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Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first hotel in Malaysia, and the first Shangri-La group, to achieve the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. The resort is leading the charge by transforming the way event management is conventionally organized, whilst nurturing a culture of responsibility, care and respect for the environment.
With its immense responsibility in managing 460 acres of land, including 64-acres of forest reserve and an 18-hole championship golf course, Shangri-La Rasa Ria remains steadfast in its mission to protect its pristine surroundings. Through thoughtful sustainability initiatives, the resort provides eco-conscious solutions that benefit both guests and the local community. “We are proud to be pioneers in this movement as this achievement reflects our deep commitment to creating events that leave a positive impact to the environment. Operating within a sprawling resort, surrounded by lush landscapes and wildlife, required more than just small adjustments—it demanded a relentless pursuit of change. The decision to pursue the ISO 20121 certification was a push to go beyond the status quo, to challenge long-held practices and to embrace a vision of sustainability that would echo through every event we host and community we engage. We hope our achievement inspires more industry players to take meaningful steps to drive sustainable business events in the country”, said Fiona Hagan, General Manager of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu.
At Shangri-La Rasa Ria, the ISO 20121 certification focuses beyond just minimizing waste and reducing carbon footprints for events—it represents a commitment to practice sustainability that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG). The resort actively collaborates with local suppliers and partners to empower small businesses and local artisans. This approach ensures that sustainability is not just a practice within the resort but a movement that benefits the people and ecosystems that surround it. A key aspect of this commitment has been the partnership with PACOS Trust, a community-based organization dedicated to supporting indigenous communities in Sabah.
The resort’s journey towards sustainability began in 2012 with a simple yet impactful initiative with the introduction of tackling glass bottles waste and the removal of all single-use plastics. This early commitment not only reduced environmental impact but also laid the foundation for the resort’s broader sustainability practices, leading to its first ISO 14001:2015 certification for environmental management, followed by ISO 22000:2018 certification for food safety. Each certification serves a purpose in establishing a comprehensive framework for responsible operations. This provides a seamless commitment to environmental stewardship that is not just a practice but a fundamental part of the resort’s identity.
In addition to the ISO certification, the resort has also been recognised with multiple green awards including the Green Hotel Certification by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in 2023; the Gold Award for Best Sustainability Initiative (International Category) at the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2020; ASEAN Green Hotel Standard 2024-2026 and the 4th ASEAN MICE Venue Award (Meeting Room Category) at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane.
Earning the ISO 20121 certification involved a rigorous process of self-examination, setting measurable goals, regularly monitor its performance and continuously striving to improve sustainability efforts. To maintain the certification, the resort must comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, in addition to transparent reporting.
As Malaysia prepares for ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’, Shangri-La Rasa Ria remains focused on elevating the country’s standing as a premier destination for sustainable and eco-conscious gatherings.
For more information, please visit:
• Website: www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shangrilarasaria/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shangrilarasaria
