By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 10: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak has been recognised for its outstanding efforts in environmental education after winning the Malaysia Stakeholder Engagement of the Year – Education Award at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026.
The prestigious award was presented during a ceremony held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore, honouring NREB’s flagship environmental education initiative, PALS Club (Kelab Pencinta Alam Sekitar), for its success in engaging stakeholders and cultivating environmental responsibility among students across Sarawak.
Established by NREB, PALS Club aims to nurture a new generation of environmentally responsible leaders who can contribute meaningfully towards Sarawak’s sustainable development agenda. Through structured environmental education programmes and hands-on learning experiences, the initiative promotes environmental stewardship, leadership and civic responsibility among students.
The programme supports the aspirations of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly its Environmental Sustainability pillar, by helping to develop a greener, more resilient and environmentally conscious Sarawak.
According to a media release today, NREB emphasised that PALS Club was developed as a long-term, institutionalised approach to environmental education, addressing the challenges of school-based environmental activities that were previously often carried out on an ad hoc basis and dependent on individual teachers or student groups.
With strong support from the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) and the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD), PALS Club has been integrated into the school co-curricular framework, ensuring continuity, consistency and sustained participation among students throughout the State.
A key strength of the initiative is its collaborative, multi-stakeholder model. Led by NREB, PALS Club brings together schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), government agencies, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to advance environmental education and action.
Students involved in PALS Club take part in a wide range of activities, including environmental camps, awareness campaigns, competitions and community-based initiatives focusing on issues such as waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate action and pollution prevention.
Beyond environmental knowledge, these experiential learning opportunities help students develop essential skills including leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving, preparing them to become future environmental champions.
Commenting on the achievement, NREB Controller Datu Jack Liam emphasised that the award reflects the collective dedication of schools, teachers, students and strategic partners who have supported PALS Club throughout its development.
“This recognition is a testament to the collective commitment of our schools, teachers, students and strategic partners who have supported PALS Club throughout its journey. The award reflects the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful environmental impact and strengthening sustainability awareness among young Sarawakians,” he said.
He added that NREB remains committed to nurturing responsible future leaders through PALS Club, supporting Sarawak’s sustainability aspirations under PCDS 2030.
PALS Club is embedded within NREB’s core responsibilities and performance framework, ensuring its continued sustainability and long-term impact. Supported by dedicated funding from the Sarawak State Government, along with contributions from corporate bodies and private sector partners, the initiative continues to grow statewide.
Currently, PALS Club involves 807 schools across Sarawak, with participation expected to expand to all 1,460 schools by 2027.
The programme previously received national recognition in 2024 when it was acknowledged by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Largest School Environmental Club Network, with 478 participating schools at the time.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards recognises outstanding public sector initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region that demonstrate excellence, innovation and measurable impact in governance and stakeholder engagement.
NREB’s latest achievement highlights the success of PALS Club as a model environmental education programme driven by collaboration, empowerment and community participation — strengthening Sarawak’s commitment towards a sustainable future. — DayakDaily
