15/10/2025

ESG WEDNESDAY | OCT 15, 2025

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Redefining boutique hospitality

under consideration, which would eliminate chemical use and allow treated water to be safely repurposed for irrigation. “Step by step, one by one, we will implement it,” Vairo said, noting that smaller-scale properties must phase capital expenditure responsibly across investment cycles. Temple Tree positions sustainability as a multidimensional strategy, extending beyond environmental measures to include community integration. The resort hosts monthly pop-up markets for local vendors, directing 10% of sales to charitable causes. Partnerships include support for animal welfare initiatives and contributions to the Langkawi Charity Club, which funds local healthcare and education. “When we’re talking about sustainability in hotels, it’s not only regarding the environment. It’s also about helping out the community,” Vairo emphasised. These initiatives align closely with evolving customer expectations. A growing proportion of European and Australian guests are selecting hotels based on sustainability credentials, arriving with reusable bottles, and requesting eco-conscious activities such as mangrove tours. Sustainability now accounts for approximately 25% of Temple Tree’s marketing campaigns, reinforcing the resort’s ESG positioning in a competitive tourism market. Financial performance has validated this approach. Occupancy has grown by 30%–40% in recent years, driven primarily by international markets. With Visit Malaysia 2026 expected to bring a surge in arrivals due to new

o Temple Tree Resort pairs heritage preservation with sustainability agenda

Banking & Finance To further support the circular economy, he said Alam Flora is pursuing food waste treatment for compost, animal feed and biomethane; used cooking oil recycling; and 3R expansion programmes. “In supporting this vision, we want to transform from a pure waste management company into a full environmental solutions provider, in support of the goal of zero waste to landfill and strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),” he told Bernama recently. Shariman Yusuf said Alam Flora’s initiatives are aligned with KPKT’s Blueprint Ekonomi Kitaran Sisa and support of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13), which aims to modernise public cleansing services through smart technologies, improved efficiency and stronger community engagement. He said the WtE project alone is expected to process 1,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, generate 22 megawatts of electricity, and reduce over 259,000 tonnes of CO ĸ emissions annually. while upgrades strengthened resilience in critical areas such as water management. In 2023, rainwater harvesting tanks were installed, enabling the resort to secure water supply for up to three days during dry spells. This investment not only ensures uninterrupted guest services but also reduces strain on the island’s limited utilities. The resort has also phased out single-use plastics. All rooms now feature refillable glass bottles, supported by in-house filtration and distribution systems. “When I first came on board, we stopped using plastic in the rooms. As you can see, all our rooms carry a glass bottle, and we have a refill machine that is being used by the guests,” Vairo explained. The restaurant has implemented eco-friendly straws manufactured by a Penang-based SME, reinforcing the resort’s preference for sustainable local supply chains. Food and beverage operations integrate sustainability into sourcing and production. A hydroponic garden supplies fresh basil, mint, Brazilian spinach, and other seasonal produce directly to the kitchen, supporting a farm-to-table approach that reduces food miles. Composting facilities are scheduled to come online this year, creating a closed-loop system that channels organic waste back into the gardens. Even coffee grounds from the bar are reused as natural fertiliser. Future projects are also in the pipeline. The resort is evaluating the feasibility of solar panels, though structural differences between heritage houses require careful planning. A chlorine-free pool system is operational

Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Temple Tree Resort in Langkawi is redefining boutique hospitality by pairing heritage preservation with a sustainability agenda. Under the leadership of Resort Manager Irene Vairo ( pic ), the property has evolved from a collection of restored heritage houses into an award-winning resort recognised as Best Boutique Hotel in Asia in both 2023 and 2024. Its strategy now extends beyond guest experience to include long-term environmental management and community impact. “The tree in the centre of our resort has always been the centerpiece of our design, and now it symbolises two hands together. It reflects both the legacy of this property and our ongoing commitment to sustainability,” said Vairo. The resort’s updated logo is emblematic of the resort’s dual priorities: preserving cultural authenticity while investing in operational practices that meet modern sustainability standards. Since its acquisition in 2019, Temple Tree has undertaken substantial capital improvements. Landscaping and structural renovations revitalised the property,

