Latest news with #ISO20121
Fashion Value Chain
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
FESPA Unveils Futuristic Branding and Purposeful Vision
FESPA, a global leader in print and signage exhibitions, has revealed a bold new branding identity that reflects its modern outlook and long-term mission. Launching alongside the new tagline — 'Connect, Inspire, Support' — this refresh marks a pivotal moment in FESPA's journey, reinforcing its role as a unifying and future-focused force in the global print community. The branding rollout includes a sleek, contemporary font and harmonized logos that signal consistency and clarity across FESPA's digital platforms, exhibitions, and communications. More than just a visual update, the rebrand embodies FESPA's vision to fuel creativity, foster connections, and empower the global print ecosystem. Duncan MacOwan, Head of Marketing and Events, commented: 'Our new look is fresh, futuristic and brings a new level of clarity to how we present ourselves to our global community. Importantly, it reinforces our commitment to inspiring and supporting our network as the print landscape continues to evolve.' The new design debuted with the release of the FESPA Future manifesto, a comprehensive guide that outlines how FESPA's mission goes beyond trade exhibitions to meaningfully connect and empower professionals in print, signage, textile, and visual communications. How FESPA delivers on its promise to Connect, Inspire, and Support: Trend leadership via insights from partners like Keypoint Intelligence and FESPA's robust content ecosystem. Knowledge exchange facilitated through digital platforms, content hubs, and Club FESPA . Sustainability advocacy , including FESPA's ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. Youth engagement through association-led initiatives and special programs at global events. Global reinvestment , supporting print communities worldwide through associations and the FESPA Foundation . Equity in access, providing printed educational materials to underserved groups and promoting eco-conscious printing practices. FESPA's new branding is now live across its website, social media channels, global shows, and partner communications — a vibrant new identity that mirrors its evolving role in a rapidly changing industry.
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- New Straits Times
More than a beach escape: Sabah resort's green revolution
Tucked away on the sun-drenched coastline of Tuaran, about 34 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-La Rasa Ria occupies a rare space where nature, heritage and community seem to converge with quiet, unhurried grace. Framed by 400 acres of rich tropical wilderness and the shimmering sweep of Pantai Dalit beach, the resort has long drawn visitors in search of escape. But behind its picture-postcard serenity lies a deeper, evolving story - one of mindful hospitality shaped by the land and people around it. For general manager Fiona Hagan, sustainability here isn't a trendy catchphrase or a greenwashed tagline. It's a responsibility born of place. "Our journey in sustainability has always been deeply rooted in the people of Rasa Ria and the community of Pantai Dalit and Tuaran," she reflects, adding: "The community's knowledge, traditions and unwavering support have inspired us to go beyond hospitality." This commitment was formalised through the resort's pursuit of globally recognised benchmarks, including the ISO 20121 sustainability certification. Yet, much of Rasa Ria's environmental stewardship happens quietly, in spaces guests rarely see. Shared Care for the Environment Rainwater harvesting systems and laundry water recovery processes hum discreetly behind the scenes, while food-waste management and electricity conservation initiatives help reduce the resort's environmental footprint. In 2024 alone, these collective efforts saw over 63 per cent of waste diverted from landfills. A standout among these initiatives is the resort's Glass Bottle Recycling Programme, which transforms discarded glass bottles into reusable glass sand. The sand finds new life in landscaping and minor construction projects around the property. Local residents are invited to join in too, dropping off their used bottles and participating in a simple, circular economy rooted in shared care for the environment. But Rasa Ria's mission stretches beyond conservation. It's also a protector of Sabah's delicate biodiversity. The resort partners with local environmental groups to support Pangolin Conservation through habitat protection, biodiversity monitoring, and awareness programmes — a quiet but essential contribution to safeguarding one of our country's most elusive creatures. Of Land and Community The heart of Rasa Ria's sustainability story, however, beats in its community. From collaborations with Sabahan artisans and vendors to employing differently-abled individuals, like long-serving carpenter Samri Butak — who once represented Sabah at the Malaysia Paralympic Games — the resort's initiatives weave economic opportunity with cultural preservation. In 2024 alone, the resort invested RM243,360 in ESG initiatives, with over 60 school children benefiting from outreach programmes like World Pangolin Day and food safety workshops. Women-led projects, including the Sarimpak Robe initiative with Changgih Designs and sewing collaborations in Tuaran and Tamparuli, provide steady income while celebrating Sabah's rich textile traditions. For Hagan and her team, purposeful hospitality isn't a destination but a journey, constantly evolving in tandem with the land and community that sustain it. "This is about building a more sustainable Sabah, together," she concludes, as Rasa Ria quietly redefines what it means to be a resort with a conscience.
