NREB Sarawak wins at GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026 for PALS Club
The structured environmental programme is delivered through schools, PTAs, agencies, and partners across Sarawak.
The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak has won the Malaysia Stakeholder Engagement of the Year - Education accolade at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026 for its flagship environmental education initiative, PALS Club (Kelab Pencinta Alam Sekitar).
PALS Club was established to nurture a new generation of environmentally responsible leaders who can contribute meaningfully towards Sarawak’s sustainable development agenda. Through structured environmental education and hands-on learning, the programme fosters environmental stewardship, leadership and civic responsibility among students. In doing so, it supports the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly under the pillar of Environmental Sustainability, whilst helping to build a greener and more resilient Sarawak.
Recognising that many environmental activities in schools were previously conducted on an ad hoc basis and often depended on the initiative of individual teachers or student groups, NREB developed PALS Club as a long-term and institutionalised approach to environmental education. The programme is implemented with the strong support of the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) and the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD), whose collaboration has been instrumental in facilitating participation by schools throughout the state. By embedding environmental education within the school co-curricular framework, PALS Club ensures continuity, consistency and sustained student engagement across generations.
A defining strength of PALS Club is its collaborative multi-stakeholder approach. Led by NREB, the programme brings together schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), government agencies, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to advance environmental education and action. Whilst NREB provides programme leadership, training and technical guidance, partners contribute expertise, community engagement and financial support. This collective effort has been instrumental in expanding the programme’s reach, sustainability and impact across Sarawak.
Students participate in a wide range of activities, including environmental camps, awareness programmes, competitions and community-based initiatives covering themes such as waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate action and pollution prevention. Through these experiential learning opportunities, students not only gain environmental knowledge but also develop leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills that prepare them to become future environmental champions
The programme is firmly embedded within NREB’s institutional responsibilities and key performance framework, ensuring its sustainability and long-term impact. With dedicated funding support from the Sarawak State Government, PALS Club continues to expand across the state, strengthening environmental literacy and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among young Sarawakians.
Today, PALS Club has evolved as the largest Sarawak environmental education movement, engaging 784 schools statewide and progressing towards full participation by all 1,460 schools by 2030. Its achievement was nationally recognised in 2024 when it was awarded the Malaysia Book of Records title for the Largest School Environmental Club Network, with 478 participating schools at the time. More than a school programme, PALS Club is building a generation of environmentally responsible leaders who will help shape a greener and more sustainable Sarawak.
The prestigious recognition at the GovMedia Conference & Awards affirms NREB’s leadership in advancing environmental education and acknowledges PALS Club as a model programme that is creating lasting impact through collaboration, empowerment and environmental stewardship.
GovMedia Conference & Awards gives recognition to the trends and best practices that transform the public sector in the Asia Pacific. The awards programme promotes excellence and provides a platform for exemplary government initiatives.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards is presented by GovMedia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be recognised for your organisation's government projects and initiatives, please contact Marni Marco at +(65) 3158 1386 and [email protected].
