PATA Reveals Speaker Line-up for PTM Knowledge Forum 2026 in Sarawak, Malaysia
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the confirmed speaker line-up for the PTM Knowledge Forum 2026, taking place on August 18 at the Sheraton Kuching Hotel in Sarawak, Malaysia, alongside PATA Travel Mart 2026.
Event Details
- Date: August 18, 2026
- Venue: Sheraton Kuching Hotel, Sarawak, Malaysia
- Theme: “The Next Era: Impactful Partnerships, Purposeful Growth”
- Context: Held alongside PATA Travel Mart 2026 (Aug 18–20) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
Key Sessions & Highlights
Opening Fireside Chat:
- Tourism, Partnerships & Purposeful Growth with Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Minister, Sarawak) and Eugene Tang (South China Morning Post).
Global Market Dynamics:
- The Next Era of Travel – Gary Bowerman, Check-in Asia.
- Japan Outbound Tourism Snapshot – Dr. Temesgen Assefa, JTB Consulting.
Sustainability in Action:
- Case studies from Sarawak, Thailand, Macao.
- Moderated by Yang Li, Booking.com.
Purposeful Growth in an Age of Change:
- Senior industry panel moderated by Sarah Mathews, e-Tourism Frontiers.
Technology & Innovation:
- AI, Digital Commerce & the Future Traveller – Bharat Nagpal (Sojern) & Yang Li (Booking.com).
New Digital Series Launch:
- Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose – Bracken Hollings, Content With Purpose.
Partnerships Across Borders:
- Moderated by Lizam Dorji, MICE Bhutan.
Communities & Culture:
- Moderated by Andrew Jones, Sanctuary Resorts.
Confirmed Speakers
A diverse line-up including:
- Government & Tourism Authorities: Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Dennis Ngau, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot.
- Industry Leaders: Sarah Mathews, Lizam Dorji, Dileep Mudadeniya, Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin.
- Airlines & Hospitality: Eric Fong (Macau International Airport), Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, AirBorneo.
- Innovators & Storytellers: Eugene Tang (SCMP), Gary Bowerman, Bracken Hollings.
- Community Tourism: Jessica Yew (Sticky Rice Travel), Somsak Boonkam (Local Alike).
Strategic Partnerships
- Two MoU signings:
- PATA & GBTA (Global Business Travel Association).
- TOP25 & Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF).
Takeaway
The PTM Knowledge Forum 2026 is designed to complement the commercial networking of PATA Travel Mart by offering a space for strategic dialogue. With sessions spanning sustainability, partnerships, technology, and community-led tourism, it positions Sarawak as a hub for purposeful tourism growth in Asia Pacific.
