Rural Social Enterprise Gathering
- Physical | Program
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Themes & Topics
SDGs
Sustainability
About the Experience
Description
The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering - Connecting rural voices for our global future | 31 October - 04 November 2025
The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering will be held in Sabah, Malaysia, from 31 October to 4 November, hosted by Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC) in partnership with Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF).
This event will bring together the rural social enterprise community from around the world to connect, collaborate and exchange best practices. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with rural social enterprises through a Learning Visit set in Sabah’s tropical rainforests. The gathering will also feature a Rural Forum in Kota Kinabalu, where participants can take part in dynamic discussions and knowledge sharing sessions, shaping the future of rural social enterprise.
Programme Outline
- Saturday 1 November : Welcome Breakfast & Learning Visit to rural Sabah
- Sunday 2 November : Learning Visit to rural Sabah
- Monday 3 November : Rural Forum
- Tuesday 4 November (½ day) : Rural Social Enterprise Network discussions (by invitation only)
Welcome drinks and networking (Friday, 31 October 2025)
Welcome drinks and networking session brings together delegates and social enterprise ecosystem builders for a chance to meet, mingle, and exchange ideas over refreshing drinks. Whether you're looking to spark new collaborations or reconnect with peers, this is the perfect opportunity to build meaningful connections in a relaxed setting.
Learning Visit (Saturday, 1 November to Sunday, 2 November 2025)
Participants will visit Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang, gaining firsthand exposure to impactful rural social enterprises. This experience provides an opportunity to explore innovative business models, community-driven initiatives, and sustainable practices. The Learning Visit includes:
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Round-trip travel between Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang via bus
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Accommodation for 2 days, 1 night
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Exclusive site visits to social enterprises in Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang
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Meals and refreshments throughout the visit (1-2 Nov 2025)
Rural Social Enterprise Forum (3 November 2025)
The forum serves as the main knowledge-sharing platform, featuring keynote addresses, plenary panels, breakouts and networking opportunities with social enterprise leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders. Key highlights include:
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Expert-led discussions on rural social entrepreneurship and policy development
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Thematic forums, including:
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Plenary Panel 1: Heritage & Tourism: Global Perspectives on Rural Social Enterprises in Cultural & Community-Based Tourism
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Plenary Panel 2: Food, Farming & Environment: Sustainable Solutions for Rural Communities
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Plenary Panel 3: Building Rural Community Capacity: Strengthening Skills, Resources & Resilience
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Exhibition showcase featuring innovations in rural enterprise development
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Networking opportunities with key industry players
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Meals, refreshments, and post-event resources (photos, videos, slides)
Ticket types and pricing:
Click this link to view ticket types and pricing
Note: Please select your ticket based on your participant category. For example, international participants should choose either "Forum - International" (3 Nov 2025) or "Learning Visit + Forum - International" (1-3 Nov 2025).
Please note that the Learning Visit + Forum ticket includes accommodation and meals from the evening of 31st October to 3rd November 2025, and ground transportation during the Learning Visit from 1st to 2nd November. For those attending the Rural Network meeting (by invitation only), an additional night of accommodation will be provided.
Contact & Additional Information
For more details, visit Rural Social Enterprise Gathering or contact us via:
WhatsApp: +60 12 649 5224
Email: larainn@scenic.my
We look forward to hosting you at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu!
Booking, Privacy Policy, Cancellations & Terms
Click this link to view Booking Terms & Conditions
Click this link to view SCENIC Privacy Policy
Instructions
How to prepare
To make the most of this experience, we recommend that learners come prepared with an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for rural social enterprise. Here are a few key preparations to enhance your journey: Research & Reflection – Take some time to explore the concept of social enterprise, especially in rural contexts. Think about any challenges or opportunities you’ve observed in your own community. Dress Comfortably – Our learning visits in Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang will involve some outdoor exploration, so wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking. Be prepared for varying weather conditions. Engage & Participate – This gathering is all about exchanging ideas and experiences. Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and connect with fellow participants. By preparing in these ways, you’ll maximize your learning and contribute to a richer, more meaningful experience!
What to bring
- Medications
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Smart Casual Attire
- Toiletries & Personal Hygiene Items
About the Experts
Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre
Location
Sabah International Convention Centre, Jalan Tanjung Lipat, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia