ESG approach empowers stakeholders in Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism workshop with Ulster University, UK

A research workshop titled “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Approach for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism” was jointly organised on 19 January 2025 by the Centre for Business and Management, the Department of Marketing, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) of UTAR, and the Department of Global Business and Enterprise of Ulster University Business School, Northern Ireland, UK.

Held at the COEX Tangga / Hin Bus Depot, an arts and events space located in Penang, the workshop brought together stakeholders from academia and industry to explore innovative practices in sustainable tourism.

The workshop was part of the Sustainable Tourism and Revitalisation of Penang (STAR of Penang) Project. It focused on fostering community-based sustainable tourism initiatives, conducting a comprehensive needs analysis and promoting a balanced approach that benefits the environment, society and economy. Through collaborative efforts, the event served as a platform for insightful discussions and knowledge exchange among participants.

The workshop featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and facilitators from UTAR and Ulster University. Representing UTAR were Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Assoc Prof Dr Toh Teong Chuan, Assoc Prof Dr Tan Ai Boay, Dr Anthony Tee Mooi Kwong, and Ms Nur Aliah binti Mansor. From Ulster University, the event welcomed Dr Caroline Morrison, Dr David Hanna and Dr Hafiz Mudassir Rehman.

In addition, the workshop was enriched by contributions from Dr Priscilla Chueng-Nainby of the University of Edinburgh and Dr Wong Lai Yong, a consultant specialising in sustainability and ESG practices. Dr Wong also serves as the Industrial Advisor for the FBF and Adjunct Assoc Prof at Shizenkan University, Japan.

The workshop began with registration, followed by an introductory session led by Dr Au Yong, who provided an overview of the STAR of Penang Project. Presentations from the Ulster University team, namely Dr Caroline Morrison, Dr David Hanna and Dr Hafiz Mudassir Rehman, offered valuable insights into Ulster University’s contributions to sustainable tourism.

Dr Au Yong’s presentation titled “ESG in Tourism” highlighted the importance of integrating ESG principles within the tourism sector. Subsequently, Dr Toh delivered a presentation titled “Rural Cultural Heritage Tourism”, showcasing efforts to revitalise cultural heritage through innovative approaches.

A lively Q&A session allowed participants to engage with the speakers and exchange ideas dynamically. Following this, Dr Priscilla conducted a sharing session titled “Cultural Heritage through Service Design”, which emphasised participatory design processes and community-led heritage services.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion on the ESG approach for sustainable cultural heritage tourism, facilitated by Dr Anthony Tee. Dr Wong offered her expertise on ESG strategies and sustainability practices, adding valuable perspectives to the discussions.

The workshop attracted 58 participants, including representatives from tour and travel establishments, heritage NGOs, students, and academics from UTAR, and Universiti Sains Malaysia. The participants actively engaged in discussions and Q&A sessions, exchanging perspectives with the speakers and gaining deeper insights into sustainable tourism practices.

The workshop concluded with refreshments and networking opportunities, fostering further collaboration among attendees. The successful event highlighted the importance of global partnerships in advancing sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation. The collaborative efforts between UTAR and Ulster University exemplify the significant role of academia in driving sustainability initiatives for the benefit of the community.