In the lush coastal city of Kota Kinabalu, a resort is redefining what it means to host events with a conscience. Shangri-La Rasa Ria has become the first hotel in Malaysia—and the first across the Shangri-La Group—to achieve the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, setting a precedent for eco-conscious hospitality in the region.
Spanning an impressive 186 hectares that includes a 26-hectare forest reserve and an 18-hole championship golf course, the resort balances luxury with stewardship of its natural surroundings. The certification is more than just a badge; it marks a culmination of over a decade of sustainability initiatives that extend well beyond reducing waste or cutting emissions.
According to Hagan, the decision to pursue ISO 20121 was not just about compliance—it was about leadership. “It was a push to go beyond the status quo, to challenge long-held practices and to embrace sustainability as a core value. We hope our achievement inspires more industry players to take meaningful steps to drive sustainable business events in the country.”
But Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s green journey did not begin with certifications. It started back in 2012 with the humble act of eliminating single-use plastics and managing glass bottle waste. Since then, the resort has amassed a series of ISO recognitions—including ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management and ISO 22000:2018 for food safety—creating a holistic framework that governs all aspects of its operations.
The resort’s sustainability ethos also extends to its partnerships. A notable collaboration with Pacos Trust, a Sabah-based organisation supporting indigenous communities, reflects its commitment to empowering local ecosystems and cultures. By sourcing from small businesses and local artisans, the resort ensures that its sustainability strategy uplifts not just the environment, but also the community.
This commitment has earned Shangri-La Rasa Ria a growing list of accolades, including:
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Green Hotel Certification by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (2023)
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Gold Award for Best Sustainability Initiative (International Category) at the M&C Asia Stella Awards (2020)
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ASEAN Green Hotel Standard 2024–2026
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4th ASEAN MICE Venue Award in the Meeting Room category at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Laos
Earning the ISO 20121 certification required rigorous internal assessments, transparent reporting, and measurable sustainability goals. Maintaining it will demand just as much—ensuring continuous improvement, legal compliance, and unwavering dedication to sustainability at every level.
As more event organisers and hospitality players in Asia begin to prioritise environmental responsibility, Shangri-La Rasa Ria stands not only as a trailblazer, but as a blueprint for what’s possible when luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.
For more information on Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s sustainability journey and offerings, visit their official website at www.shangri-la.com..