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Kota Kinabalu: 30 volunteers from various departments of Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, led by Tommy Franssila, Director of Operations and Head of CSR initiatives for the hotel, recently participated in a coral propagation program at Usukan Island. 

Coral propagation, or coral gardening, involves growing new corals from healthy ones and planting them on damaged reefs to restore populations. 

This process enhances genetic diversity in marine life and underscores the importance of reef protection for ocean health and coastal defence.

To date, the hotel has propagated 215 corals under the guidance of One Ocean Empire.

The hotel has also adopted a coral nursery to ensure the sustainable growth and protection of the marine ecosystem. 

Additionally, it sponsored solar panels to provide the island community with a reliable and renewable energy source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting daily operations with clean energy. 

Volunteers also participated in cleaning the beach, making wind chimes from seashells to promote environmental awareness and recycling, and planting trees to enhance the island’s greenery and contribute to carbon offset.

Since its inception in 1996, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu's annual charity golf event has raised funds that have benefited the local community in various ways, including the construction of the Papar Middle School Hostel, supporting Operation Smile Sabah by funding surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate, contributing to the Bird and Nature Guide Training program, funding equipment purchases for PACOS glass recycling initiatives, and collaborating with One Ocean Empire to raise awareness of coral conservation within the community.

These initiatives are among the many ways the hotel addresses its responsibilities towards the community and the planet, highlighting its holistic approach to sustainable business practices in hopes of inspiring a shift towards more socially and environmentally conscious operations.