Join Us for the

15th World Congress on
Design and Health 2026

First in Borneo!

Designing Salutogenic Urbanism and Built Environment:
Climate-Responsive, Healthy Cities for Healthy Society

Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

28th Sept 2026 – 2nd Oct 2026

About Us

Healthy Cities for the Future: Revitalizing Health Through the Salutogenic Approach

The 15th World Congress & Exhibition on Design & Health (WCDH 2026) will bring together experts from healthy cities, architecture, public health, psychology, urban planning, engineering, and design to explore how cities can be healthier, more sustainable, and better prepared for climate challenges.

WCDH 2026 focuses on creating places that support well-being, social connection, and active living. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions, participants will share insights and innovations that show how design and science can work hand in hand to build inclusive, livable cities for the future.

Organising Committee

International

Local

Prof
Alan Dilani

International Academy of Design and Health

Prof. Dr Ray Pentecost

President, International Academy of Design and Health

Prof Dr Asri bin Said

UNIMAS

Dr Atta Idrawani bin Zaini

UNIMAS

Dr Rosalia Saimon

UNIMAS

Prof. Emerita Dr Keiko Nakamura

Head, Secretariat of the Alliance for Healthy Cities

Prof. Dr Hiroshi Fukuda

Vice President for the Northern Part of the Western Pacific IUHPE

Sr Dr.
Wilson Rangga Anthony Jiram

UNIMAS

Prof. Dr
Jeffery Stephen

UNIMAS

Dr Winnie Johny

UNIMAS

Ar. Dr Calvin W Luk

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Dr Rozia Adenan

Programme Leader of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Brunei

Mdm Joy Natalie Cotter

UNIMAS

Prof. Datu
Dr Andrew Kiyu

UNIMAS

Prof Dr Anselm Su Ting

UNIMAS

Dr Annisa Jamali

UNIMAS

Prof
Dr Helmy Hazmi

UNIMAS

Dr Mohd Afzan Mohamed

UNIMAS

Dr Chai Chau Chung

UNIMAS

Dr Chen Yoke Yong

UNIMAS

Mdm Emelia Tambi

UNIMAS

Mdm Christina Busak Henry Sum

UNIMAS

Dr Ong Mei Fong

UNIMAS

International

Prof
Alan Dilani

International Academy of Design and Health

Prof. Dr Ray Pentecost

President, International Academy of Design and Health

Prof. Emerita Dr Keiko Nakamura

Head, Secretariat of the Alliance for Healthy Cities

Prof. Dr Hiroshi Fukuda

Vice President for the Northern Part of the Western Pacific IUHPE

Ar. Dr Calvin W Luk

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Dr Rozia Adenan

Programme Leader of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Brunei

Local

Prof Dr Asri bin Said

UNIMAS

Dr Atta Idrawani bin Zaini

UNIMAS

Dr Rosalia Saimon

UNIMAS

Sr Dr. Wilson Rangga Anthony Jiram

UNIMAS

Prof Dr
Jeffery Stephen

UNIMAS

Dr Winnie Johny

UNIMAS

Mdm Joy Natalie Cotter

UNIMAS

Prof Datu
Dr Andrew Kiyu

UNIMAS

Prof Dr Anselm Su Ting

UNIMAS

Dr Annisa Jamali

UNIMAS

Prof Dr
Helmy Hazmi

UNIMAS

Dr Mohd Afzan Mohamed

UNIMAS

Dr Chai Chau Chung

UNIMAS

Dr Chen Yoke Yong

UNIMAS

Mdm Emelia Tambi

UNIMAS

Mdm Christina Busak Henry Sum

UNIMAS

Dr Ong Mei Fong

UNIMAS

Conference Theme

Reinventing Healthy Cities to Meet Climate Challenges

Culture, Health, and Wellbeing

Exploring the integral links between cultural context and holistic health.

Healthy Cities for People

Built environments to enhance health and wellbeing

Ecological Design for Planetary Health

Strategies for green spaces and sustainable design to address climate challenges.

Salutogenic Design in Practice

Case studies of healthcare environments that actively promote health and wellbeing.

Designing for Active Living

Creating public spaces, walkable communities, and accessible transit to encourage healthy lifestyles.

Innovations in Educational and Workplace Design

Enhancing wellbeing and productivity in schools, universities, and offices.

Inclusive and Accessible Environments

Design that empowers children, the elderly, and people with disabilities

AI and Technology for Healthier Outcomes

Leveraging artificial intelligence and innovation in design and health planning.

Advancing Multidisciplinary Education

Fostering collaboration between design, public health, and related professions.

Scientific Programme

Programme Schedule

Day 0

28th Sept

Registration, Pre Congress Symposium, Welcome reception

Day 1

29th Sept

Registration, Opening ceremony, Congress & Exhibition

Day 2

30th Sept

Congress & Exhibition

Day 3

1st Oct

Congress & Exhibition, Ministerial Dialogue, Design & Health International Academy Awards

Day 4

2nd Oct

Site tours and visits to local landmarks and health facilities

Keynote Speakers

Featuring distinguished speakers, including experts sharing insights on healthcare, sustainability, and well-being.

Prof. Datu Dr

Andrew Kiyu

Healthy Cities for People: Inclusivity, Cultural and Spiritual Health

Show more

Prof. Datu Dr Andrew Kiyu is a well-known professor of public health at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, with over 40 years of experience in public health, including key leadership roles. He has been involved in the Healthy Cities Programme since 1994 and now serves as State Advisor for Greater Kuching Healthy City.

Prof. Emerita Dr

Keiko Nakamura

Healthy Cities Innovation and Indicators

Show more

Prof. Emerita Dr. Keiko Nakamura is a public health scholar with over 30 years of involvement in the Healthy Cities movement across the Asia-Pacific region.

Prof. Dr

Evelyne de Leeuw

Infrastructure and Health: One Health and Healthy Cities

Show more

Prof. Dr Evelyne de Leeuw launched a new Oxford Open Flagship journal, Infrastructure and Health aims at the integration of cosmology and spirituality, One Health, and Healthy Cities.

Prof. Dr

Alan Dilani

Salutogenic Urbanism: Bridging Climate Challenges to Healthy Cities

Show more

Alan Dilani is the founder of the International Academy for Design & Health and the World Health Design journal. Dr. Dilani has collaborated with universities worldwide, applying and advancing the theory of salutogenic design in both research and practice.

Dr

Ken Yeang

Reinventing Cities as Constructed Ecosystems

Show more

Ken Yeang is globally known for his pioneering approach to ecological architecture and eco-masterplans that have a distinctive green aesthetic. He works between the London office and Kuala Lumpur. He has built over 200 buildings globally and published numerous books and articles.

Abstract Submission

Abstracts are invited to highlight research in healthcare design, urban planning, and sustainability at the
15th World Congress of Design and Health.

First Announcement and
Call for Abstracts 

1st October 2025

Abstract Submission
Deadline

30th April 2026

Notification of
Acceptance

1st June 2026

Registration

Early bird registration provides discounted access to all sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Secure your spot for the full experience. For other type mode of payments (service order, group registration (> 5 paxs), student and etc), please contact us at registration@wcdhborneo.com for further enquiries.

Showcase your projects by submitting for The Design & Health International Academy Awards and be recognised as professional excellence in the research and practice of designing healthy built environments.

Day(s)

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Malaysian Delegates

Early Bird Rate
(By 1st July 2026)
Normal Rate
Individual RM1600 RM1800
Group (> 5 pax) RM1500 (Per pax) RM1700 (Per pax)
Student 50% discounted rate
Study Tour RM100
Academy Awards & Gala Dinner TBC
Exhibition booth (Limited availability)

International Delegates

Early Bird Rate
(By 1st July 2026)
Normal Rate
Individual USD480 USD550
Group (> 5 pax) USD440 (Per pax) USD480 (Per pax)
Student 50% discounted rate
Study Tour USD30
Academy Awards & Gala Dinner TBC
Exhibition booth (Limited availability)

Travel In

Sarawak

Discover Sarawak’s breathtaking rainforests, exotic wildlife, rich heritage, and unforgettable adventures.

Sponsors

Partners

Explores innovative solutions for healthier, inclusive, and sustainable living environments globally