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kota Kinabalu's Shangri-La Rasa Ria champions community-based tourism
PETALING JAYA: Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu is strategically positioned to serve as an ideal platform supporting Sabah's advancement towards community-based tourism, in alignment with the objectives set forth by the Sabah Tourism Board. 'It's about creating moments that matter – grounded in our surroundings and led by our people,' general manager Fiona Hagan told SunBiz in an interview via email. She said the resort's collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah facilitates several ongoing research initiatives and conservation education programmes. The partnership ensures guests engage in meaningful learning and contribute to sustainable tourism practices, reinforcing the destination's commitment to responsible and impactful visitor experiences. Encompassing 400 acres of beachfront, rainforest, and protected reserve, Shangri-La Rasa Ria offers immersive cultural and nature-based experiences. Hagan said that apart from local cultural attractions, today's guests seek experiences rooted in wellness, nature and authenticity. 'We have shaped our programming around sunrise hikes and winged wonders, buggy tours and birdwatching, beach walks, and marshmallow roasting at sunset. Families can learn about biodiversity together, while couples can reconnect with nature in simple, memorable ways.' On Shangri-La Rasa Ria's achievement in securing Asean Green Hotel Standard classification, Hagan said the recognition reflects the resort's ongoing efforts to build a truly sustainable operation. 'At Shangri-La Rasa Ria, our EcoRia platform drives our environmental strategy – from rainwater harvesting and in-house bottling to LED retrofitting and achieving a 63.21% waste diversion rate. We are the first hotel in Malaysia certified under ISO 20121 for sustainable event management. 'These milestones reinforce our commitment to the Triple S pillars – Stay Responsibly, Savour Sustainably and Shine Through Collective Impact,' she said. Asked what sets Shangri-La Rasa Ria apart from other resorts, Hagan highlighted its people and commitment to guest experience. 'Through continuous upskilling, daily training, and our planned National Dual Training System (NDTS) accreditation, we are investing in the future of hospitality. We also consistently refine our guest programming – from cultural workshops to nature exploration – to ensure it evolves in line with guest expectations. 'Our strength lies in delivering quality experiences with authenticity, supported by a team that genuinely cares,' she said. Hagan noted a shift in the resort's primary guest demographics, with more families, independent travellers and those seeking meaningful cultural and community connections now making up the core audience. To meet evolving traveller expectations, the resort is enhancing its offerings. 'We are excited to introduce our upcoming Cultural Village, featuring a bamboo house crafted by local artisans, which will host dance performances, storytelling sessions, and local markets. 'Additionally, we have expanded our food and beverage programming with initiatives like the Rasa Ria Chef's Garden and the Rooted in Nature menus, celebrating Sabah's rich culinary heritage and local ingredients. 'These experiences enable our guests to engage more deeply with the culture and environment,' Hagan said. The resort has planned several enhancements, including new facilities and culinary expansions, to elevate the guest experience and uphold Shangri-La's premium positioning. 'Later this year, we will open the bamboo house as part of our Cultural Village, providing an immersive space for guest engagement, cultural exchange, and event hosting. Additionally, we are expanding our Asian cuisine offerings to feature live, sustainably sourced seafood, reflecting Sabah's renowned status as a seafood destination. 'These developments, alongside ongoing service and product improvements, underscore our commitment to delivering luxury with substance,' Hagan said. Shangri-La Rasa Ria is also leveraging technology and digital innovation to enhance both guest engagement and operational efficiency by integrating multiple digital touchpoints for a seamless guest experience. Guests can now use mobile check-in, access activity booking kiosks and manage all service requests through the Shangri-La App. Additionally, 24/7 messaging support is available via WhatsApp and WeChat, enabling real-time communication. These tools allow the resort to deliver prompt, personalised service while maintaining a strong human connection. Asked what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Malaysia's luxury resort sector over the next five years, Hagan pointed to talent development and environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration. 'Attracting and developing hospitality talent, especially in regional areas, is a critical challenge. Our approach is to grow from within by offering structured training, clear career pathways, and launching our NDTS-accredited training centre. 'Simultaneously, ESG integration is reshaping luxury travel, and guests now demand transparency, connection, and purpose. Through local sourcing, sustainability education, and digital engagement, we are committed to keeping Shangri-La Rasa Ria future-ready and aligned with evolving guest expectations,' she said. Shangri-La Rasa Ria is also positioned as a preferred destination for both weddings and business events, capable of hosting intimate gatherings of 15 guests to large-scale functions accommodating up to 1,000 attendees. With its private beachfront, expansive landscaped gardens and versatile open spaces, the resort offers flexibility for a wide range of events – from sunset beach weddings and garden receptions to structured business conferences and meetings.
