On June 3rd, 2025, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) successfully held a High-Level Workshop in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia. The event was conducted with the support of the Sabah Tourism Board, underscoring the state’s effort to advance sustainable tourism.
[Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah]
[Q&A session with Mr. Randy Durband, Mr. Kingston Khoo and Ms. Grace Pounsin.]
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from YBhg. Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah who is very passionate in preaching sustainability. This was followed by a briefing from YBrs. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board.
GSTC CEO Randy Durband led the workshop, supported by GSTC Trainer Kingston Khoo. The program brought together key stakeholders from across government and industry sectors.
Attendees included senior representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and its affiliated departments and agencies; departments and statutory bodies under the Chief Minister’s Department such as the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Biodiversity Centre, and Yayasan Sabah. The workshop also welcomed distinguished delegates from the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and the Tourism Malaysia Sabah Office. Furthermore, esteemed academicians from local universities were present, contributing valuable academic perspectives to the discussions.
The private sector was also strongly represented, with participants from tour operators, hotels, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) organizations, district tourism associations, and attractions.
“This workshop marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward sustainable tourism. By aligning with GSTC standards, we are positioning Sabah as a global leader in responsible travel while preserving the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage that define us,” said Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board.
“Leading the High-Level Workshop in Kota Kinabalu, in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board, was a valuable opportunity to connect with key tourism stakeholders in the northern Borneo state of Sabah. The active involvement of both government ministries and industry representatives reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable tourism in the state of Sabah. The GSTC Standards offer a clear path forward as Sabah works to strengthen sustainability across its tourism sector,” said GSTC CEO Randy Durband.
«Kudos to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah for boldly prioritising Sustainable Tourism by partnering with the GSTC. This timely move recognises tourism’s vital role in Sabah’s economy and the need to safeguard its extraordinary cultural and natural heritage for future generations,” mentioned GSTC Trainer, Kingston Khoo.
[Group photo at the closing ceremony with Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit (CEO, Sabah Tourism Board), Mr. Randy Durband (CEO, GSTC), Mr. Kingston Khoo (GSTC Trainer), Ms. Grace Pounsin (Yayasan Sabah Group), Ms. Mary Malangking (Deputy Permanent Secretary I, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah), and workshop participants.]
The workshop featured comprehensive sessions covering the role of the GSTC and its standards, highlighting exemplary best practices from both the public and private sectors. Additionally, Ms. Grace Pounsin, Conservation and Research Officer from the iconic Maliau Basin Conservation Area under Yayasan Sabah Group, shared an inspiring presentation on the journey toward GSTC certification* for the Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon Conservation Areas.
With a strong emphasis on practical implementation, the workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session and a summary of key insights; Overall, it provided an important platform for intersectoral dialogue and learning, focusing on the application of the GSTC Standards to promote a more sustainable and resilient tourism development in the region.
* The term “GSTC Certification” is a shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited.”
