This symposium marks the first SBCC event in the Asia-Pacific region, held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 18-19, 2023. It will bring together experts and professionals from around the world at the Sabah International Convention Center, in East Malaysia. The theme of the symposium is "SBCC in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands: Unlocking Its Potential for Community Development and Resilience." The symposium aims to raise awareness about SBCC and its role in promoting positive behavior change in society and community development that is responsive to current challenges. The primary focus is on exploring the definition and role of communication in SBCC and its as-yet untapped potential. This symposium will bring critical thinking and understanding of the power of communication in shaping positive social change.

The UPM-UNICEF C4D Programme is a partnership between the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and UNICEF Malaysia. Some of its milestones are developing SBCC training modules for health, media and communication sectors, conducting SBCC training sessions for diverse participants, conducting research projects involving youth and adolescents, and establishing partnerships with interested stakeholders.