PATA Reaffirms Support for Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 in Sarawak
Photo: Official logo of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026
BANGKOK, February 26, 2026 — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to once again endorse the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 (RAYS 2026), held in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), taking place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from June 24 - 26, 2026.
Positioned as a collaborative platform for environmental conservation and sustainable development, RAYS 2026 brings together young leaders, sustainability advocates, and emerging changemakers from across ASEAN and beyond. The programme encourages youth-led dialogue on climate resilience, alongside the development of pragmatic action plans that support responsible and inclusive transformation.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “Having had the opportunity to attend RAYS last year, I was inspired by the strong participation of youth united by a clear and shared purpose: protecting our environment. This dialogue is one that PATA is proud to support, and I am confident that RAYS 2026 will continue to serve as a vital platform for young people to exchange ideas, take action, and emerge as changemakers for our planet.”
As an endorser of the event, PATA will leverage its global network of student chapters and communication channels to amplify the event’s outreach and visibility.
STB CEO Dr. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said, “We deeply appreciate the continued endorsement from PATA, which reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to advancing sustainable tourism. As host of the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026, Sarawak remains focused on delivering a structured platform that connects youth, industry, and community stakeholders in meaningful collaboration across ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific.”
RAYS serves as a regional platform that connects youths with indigenous leaders, scientists, and creatives, encouraging participants to better understand their role in advancing climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and cultural continuity. The programme will feature expert-led sessions, interactive lab workshops grounded in lived experience, and curated off-site excursions centred on Sarawak’s protected rainforest areas. This year’s theme - Youth: Many Ways, One Planet - further highlights how young people from diverse backgrounds can unite around a shared commitment to create a more sustainable world.
The closing of the summit will coincide with the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 (RWMF 2026), one of Sarawak’s most celebrated cultural events. The festival was ranked among the Top 10 in the Transglobal World Music Chart’s 2025 Festival Awards.
Early bird tickets are available to purchase from today until March 15 via the following link: https://www.rainforestyouthsummit.com/summit/ticket. For youths in the ASEAN region seeking financial assistance to attend the event, applications are now open for the RAYS ASEAN Access Fund.
The event is proudly funded and organised by the State Government of Sarawak, and endorsed by ASEAN, PATA, and UN Tourism.
For more information or updates about the programme, visit the following link: www.rainforestyouthsummit.com/
Photo: YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, together with YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism; YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts; YB Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports; and YB Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Entrepreneur Development, posing for a group photo with delegates during the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2025.
About STB
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) was established under the Sarawak Tourism Board (Incorporation) Ordinance on 12 November 1994 to increase visitor arrivals, build awareness among trade, media and the public, and position Sarawak as a leading destination for culture, nature and adventure. As Malaysia’s largest state on the island of Borneo, Sarawak offers a distinctive experience under the destination brand “Sarawak – More to Discover.”
As the marketing and promotional arm of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, STB champions Sarawak as Malaysia’s Gateway to Borneo and collaborates closely with Tourism Malaysia and international partners to expand its presence in key markets. Its initiatives are guided by the Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals (CANFF) pillars.
STB also works with global media to elevate international visibility and remains committed to strategic partnerships that bring Sarawak to the world and welcome travellers to its shores.
