Supported by:
Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), BESarawak

Partners:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (Rasmi), Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS)

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Joanita Bendita da Costa Jong, Senior Veterinary Officer / WOAH Delegate, Ministry of Agri...
30/09/2026

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Joanita Bendita da Costa Jong, Senior Veterinary Officer / WOAH Delegate, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, as a distinguished speaker at Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026.

🌏 PLENARY 6
Rabies Public Awareness and One Health Collaboration in Timor-Leste

This plenary session will highlight the role of public awareness and One Health collaboration in strengthening rabies prevention and control in Timor-Leste, bringing attention to the importance of coordinated efforts across veterinary, public health and community sectors.

📅 29 September – 1 October 2026
📍 Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

Jointly Organised by:
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
Place Borneo

Supported by:
Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), BESarawak

Partners:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (Rasmi), Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS)

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Reeta S. Mani, Professor and Head of Neurovirology and WHO Collaborating Centre for Refere...
29/09/2026

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Reeta S. Mani, Professor and Head of Neurovirology and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India, as a distinguished speaker at Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 & Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026.

🧠 PLENARY 5
Human Rabies Survivors and Mental Health Impact

This plenary session will bring attention to the experiences of human rabies survivors and the mental health impact associated with rabies, highlighting the need to consider psychological and psychosocial support alongside clinical care and rabies prevention efforts.

📅 29 September – 1 October 2026
📍 Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

Jointly Organised By:
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
Place Borneo

Supported by:
Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development Sarawak, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), BESarawak

Partners:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (Rasmi), Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS)

✨ DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | RIA & RIB 2026 🐾🌏What a powerful start to the 1st Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026, in conjunction with th...
29/09/2026

✨ DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | RIA & RIB 2026 🐾🌏

What a powerful start to the 1st Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026, in conjunction with the 5th Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026! 🎉

The conference was officially launched by The Honourable Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak.

💬 “Together, we can transform our vision into reality. Not just for Sarawak, but for Asia and ultimately for the world.”

A powerful message from The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, delivered by Prof Sim, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility and collective action in advancing rabies elimination across the region.

🐾 KEYNOTE 1 | Roadmap Towards Zero Rabies. Are We on Track for 2030?

Dr. Rachel Tidman (France), Global Rabies Coordinator, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), set the tone for the day with an insightful keynote exploring the roadmap towards zero rabies and the global efforts needed to achieve the 2030 goal.

💬 FORUM 1 | Policy Without Borders: Strengthening Collaboration for Rabies Elimination

Day 1 closed with a powerful conversation around a simple question:

Rabies does not stop at a border, so why do our policies?

Bringing together global, regional and national perspectives, the forum explored what it takes to strengthen collaboration between neighbouring countries, align policies, funding and surveillance, and turn regional cooperation into meaningful action.

The discussion featured:

🔹 Dr. Rachel Tidman (France) | WOAH
🔹 Dr. Claude Flamand (Cambodia) | Institute Pasteur Cambodia
🔹 Dr. Gyanendra Gongal (India) | World Health Organization, South-East Asia Region
🔹 Dr. Mary Elizabeth G. Miranda (The Philippines) | RITM
🎙️ Moderator: YBhg. Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud (Malaysia) | Director, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak & RIA & RIB 2026 Organising Chairperson

💬 “Rabies does not recognise geographical or administrative boundaries, and our response must extend beyond borders.”

The message from YBhg. Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud reflected the spirit of the conference: stronger partnerships, shared knowledge and coordinated action are essential to achieving rabies elimination.

🌏 One Health. Shared Knowledge. Stronger Collaboration.

As Day 1 comes to a close, we look forward to more inspiring discussions, new connections and stronger partnerships in the days ahead.

A big thank you to all our speakers, delegates, partners and participants for making Day 1 of RIA & RIB 2026 such a meaningful and engaging start! 🙌

📅 29 September – 1 October 2026
📍 Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia

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Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, The Isthmus, Sejingkat
Kuching
93050

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