direct flights from Europe, the resort is preparing for expansion. Five new suites will be added to the Ipoh House, offering a higher-end product to capture additional market share while maintaining the property’s heritage identity. The phased expansion is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. Vairo is confident this dual focus on heritage and sustainability will strengthen Temple Tree’s competitive advantage. “When you live on an island, sustainability isn’t a choice – it’s a necessity,” she said. By embedding environmental practices, supporting the local

expansion into new areas and enhance services in smart waste solutions, recycling innovation and circular economy initiatives,” he said. He said community engagement remains a priority for Alam Flora. “Through FIKS Putrajaya and the ‘3R on Wheels’ initiative, Alam Flora helps promote recycling education and outreach. FIKS serves as a one-stop hub with a 3R boutique and buy-back centres, welcoming diverse groups including students, NGOs and officials. These efforts, supported by digital campaigns, aim to foster a culture of sustainability. “By 2030, Alam Flora aspires to be a fully-integrated environmental solutions provider across Southeast Asia, anchored on innovation, sustainability and strategic partnerships. It is committed to managing 10,000 tonnes of waste daily by 2031 through integrated and sustainable strategies,” he also said. These initiatives, he added, coincide with Malakoff’s 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of sustainability. They reflect Malakoff’s purpose of ‘Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities’, which continues to guide its environmental and social efforts nationwide. economy, and preserving cultural assets, the resort is positioning itself as both a steward of Langkawi’s heritage and a forward-looking hospitality operator. For stakeholders, Temple Tree’s trajectory demonstrates that boutique properties can achieve scalable ESG outcomes through incremental investments. Its operational model – balancing conservation with innovation – offers a blueprint for heritage resorts seeking to remain commercially relevant while meeting rising sustainability expectations from regulators, investors, and international travellers alike.

Alam Flora’s vision for cleaner future anchored on innovation KUALA LUMPUR: Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Malakoff Corporation Berhad, is committed to expanding its vision to lead Malaysia’s transformation towards a sustainable circular economy, in line with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Development’s (KPKT) Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025-2035). in Kuala Lumpur and soon, the Waste to-Energy (WtE) plant project in Sungai Udang, Malacca; as well as the expansion of scheduled hazardous waste management projects. “It has also developed an in-house recycling app, Recyclink, incentives, to encourage public participation in recycling with rewards to be gained from Touch ‘n Go credits and Mesra points. “Operationally, Alam Flora is embracing mechanisation and smart technologies, including electric its engagement with state governments and is exploring service expansion into non-concession states, while also collaborating with federal and state agencies on sustainable initiatives such as WtE, material recovery and circular economy projects.

Regionally, Shariman Yusuf said Alam Flora is exploring partnerships in Southeast Asia, particularly within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and markets like Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, to position itself as a regional player in environmental services. “To complement its core business, Alam Flora is entering the Facilities Management (FM) sector through its subsidiary, Genesis Facilities Solutions. This includes servicing government buildings, commercial properties, industrial zones, and data centres with smart FM solutions powered by IoT, AI and drones. “Energy performance contracts (EPC) and ESG-compliant systems have already been deployed at sites such as Senai Airport and Wisma DRB Hicom. “Strategic partnerships are central to Alam Flora’s growth. Collaborations with government-linked companies and private corporations enable

vehicles (EVs) and automated cleaning machines. The Glutton Electric Litter Picker covers 30 per cent more ground than manual picking sweepers. “Trials are underway for solar powered EV road sweepers, compactors, motorcycles, and tricycles to reduce our carbon footprint and improve crew mobility. Night operations are also being tested with mechanisation to increase productivity to ease traffic and reduce reliance on foreign labour,” he said. “These modernisation efforts are carried out in collaboration with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp). These play a leading role in strengthening Alam Flora’s initiatives to enhance public cleansing services and implement smart waste management technologies,” he said. With over 25 years of experience, he said Alam Flora continues to strengthen

Launched in 2024, the blueprint outlines a framework for transitioning to a circular economy based on five strategic pillars: governance and legislation, guidelines and procedures, data collection systems, infrastructure development and promoting waste-based industries. The goal is to reduce waste, boost the economy, and minimise environmental impact through stakeholder collaboration and new policies introduced. Commenting on the company’s commitment, Alam Flora CEO Shariman Yusuf Mohamed Zain said it translated into several key initiatives, including the development of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) through the Fasiliti Inovasi Kitar Semula (FIKS) in Putrajaya. Apart from that are the Recovery Initiative Sustainable Eco Facility (RISE)

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