STB hosts workshop to drive sustainable tourism forward
KOTA KINABALU (June 9): In a significant step toward advancing responsible and environmentally conscious travel practices, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) High-Level Workshop was held on June 3 at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu.
The full-day workshop brought together 80 key tourism stakeholders — consisting of tourism associations, government departments and agencies, and academicians.
Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, the workshop featured distinguished speakers from GSTC: Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, and Kingston Khoo, a certified GSTC trainer. Both experts led insightful sessions that introduced participants to the GSTC criteria and provided guidance on sustainable tourism implementation.
The workshop was officially opened by Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, who emphasised Sabah's responsibility as a steward of its natural and cultural treasures:
'Sustainable tourism is not just a goal; it is a necessity to safeguard Sabah's environment and culture for future generations while supporting economic growth and community well-being,' she said.
Following her keynote address, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, delivered a briefing on the importance of GSTC in guiding Sabah's sustainable tourism efforts. He mentioned that the objective for implementing the GSTC criteria is to align Sabah's tourism sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating these global standards. This approach enhances Sabah's international credibility, fosters sustainable business opportunities, and strengthens its position as a premier ecotourism destination on the world stage.
Sabah is already making significant progress, with three key sites — Maliau Basin, Imbak Canyon, and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley — having achieved GSTC certification, demonstrating local commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism best practices.
The workshop provided an in-depth overview of sustainable tourism principles, current global trends, and the pivotal role of the GSTC and its international standards in guiding both public and private sector practices. The morning sessions highlighted successful case studies from abroad, providing helpful information regarding real-world implementation of sustainability in tourism.
A highlight of the day was a sharing session by Grace Pounsin from Yayasan Sabah Group, who detailed their successful journey in achieving GSTC certification for the Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon Conservation Areas — powerful examples of Sabah's leadership in conservation and sustainability.
The afternoon sessions focused on local context, emphasising the role of various stakeholders in applying GSTC standards in Sabah. Interactive discussions encouraged participants to explore practical and collaborative approaches to enhancing sustainability across the tourism value chain.
In his closing remarks, Julinus encouraged all participants to turn knowledge into action: 'We now have a clearer understanding of how sustainable tourism can drive real change for our communities and ecosystems. Let us take the GSTC standards and make them part of how we plan, operate and innovate in Sabah's tourism sector. Together, we can ensure that tourism development benefits both people and the planet.'
As Sabah eyes a sustainable future, this workshop marks a critical milestone in embedding sustainability into its tourism strategy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Hype Malaysia
SEIKO's Presage Classic Series Welcomes The Stunning Arita Porcelain Dial Timepiece
Since its introduction in 2016, Presage has melded Japanese artistry with Seiko's longstanding mastery of mechanical watchmaking. Several Presage timepieces have showcased these artisanal crafts through dials made with enamel, urushi lacquer, Shippo enamel, and Arita porcelain. Today, the Presage Classic Series, known for designs that draw from the colours, materials, and textures of traditional Japanese craftwork, welcomes a new creation distinguished by the refined beauty of its unglazed Arita porcelain dial. A New Aspect Of Arita Porcelain Dial Making Unglazed porcelain, introduced for the first time in Presage, is a comparatively new technique within the four-century-old tradition of Arita porcelain. The new technique allows for a wider range of expression and exceptionally refined designs. Typically, Arita porcelain is glazed, imparting it with a smooth and glossy finish. However, when left unglazed, the porcelain exhibits a matte texture, giving it a warm, white hue and a soft and distinct impression. This technique enhances the delicate ridges characteristic of Arita porcelain ware and allows for intricate, three-dimensional dial patterns to stand out more prominently. For the new creation, a textured rhombus pattern adorns the area around the indexes. Historically, this pattern has been considered an auspicious motif symbolising the prosperity of descendants and good health and has been widely used in Arita porcelain ware. The gold-coloured indexes and hands stand out beautifully against the matte white dial, creating a striking contrast. The production of each watch dial consists of a multi-stage process that requires precisely controlled moulding and firing procedures and involves great skill and patience. To give the dials the strength required for a watch, the artisans use a type of Arita porcelain specially formulated to be more than four times harder and more durable than traditional porcelain. A very precise casting mould is used to achieve the difficult task of giving each dial the meticulous pattern required for this wristwatch. Under the supervision of Arita porcelain master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, the dials are created by Toshiaki Kawaguchi and his colleagues at a manufacturing firm in Arita that has been making porcelain since 1830. Kawaguchi acquired his expertise in the intricate process through Hashiguchi's guidance. The use of Arita porcelain watch dials is one facet of Seiko's commitment to preserving horological culture and technical skills for future generations, keeping in mind Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations: 'Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.' This limited-edition watch is powered by Calibre 6R51, one of the newest additions to the mechanical 6R series. The wearer can view the movement's gold-coloured oscillating weight through the sapphire crystal case back. The watch will be available as a limited edition of 1,200 at Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide from July 2025.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Mayor Walk 2025 to promote health, unity, green living in Kuching South this August
