KUCHING: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) will launch Sarawak’s first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot today (July 28), introducing measurable food waste prevention during the 51st IUPAC World Polymer Congress (MACRO 2026).
The four-day initiative, running from today (July 28) to 31, will involve more than 800 international delegates attending the congress at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching.
“This initiative is proof that Sarawak’s business events sector can lead by example, developing practical solutions that support a circular economy and encourage more responsible consumption. It is the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 in action, showing that economic growth and environmental responsibility can move forward together in Sarawak’s business events industry,” said BESarawak chairman Datuk Hii Chang Kee in a press statement yesterday (July 27).
He said the initiative demonstrates the Sarawak government’s commitment to embedding sustainability into economic development through practical and measurable action.
“Organisers will implement food waste prevention measures covering menu planning, portion management and the recovery of surplus ingredients where food safety standards permit throughout the international scientific congress.
“Every stage of the initiative will be documented through a compliance platform before undergoing independent assessment, with certification results expected to be released after the congress concludes,” he said.
BESarawak is pursuing The Pledge on Food Waste Certification, an internationally recognised standard measuring food waste prevention and diversion, making this Sarawak’s first business events certification initiative.
“Scientific excellence must be matched by responsible action. We are proud to work with our partners to show that meaningful sustainability can be integrated into business events, and we hope this inspires delegates and future scientific meetings to adopt more sustainable practices,” said Malaysian Institute of Chemistry president and MACRO 2026 adviser Datuk ChM Dr Soon Ting Kueh.
Meanwhile, BESarawak chief executive officer Jason Tan Chin Foo said achieving the certification would provide future conferences with a practical model to follow while establishing a new benchmark for sustainable business events in Sarawak.
The initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Zero Hunger, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action, further strengthening Sarawak’s position as a responsible global business events destination.
