Latest news with #FionaHagan
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort aims to redefine hospitality through sustainability, waste reduction efforts
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — In the heart of Sabah's Tuaran District, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is redefining hospitality through sustainability, inspired by its surroundings of rich biodiversity and vibrant community culture. Located just 34 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu, this resort has embraced an approach that harmonises luxury with environmental stewardship and cultural respect, setting a new standard in the hospitality industry. Its general manager Fiona Hagan said the resort's path to purpose-driven hospitality stems from its commitment to sustainability. Thanks to this long-term commitment, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu took a pioneering step by becoming the first hotel in Malaysia, and the Shangri-La group, to achieve the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management earlier this year. 'Pursuing sustainability certifications such as ISO 20121 was not simply about recognition but about anchoring Shangri-La Rasa Ria's values within a globally respected framework,' she said. Environmental stewardship at Rasa Ria goes beyond mere management. The resort has quietly implemented significant waste reduction systems, highlighted by an impressive 63.21 per cent diversion rate from landfills in 2024. The hotel has been running the Glass Bottle Recycling Programme to promote sustainable practices among the community. — Picture courtesy of Shangri-La Group Initiatives such as the 'Glass Bottle Recycling Programme', which converts used glass into reusable glass sand, exemplify this eco-friendly approach, fostering a shared commitment with the local community to sustainable practices. Rasa Ria also extends its conservation efforts to protecting indigenous wildlife, particularly the elusive pangolin. By partnering with local environmental groups, the resort actively engages in biodiversity monitoring, habitat conservation, and awareness programs. 'These conservation efforts reflect our deeper mission to not only tread lightly on the land but also to protect the rare and remarkable life it sustains,' said Hagan. Community empowerment is a cornerstone of Rasa Ria's mission. The resort has forged strong ties with local Sabahan artisans and vendors, promoting traditional crafts and generating income through events that celebrate Sabah's cultural richness. In 2024 alone, RM243,360 was invested into ESG-related activities, with a substantial portion benefiting the 'Embrace' programme. This initiative supports over 60 school children through educational outreach and community activities, such as food safety workshops and World Pangolin Day. Women-led projects, including the Sarimpak Robe initiative with Changgih Designs, and collaborative sewing projects in Tuaran and Tamparuli, have not only provided sustainable income but also preserved heritage crafts. 'Our journey in sustainability has always been deeply rooted in the people of Rasa Ria and the community of Pantai Dalit and Tuaran. 'Their knowledge, traditions, and unwavering support have inspired us to go beyond hospitality,' said Hagan. Inclusivity is another pillar of the resort's approach; employing individuals with disabilities like Samri Butak, a carpenter who represented Sabah in the Malaysia Paralympic Games. The resort's community engagement saw 169 beneficiaries, including school children and families, participating in initiatives designed to empower and uplift. Shangri-La Rasa Ria's operational ethos also prioritises responsible sourcing and reducing carbon footprints by utilising locally grown produce for its culinary offerings. In a bid to engage guests and locals in its sustainability journey, Rasa Ria is hosting the 14-day EcoRia Challenge from June 16 to 30. This initiative encourages participants to adopt simple, conscious actions to effect meaningful change. Prizes, including luxurious stays at the resort, await those who join in. Participants in the EcoRia Challenge stand a chance to win attractive prizes, including: 1st Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in an Ocean Wing Junior Suite with a Sea View 2nd Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in an Ocean Wing Junior Suite with a Garden View 3rd Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in a Garden Wing Deluxe with a Sea View The resort invites everyone to partake in this path of transformation for a harmonious future, highlighting how simple, conscious actions can create ripples of meaningful change.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- 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.