Wee (third right) joins the Mayor Walk 2025 sponsors and representatives in a group photo during the press conference. KUCHING (July 16): The upcoming Mayor Walk 2025 will continue to serve as a symbol of Kuching South City Council's (MBKS) commitment to building a healthier, greener, and more connected city, while aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. He said the annual event, now in its seventh year, strongly supports SDG Goal 3 which are Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 'Through this event, we are not just promoting exercise; we are promoting a lifestyle of balance, awareness, and connection with nature,' he told a press conference at the MBKS headquarters today. Wee noted that the Mayor Walk has grown significantly since its inception in 2017, evolving from a simple community walk into one of Kuching South's most recognised events in fostering public participation, unity, and appreciation for the outdoors. He said the walk also supports MBKS' vision of a Healthy and Smart City, where public spaces serve not just only as infrastructure, but also as platforms for interaction, wellness, and learning. 'This initiative is part of our Youth, Culture and Sports Programme and reflects our mission to foster healthy lifestyles and build a stronger community. 'We are especially proud that this event is intergenerational. It's common to see three generations walking together ― grandparents, parents, and children sharing laughs and creating memories,' he added. Beyond promoting physical activity, Wee said the event also serves as an informal learning platform, particularly for children to develop an appreciation for nature and local environmental conservation. He also took the opportunity to thank longstanding sponsors and partners who have contributed to the success of the event over the years. Among the key sponsors this year is Ibraco Berhad, which has supported the Mayor Walk since 2018 and is contributing RM80,000 worth of T-shirts for this year's participants. Other notable sponsors include 38 Yayasan Amal Cinta, Chagee, Lalamove, Revive, and Premier Echo Sound and Light System Sdn Bhd. Wee also expressed gratitude to the City Joggers Club (CJC), MBKS' event partner since the very first edition in 2017, for their unwavering support in planning, coordination, and mobilising volunteers. As for logistics, he reminded participants to register via the iPeople platform to redeem their T-shirts, with redemption to take place at the MBKS Lobby on Aug 15 starting from 9am to 4pm and on Aug 16 from 9am to 12pm. 'Participants are required to bring their iPeople registration QR code when collecting their T-shirts, and we look forward to seeing all of you. 'Let us continue walking forward together for a healthier, greener, and more connected Kuching South,' he said. Mayor Walk 2025 will take place on Aug 17, starting at 6am at the MBKS Boulevard. Kuching South Mayor Walk MBKS wee hong seng
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Daily Express
Hong Kong Express Airway picks Sabah as its third Malaysian destination
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 Text Size: The daily flights will begin on Nov 27 2025, operating to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Kota Kinabalu: Hong Kong (HK) Express Airways is expanding its presence in Malaysia with the launch of a new direct route connecting Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The daily flights will begin on Nov 27 2025, operating to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Advertisement This marks the airline's third destination in Malaysia, following Penang and the soon-to-be-launched Kuala Lumpur (Subang) route. In a statement, HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said Malaysia has emerged as one of Asia's most popular destinations, with tourist arrivals rising more than 20 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. 'The easing of visa restrictions, especially for travellers from Mainland China, has made Malaysia the second-largest international tourist market. We're excited to add Kota Kinabalu to our growing Malaysian network, and remain committed to offering competitive fares and value-added services for travellers eager to explore this vibrant destination,' she said. The new route is expected to boost air connectivity between North Asia and East Malaysia while positioning Sabah as a key eco-tourism and adventure destination in the region. Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit welcomed the move, saying the direct link will open new opportunities for travellers to discover Sabah's natural beauty and unique culture. 'This is a significant milestone for Sabah. With seamless access via Hong Kong, one of the world's top aviation hubs, this new route will increase our global reach. We invite travellers to explore Sabah—from Kinabalu Park to Sipadan Island, and from orangutan sanctuaries to pristine beaches and stunning sunsets,' he said. He added that the state's tourism efforts are anchored in sustainability, with a focus on conservation, eco-adventures, and community engagement. To celebrate the launch, HK Express is offering one-way tickets starting from under HK$90 (Ultra Lite fare, includes one small personal item) across all its Malaysian routes: Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur (Subang), and Penang. The promotional booking period runs from 11am on July 14 to 11.45pm on July 17 2025 via the HK Express website and mobile app. The promotional fares are valid for travel to Kota Kinabalu from Nov 27 2025 until March 28 2026. For Kuala Lumpur (Subang), the applicable travel period is from August 1 2025 to March 28 2026. Meanwhile, travel to Penang is valid from July 22 2025 through to March 28 2026. Flight UO790 will depart Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at 9.25pm and arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) at 12.30am the following day. Flight UO791 will depart Kota Kinabalu (BKI) at 1.30am and arrive in Hong Kong (HKG) at 4.45am. Both flights will operate daily. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
