From Ambition to Action: Sustainability Action Conference 2026 Reinforces Sustainability as the New Economic Advantage
KOTA KINABALU, 22 OCTOBER 2026 – The Sustainable Action Conference 2026 (SAC 4.0) concluded on a high note at The Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, bringing together more than 300 participants from diverse backgrounds, including government representatives, policymakers, industry leaders, corporate executives, sustainability practitioners, academics, students and community stakeholders. Held on 21 October 2026, the one-day conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging insights, strengthening cross-sector collaboration and translating sustainability ambitions into meaningful action.
Organised by Control Union Malaysia with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the fourth edition was held under the theme “Sustainability as the New Economic Advantage”, reinforcing the growing importance of sustainability as a driver of economic competitiveness, business resilience and long-term growth. Building on the success of its previous editions, SAC 2026 brought together leaders, innovators and changemakers to explore practical solutions to environmental challenges while creating opportunities for responsible and inclusive economic development.
Beyond thought-provoking discussions, SAC 2026 marked several significant milestones, including four strategic industry collaborations, a Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) pledge involving ten organisations, and the From Children to Children (FCTC) initiative, which channelled RM50,000 towards school-led sustainability projects and community welfare. These achievements demonstrated the conference’s commitment to moving beyond dialogue by fostering industry partnerships, encouraging measurable environmental action and delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
The conference was officiated by YB Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister of Sabah, on behalf of the Chief Minister of Sabah, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. The opening ceremony underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into Sabah’s economic development agenda, particularly in harnessing the state’s natural resources responsibly while strengthening investment opportunities, environmental resilience and community well-being.
The conference also welcomed YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of
Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, who delivered a keynote presentation titled “Building Resilient Food Security Through Sustainable Agriculture and Aquaculture Transformation.” His presentation highlighted the importance of advancing sustainable agricultural and aquaculture practices to strengthen food security, enhance industry resilience and support Malaysia’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
Collectively, the four sessions reinforced the conference’s central message that
sustainability is no longer simply a matter of regulatory compliance or corporate
responsibility, but an increasingly important consideration in investment decisions,
operational resilience, market access and long-term business competitiveness.
A major highlight of SAC 2026 was the announcement and formalisation of four strategic industry collaborations between Control Union Malaysia and key industry partners, demonstrating a shared commitment to accelerating sustainable transformation. These included a Strategic Cooperation Agreement Exchange Ceremony with FatHopes Energy Sdn. Bhd., Corsair Group International, Schneider Electric Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. and Vanguard Security Services to strengthen responsible business practices and sustainability-related industry capabilities. Collectively, these partnerships underscore the importance of industry collaboration, technical expertise and innovation in translating sustainability commitments into practical solutions that drive environmental progress, operational resilience and long-term economic value.
Another significant milestone was the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) Pledge
Ceremony, where ten organisations from diverse industries made a collective
commitment to responsible waste management and circular economy practices. The ten organisations participating in the ZWTL pledge were:
- Corsair Group International
- FatHopes Energy Sdn Bhd
- Mentari Alam Eko (M) Sdn Bhd
- Beta Maju Sdn Bhd
- Forest Solutions Malaysia Sdn Bhd
- Integrated PDP Sdn. Bhd.
- Powerco Letrik Usaha (KK) Sdn. Bhd.
- QI Services (M) Sdn Bhd
- Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC)
- Shangri-La Rasa Ria Kota Kinabalu
Beyond industry collaboration, SAC 2026 continued its commitment to nurturing the next generation of sustainability leaders through its flagship From Children to Children (FCTC) initiative, which brought together six finalist schools from across Sabah to showcase student-led environmental projects.
The participating schools demonstrated innovative approaches to addressing sustainability challenges within their communities, including:
- SMK Tambunan – “Waste to Plate”, transforming food waste into compost for sustainable vegetable cultivation.
- SK Unggun Menggatal – “EcoLoop SKUM – Sustainable 3R Centre”, promoting recycling, waste separation and upcycling.
- SK Kionsom Inanam – “School Recycling Garden”, transforming discarded materials into productive gardening spaces.
- SK Kibabaig – “Project FLOW”, addressing flooding and standing water through nature-based solutions.
- SK Bantayan Inanam – “JANGAN BUANG DULU!”, promoting creative upcycling and waste-to-worth initiatives.
- SJK (C) Chung Hwa Tamparuli – “Zero-Waste Canteen Initiative”, encouraging waste segregation, composting, recycling and Bring Your Own Container (BYOC) practices.
In a proud highlight of the conference, SJK (C) Chung Hwa Tamparuli was crowned champion of FCTC 2026 for its Zero-Waste Canteen Initiative, demonstrating how practical environmental solutions can be embedded into everyday school activities.
As part of the programme, each of the six finalist schools received RM5,000 each. The champion received an additional RM10,000 to extend its sustainability initiative to other schools, promoting peer learning, knowledge sharing and wider community participation.
Further strengthening the conference’s social responsibility commitment, RM10,000 was contributed to Pertubuhan Membantu Pesakit Parah Miskin Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation supporting underprivileged patients facing serious illnesses.
Together, these contributions amounted to RM50,000, made possible through the support of Control Union Malaysia and SAC 2026 sponsors. The initiative reflected the conference’s broader commitment to ensuring that sustainability efforts deliver meaningful environmental and social benefits beyond the event itself.
The outcomes of SAC 2026 reinforced the growing importance of partnerships between government, industry, educational institutions and communities in addressing sustainability challenges.
From advancing low-carbon solutions and responsible supply chains to promoting circular economy practices and empowering young environmental advocates, the conference demonstrated that sustainability can serve as a catalyst for innovation, economic opportunity and inclusive growth.
The conference was supported by its sponsors and partners, including UOB Malaysia, Acacia Forest Industries, Terberg Tractors Malaysia and Corsair Group International, Peterson Solutions, and Iverson Malaysia whose contributions helped strengthen the platform for industry dialogue, collaboration and community engagement.
As SAC concluded its fourth edition in Sabah, the conference reaffirmed its role as a platform for connecting sustainability ambitions with practical solutions. Through strategic partnerships, measurable commitments and community-driven initiatives, SAC 2026 demonstrated that the transition towards a more sustainable economy requires not only shared aspirations, but collective responsibility and sustained action.
The conference’s achievements provide a foundation for continued collaboration among participating organisations and stakeholders, supporting the advancement of Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and reinforcing the message that sustainability is not merely an environmental responsibility, but a strategic economic advantage for the future.
For more information on SAC 2026, please visit www.sustainableactionconference.com or contact us at malaysia@controlunion.com.
