Sarawak Shines as a Hub for Sustainability and Culture at Rainforest Events

In the heart of Borneo, Sarawak is making waves this week as it hosts two landmark events, the Rainforest Youth Summit 2025 (RAYS) and the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 (RWMF). These gatherings, held in Kuching and at the Sarawak Cultural Village respectively, are positioning the Malaysian state as a global leader in sustainable tourism, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange. From June 18 to 22, delegates and festival-goers alike are experiencing a unique blend of environmental advocacy and artistic celebration, underpinned by Sarawak’s commitment to a greener, more connected future.

Youth Take the Lead at Rainforest Summit

The Rainforest Youth Summit 2025, which ran from June 18 to 20 in Kuching, brought together over 700 young delegates from across Southeast Asia under the theme “Living Landscapes: Charting a Sustainable Future.” Over three days, participants engaged in workshops, field studies, and discussions focused on critical issues such as climate adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and indigenous knowledge. The summit served as a platform for ASEAN youth to collaborate on actionable solutions, with Sarawak showcasing its role as a “Gateway to Borneo” through immersive cultural and ecological experiences.

Supported by Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, UN Tourism, and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), RAYS 2025 highlighted Sarawak’s growing influence in sustainable development. Delegates explored how community-based tourism and indigenous stewardship can intersect with rainforest protection, learning directly from local communities and experts. A notable initiative introduced this year was the Youth Content Microgrant, designed to fund youth-led environmental advocacy projects across the region, ensuring that the voices of ASEAN’s next generation continue to resonate beyond the summit.

A Musical Celebration of Global Unity

As RAYS concluded, the energy shifted to the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025, which kicked off on June 20 and runs until June 22 at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village. Under the theme “CONNECTIONS: One Earth, One Love,” the festival features over 200 performers from 20 countries, including local talents like Sarawak’s own At Adau, who headline the closing day, alongside international acts such as Otyken from Russia and the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay from the USA. The event is a vibrant testament to Sarawak’s cultural diversity and its openness to global artistic dialogue.

More than just a music festival, RWMF embodies Sarawak’s commitment to its CANFF brand pillars—culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals. Attendees are treated to a rich tapestry of performances while engaging with eco-conscious initiatives woven into the event. From sustainability booths hosted by PATA and WWF at The Green Ruai to solar-powered charging stations and carbon footprint tracking tools, the festival prioritizes environmental responsibility. Other efforts include a zero single-use plastic campaign, on-site food waste composting, upcycled lanyards crafted by local single mothers, and the Eco Green Planet tree-planting program aimed at offsetting carbon emissions.

Aligning with a Sustainable Vision

Both RAYS and RWMF align closely with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasizes sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. These events also contribute to five targeted UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Climate Action, Responsible Consumption, and Partnerships for the Goals. By integrating eco-initiatives into large-scale cultural events, Sarawak is setting a precedent for how tourism can serve as a force for positive change, balancing economic benefits with ecological preservation.

The seamless transition from the summit to the festival—where RAYS delegates gain access to RWMF’s opening day—underscores the interconnectedness of these events. Sarawak emerges not just as a destination, but as a living laboratory where sustainability, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy converge. The rainforest itself transforms from a classroom for learning into a stage for storytelling, where global and local voices unite to reimagine a shared future.

A Model for Responsible Tourism

Sarawak’s dual events offer a compelling model for responsible tourism, demonstrating how cultural celebration and environmental advocacy can coexist. The state’s efforts to empower youth through RAYS while promoting sustainable practices at RWMF reflect a broader vision of tourism as “purpose in motion,” as local organizers describe it. This approach resonates with international attendees and performers, who leave with a deeper understanding of Sarawak’s unique blend of heritage and innovation.

For local communities, these events provide economic opportunities through tourism while reinforcing the importance of preserving their natural and cultural assets. The involvement of indigenous groups in both the summit and festival highlights Sarawak’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that those who have stewarded the land for generations are central to its future.

Looking Ahead

As the Rainforest World Music Festival draws to a close on June 22, the echoes of global rhythms and youth-driven ideas will linger in Sarawak’s rainforests. Questions remain about how these initiatives will scale in the coming years and whether other regions in Southeast Asia can replicate this balance of culture and conservation. For now, Sarawak stands as a beacon of possibility, proving that tourism can be a catalyst for connection, sustainability, and change.