Sarawak wins second M&C Asia Stella Award for sustainability

Sarawak has been awarded the Best Sustainability Initiative (Destination) at the 2026 M&C Asia Stella Awards, marking its second victory in this category. The award acknowledges the state's commitment to ensuring that business events leave a positive impact beyond the event itself, encompassing economic activity, social programs, and environmental initiatives. This recognition aligns with Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The decision for this year's award was made through public nominations and voting, broadening the scope of recognition beyond the business events industry. Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, emphasized that the award underscores the significance of viewing sustainability beyond an environmental perspective.

He highlighted that the second win for Sarawak demonstrates the importance of sustainability and legacy in the state's business events strategy and broader development. Abdul Karim also stressed that business events should contribute to social and economic development, with benefits persisting even after participants have departed.

Sarawak has maintained its dedication to incorporating the concept of legacy impact into the planning of business events, through industry education and outcome measurement. Datu Hii Chang Kee, chairman of BESarawak, noted that the idea of sustainability is gaining acceptance among industry participants. He pointed out that the involvement of the government, organizers, businesses, and local communities is crucial in ensuring that events yield lasting benefits beyond the event itself.

Jason Tan Chin Foo, chief executive officer of BESarawak, expressed that the focus is now on encouraging more industry players to consistently plan and measure these outcomes. The next phase involves driving greater adoption across the ecosystem to ensure that legacy outcomes are consistently planned, measured, and demonstrated. This latest award further solidifies Sarawak's reputation in the business events sector, as the state continues to integrate legacy impact into its broader approach to sustainable development.