KUCHING: Sarawak marks another milestone in its scouting history by hosting the Borneo Association of Top Achiever Scouts (ATAS) Gathering II 2026 for the first time, bringing together holders of scouting’s highest awards from across the region.
The gathering, organised by Persaudaraan Pengakap Raja Malaysia (PPRM) Sarawak Branch, assembled Queen’s Scouts, King’s Scouts, Baden-Powell Award recipients and Top Achiever Scouts from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and other countries to strengthen fellowship, promote lifelong service, and celebrate excellence in scouting.
The event was attended by Chief Scout of Malaysia, Major-General Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin (Rtd); ATAS-World President, Paramasivam Palany; The King’s Scout Brotherhood of Malaysia President. Tang Tuck Mun Lincoln; Sarawak Chief Commissioner of the Scouts Association of Malaysia, John Lim Boon Beng; and Sarawak Scout Council Deputy President, Datuk Mohamad Safri Abdillah, representing council president, Tan Sri Datuk Seri William Mawan Ikom.
Organising chairman, Ting Wei Shun, said Sarawak was honoured to be entrusted with hosting the regional gathering.
“This gathering is not merely a reunion of award recipients but a celebration of leadership, service, friendship and brotherhood,” he added.
“It reminds us that attaining Scouting’s highest awards is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serve society and inspire future generations.”
In his address, John Lim highlighted Sarawak’s long Scouting heritage, which began in 1913, and noted that Peter Lim Thian Seng became the state’s first Queen’s Scout on June 11, 1957.
He described the Borneo ATAS Gathering II as a historic occasion, saying it reflected the growing role of Sarawak’s King’s Scout fraternity in advancing youth leadership, Scouting development and international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Paramasivam said ATAS-World has grown into a global network connecting recipients of Scouting’s highest awards and encouraged members to continue mentoring younger Scouts while strengthening international friendship and community service.
Safri, in his speech on behalf of Mawan, thanked the organisers and participants, saying organisations such as PPRM and ATAS provide an important platform for King’s Scouts and Top Achiever Scouts to remain active in community service while maintaining the strong bonds forged through Scouting.
Zin commended PPRM Sarawak Branch for successfully organising the gathering and reminded participants that earning Scouting’s highest awards carries a lifelong responsibility to uphold the values of leadership, service and good citizenship.
The programme also featured the presentation of Brotherhood Commendations, including the Bronze Malayan Tiger Award, Long Service Award, and Certificate of Commendable Service, in recognition of members who have contributed to the development of the Brotherhood.
ATAS scarves and badges were also presented to new members, while outstanding individuals received awards in recognition of their leadership, service and contributions to the Scout Movement.
The gathering concluded with fellowship sessions and networking activities to strengthen regional cooperation and international friendship among Top Achiever Scouts.
