The International Council on Archives (ICA), the Sarawak State Library and the National Archives of Malaysia have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of their collaboration to deliver the ICA Biennial Conference 2027, which will take place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from 16 to 21 October 2027.
The MoU was signed during a virtual ceremony held on 5 June 2026, bringing together representatives of the three partner organisations. The agreement formalises their shared commitment to organising the ICA Biennial Conference 2027 and lays the foundation for cooperation over the coming months as preparations for the event begin.
The signatories were Josée Kirps, President of the International Council on Archives; Japri Bujang Masli, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak State Library; and Zaidin Mohd Noor, Director-General of the National Archives of Malaysia.
Opening the ceremony, ICA President Josée Kirps highlighted the significance of the partnership and the collaborative work already undertaken by the partners.
This Memorandum of Understanding reflects not only our common commitment to the successful organisation of the 2027 ICA Conference, but also our shared dedication to strengthening international cooperation in the archival community.
Reflecting on previous meetings between the partners in Barcelona and Kuching, Josée Kirps noted that these exchanges had helped establish the foundations for what she described as “a fruitful and successful collaboration”.
Representing the host partners, Japri Bujang Masli welcomed the formalisation of the partnership and underlined the importance of the conference for Sarawak and the wider professional community.
This opportunity is a golden opportunity for us to showcase what we have done in Sarawak and also for us to learn from our colleagues and fellow professionals globally who will converge here.
He also emphasised the potential impact of the event on the development of the profession in the region, noting that the conference would contribute to the professional growth of archivists and information professionals while raising awareness of the importance of archival institutions and professional cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the National Archives of Malaysia, Zaidin Mohd Noor reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the partnership and expressed confidence in the work ahead.
We look forward to working closely with all partners to deliver a meaningful and successful conference for the global archival community.
ICA Executive Director Marianne Deraze emphasised three key ambitions for the Conference: bringing the global archival community together, ensuring excellence and diversity in the programme, and highlighting Malaysia’s professional archival community and its contribution to the international field.
Today is not only a signature, it is the beginning of the work we will do together and we are very much looking forward to this collaboration.
Following the signing ceremony, the partners shared their perspectives on the significance of the conference and their aspirations for its impact.
Looking ahead to 2027, Josée Kirps emphasised the importance of bringing the archival community together and creating opportunities for lasting collaboration.
I hope this conference will help create a lasting network of professionals who are more connected, more inspired, and better equipped to support their institutions and communities.
She also reflected on the role that international gatherings play in strengthening professional relationships and fostering knowledge exchange across borders.
The archives we preserve tell the story of who we are. This conference, I believe, will also help shape who we become.
The ICA Biennial Conference 2027 will bring together archival and records management professionals from around the world in Kuching, providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and international cooperation. The event will build on the ICA’s long tradition of conferences and congresses that support professional exchange and advance the strategic priorities of the global archival community.
The selection of Kuching as the host city follows the ICA’s 2024 Call for Expressions of Interest to host the 2027 Conference, which invited proposals from across the ICA membership and partner institutions worldwide.
Further information about the ICA Biennial Conference 2027, including programme developments and participation opportunities, will be shared in the coming months.
