United Expo said ICBS's strong track record, established client base, and growth potential made it a natural fit for the group. The move reflects United Expo's focus on Malaysia's lifestyle sectors, with the country's food and beverage industry, including cafés, forecast to grow at a double-digit compound annual rate through the early 2030s, while the broader foodservice sector's value is expected to roughly double over that period - a trend attributed in part to rising urban disposable income.

"ICBS has a strong foundation and a loyal community behind it. We see real potential to grow it further and bring even more value to its stakeholders and the wider trade ecosystem," said Ms Connie Soh, Director of United Expo.

The acquisition builds on a legacy that traces back to United Expo's founder's earlier work organising the Malaysia International Jewellery Fair (MIJ), a number of by-invitation private jewellery shows, and a healthcare exhibition, Mysihat - each built on a reputation for quality over quantity. During the pandemic, organisers from across lifestyle, health, technology, and general trade industries independently approached the team to collaborate, drawn by that track record. That pattern shaped both the company's multi-industry model and its name, United Expo, built to bring different industries and partners together under one roof. Today, that same partnership-driven approach drives the ICBS acquisition.

To spearhead the next chapter of ICBS, United Expo has appointed industry veteran Mr Alun Jones to drive the show's strategic development and expansion. Mr Alun Jones brings deep experience in the café and beverage sector, having previously led ICBS during its earlier editions, and will work closely with United Expo's team to elevate the event's offerings, attract new international exhibitors, and strengthen its position as a must-attend event for the regional trade community.

"I'm thrilled to be leading ICBS under United Expo's stewardship. The show has always been about bringing the community together, and with United Expo's platform and resources, we can take it to the next level - delivering greater value for exhibitors, partners, and visitors alike," said Mr Alun.

ICBS 2027 will take place in May 2027. The show comes as Malaysia's meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry continues to expand, with the sector projected to draw more than 25 million visitors and generate RM76.8 billion in revenue, buoyed by Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the country's ASEAN chairmanship. The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau reported 194 business events and 341,182 delegates in the first half of 2026 alone, generating an estimated RM1.81 billion in economic impact.

For more information on United Expo and its events in Malaysia, please visit https://unitedexpo.my/
https://unitedexpo.my/