By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 29: Sarawak has etched its name in the region’s Scouting history by hosting the Borneo Association of Top Achiever Scouts (ATAS) Gathering II 2026 for the first time, bringing together recipients of Scouting’s highest honours from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and across the region.
Organised by Persaudaraan Pengakap Raja Malaysia (PPRM) Sarawak Branch, the gathering united Queen’s Scouts, King’s Scouts, Baden-Powell Award holders and other Top Achiever Scouts to strengthen regional fellowship while reaffirming their lifelong commitment to leadership, service and community development.
The event was attended by Chief Scout of Malaysia Major General Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Zin Bidin (Rtd), ATAS-World president Paramasivam Palany, The King’s Scout Brotherhood of Malaysia president Tang Tuck Mun Lincoln, Scouts Association of Malaysia Sarawak Branch chief commissioner John Lim Boon Beng, and Sarawak Scout Council deputy president Dato Mohamad Safri Abdillah, representing council president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom.
Welcoming participants to the Land of the Hornbills, organising chairman Ting Wei Shun described the gathering as more than a reunion of award recipients.
“This gathering is not merely a reunion of award recipients but a celebration of leadership, service, friendship and brotherhood. 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,” he said in a press release.
John Lim said the gathering marked a historic milestone for Sarawak, noting that it was the first time the State had hosted the prestigious regional event.
He said the occasion reflected the growing role of Sarawak’s King’s Scout fraternity in supporting Scouting development, youth leadership and international fellowship.
Highlighting the State’s rich Scouting heritage, John Lim said the movement in Sarawak dates back to 1913. He noted that Peter Lim Thian Seng became Sarawak’s first Queen’s Scout on June 11, 1957, before the introduction of the Pengakap Raja Award following the formation of Malaysia.
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 serving their communities with integrity and humility.
Representing the Sarawak Scout Council president, Mohamad Safri said organisations such as PPRM and ATAS provide an important platform for King’s Scouts and Top Achiever Scouts to remain actively involved in community service while strengthening the bonds of friendship forged through Scouting.
Mohd Zin also commended PPRM Sarawak Branch for successfully organising the gathering and bringing together distinguished Scout leaders and award holders from across the region.
He reminded participants that attaining Scouting’s highest honours carries a lifelong responsibility to uphold the values of leadership, service and good citizenship.
The gathering also featured the presentation of Brotherhood Commendations, including the Bronze Malayan Tiger Award, Long Service Award and Certificate of Commendable Service, to members who have contributed to the promotion and development of the Brotherhood.
ATAS scarves and badges were also presented to symbolise membership in the international fellowship of Top Achiever Scouts, while outstanding individuals were recognised for their leadership, service and contributions to the Scout Movement and the wider community.
Participants also took part in fellowship sessions and networking activities, sharing experiences and strengthening cross-border ties among Top Achiever Scouts.
The organising committee expressed its appreciation to the Sarawak Scout Council, sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters for contributing to the success of the event, which concluded with participants praising Sarawak’s warm hospitality and reaffirming the enduring values of service, leadership and brotherhood. — DayakDaily
