The goal of TES 2026, which is said to be Malaysia’s biggest airline trade show, was to improve Malaysia’s standing during Visit Malaysia 2026 by bringing together important industry players from all across the world’s travel and aviation ecosystem.
The third edition of Malaysia Airlines’ renowned Trade Elevation Summit (TES) was held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, from May 12–15, 2026, in strategic partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board. TES 2026, which is regarded as the biggest airline trade show in Malaysia, reportedly brought together important industry players from all over the world’s travel and aviation ecosystem with the goal of strengthening Malaysia’s standing as a top travel and connectivity destination during Visit Malaysia 2026.
Over 300 attendees, including trade partners, tourist stakeholders, important decision-makers, and top leadership from 60 cities worldwide, attended TES 2026.
The top executives of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), including Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business, and Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business, gathered for an exclusive gala evening on the third night of the four-day summit to share strategic updates and the Group’s future direction with international trade partners. Through the Golden Wau Awards, the event also provided a forum for honouring the accomplishments and unwavering support of trade partners.
“We are thankful to Sabah Tourism Board for their strong collaboration in bringing this year’s Trade Elevation Summit to Kota Kinabalu a destination renowned for its breathtaking islands, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. By hosting TES 2026 here, we were able to highlight Sabah’s finest qualities and forge deep connections with our international trading partners. As we continue to promote Malaysia’s tourism offers to the globe during Visit Malaysia 2026 and beyond, Malaysia Airlines, the country’s airline, is dedicated to promoting tourism growth and improving connectivity within Malaysia and beyond,” stated Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business at MAG.
