Sarawak hosts national sustainability leaders as GAGA celebrates climate action, conservation and zero-waste solutions.
Kuching, 28 September 2026 – Kuching, 28 September 2026 – SARAWAK’S determination to showcase its sustainability initiatives will take centre stage next week when the state capital, Kuching, hosts the second Green and Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) together with the Zero Waste Management 2.0 Conference.
The dual event will bring together green advocates from the public and private sectors, including participants from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, to recognise climate action and share practical environmental solutions.
The conference will focus on waste reduction, resource conservation, water management and sustainable urban development. Key speakers include Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Datuk Rajendran P. Anthony and Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa.
Other speakers include Malaysia Institute of ESG president Muhammad Sarhan Ismail, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Assoc Prof Dr Yii Kwang Jing, UCSI University Sarawak’s Dr Urooj Ahmed, and BinaBiox founder Rajeswary Kandasamy. Mother Earth Foundation president Arlen A. Ancheta will share the organisation’s experience and insights on sustainable waste management.
Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Haji Hazland Abang Hipni will declare the conference open, which will also feature regional participation from the Philippines.
This edition’s highlight is the backing from the Sarawak State Government. Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian is the VVIP for the grand GAGA Awards ceremony a day later on 6 October.
Sim is expected to highlight the importance of sustainability, recycling and solid waste segregation as Sarawak steps up its response to climate change.
GAGA Kuching comes months after the Sarawak Delta Geopark attained UNESCO Global Geopark status in April, further strengthening Sarawak’s role in sustainability, conservation and geoheritage.
MBPP will lead a strong delegation to Kuching headed by Rajendran, who is scheduled to speak on the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme, while its town planner, Mohd Bashir Sulaiman will share Penang’s experience in building a more resilient, ESG-driven city.
Jaseni, widely known as “Mr Water”, will focus on recycling, water conservation and the principle of water without waste.
“I hope that the message to conserve and preserve water resources can be shared with everybody here,” he said.
PAAB is sending a delegation to Kuching to foster closer ties with water authorities in Malaysian Borneo.
Jaseni, who has championed sustainable water management and circular-economy initiatives for more than three decades, will also share his experience in transforming dewatered water-treatment residues into commercially viable clay bricks, reducing disposal costs and dependence on landfills.
GAGA convenor K.Y. Pung said this year’s event builds on the momentum of the inaugural GAGA held in Langkawi, Kedah, last year. He said the awards recognise efforts by government agencies and the private sector to address climate change and promote environmental responsibility.
The event also comes amid heightened regional concern over pollution, with recurring transboundary haze reinforcing the need for stronger environmental action, Pung said.
Malaysia’s geopark journey began in 2007 with Langkawi becoming the region’s first UNESCO-recognised geopark. The country now has 12 national geoparks, including four with UNESCO status, highlighting their growing role in conservation, education and sustainable development.
GAGA will also work with schools and institutions of higher learning as part of its community outreach efforts.
Among those being recognised is SMK Lutong in Miri, which has incorporated sustainability into student life since 2017. Its “1 Student, 1 Can, 1 Week” initiative had collected a staggering 690,324 aluminium cans by December 2025.
Last year, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming graced the inaugural GAGA, where more than 30 recipients received accolades for their contributions to environmental sustainability and geopark heritage.
Kuching is a fitting host as Sarawak strengthens its role in conservation, geopark development and environmental stewardship, following the Sarawak Delta Geopark’s UNESCO Global Geopark recognition in April.
About the Green & Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA)
The Green & Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) is an international platform that celebrates environmental leadership and sustainable geopark management. Established in 2025, it recognises outstanding efforts in responsible tourism, conservation, and climate action under the ASEAN+1 (China) collaboration for a greener future. Guided by its mission to “champion the harmony between human progress and planetary health,” GAGA spotlights initiatives that redefine sustainable tourism, empower communities, and protect Earth’s geological heritage.
For more info, visit www.gaga-awards.com and www.facebook.com/gagaawards.
