Sabah International Coffee Festival 2026 Returns with Its Prestigious Ninth Edition Brewing the Next Chapter of Borneo's Coffee Excellence | Official Venue Citymall Kota Kinabalu - Feature in Favstyle

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The aroma of exceptional coffee is set to once again captivate Kota Kinabalu as the Sabah International Coffee Festival (SICF) 2026 returns for its highly anticipated 9th Edition, reaffirming Sabah's position as one of Malaysia's most dynamic destinations for specialty coffee, innovation, and industry excellence.

Taking place from 20 to 22 November 2026 at City Mall, Kota Kinabalu, this year's festival embraces the inspiring theme:

"The Next Wave: Raise The Talents, Unify The Industry."

More than a celebration of coffee, the festival represents a vibrant movement that brings together passionate baristas, visionary roasters, dedicated coffee farmers, café entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from across Borneo and beyond. It is a platform where craftsmanship meets creativity, nurturing the next generation of coffee professionals while strengthening the region's growing specialty coffee ecosystem



Among the festival's most anticipated attractions are four prestigious championship competitions that continue to elevate professional standards within the industry

Borneo Barista Championship Competition (BBCC 2026)

  • World Coffee Blending Championship (WCBC 2026)

  • Borneo Latte Art Competition (BLAC 2026)

  • Borneo Kopi O Competition (BKOC 2026)

These competitions will showcase remarkable technical precision, creativity, and innovation, providing talented coffee professionals with an international-calibre stage to demonstrate their expertise while inspiring the next generation of aspiring baristas.




Beyond the competitive arena, visitors can immerse themselves in an engaging programme featuring artisan coffee roasters, local coffee farmers, educational workshops, cupping sessions, industry networking opportunities, and a curated selection of exclusive festival brews. Every cup tells a story, from Sabah's fertile highlands to Borneo's distinctive coffee-growing regions, celebrating the people whose dedication continues to shape the future of the industry.

As the global appreciation for specialty coffee continues to flourish, the Sabah International Coffee Festival stands as a testament to the state's commitment to cultivating talent, encouraging innovation, and fostering meaningful collaboration across every segment of the coffee value chain.




With its compelling vision of raising talents and unifying the industry, the ninth edition promises to inspire conversations, forge new partnerships, and showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of Borneo's coffee heritage to a wider audience.

For coffee connoisseurs, hospitality professionals, café owners, and curious enthusiasts alike, Sabah International Coffee Festival 2026 promises three unforgettable days where passion, craftsmanship, and community converge in every carefully crafted cup.

Event Details

Sabah International Coffee Festival 2026
Date: 20 to 22 November 2026
Venue: City Mall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Theme: The Next Wave: Raise The Talents, Unify The Industry

Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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