MACEOS and UiTM Launch Sustainability Event Framework (SEF)
From Vision to Action : Advancing Sustainable and Responsible Events Together
The Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS), in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), launched the Sustainability Event Framework (SEF) on 7th August at EventXpo 2025, held in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The framework marks a significant milestone as a national guideline to embed sustainability in Malaysia’s business events industry.
Officiated by Mr Yusno Yunos, Vice President – Innovation at MACEOS, and Associate Professor Dr Shafinar Ismail of UiTM, alongside members of the SEF working committee, the launch reflects a shared commitment to redefining event practices with responsibility at the core.
Designed to serve as a practical guide for event organisers, the framework outlines eight key sustainability categories that capture the most common sources of environmental impact:
• Food & Beverage (F&B)
• Waste
• Products and Materials
• Energy
• Freight and Logistics
• Accommodation
• Digital and Communications
• Travel
These categories were chosen because they represent the areas where events leave the greatest footprint. By providing clear, real-world examples, we aim to guide organisers to take meaningful action and establish consistent measurement standard for evaluation and improvement,” said Mr Yusno Yunos.
Moving beyond broad guidelines, the framework translates sustainability into practical, actionable measures for organisers. For instance, sourcing local produce and reducing single-use plastics for F&B, implementing recycling and composting for Waste, prioritising rental and sustainable sourcing for Products and Materials, and adopting energy-efficient lighting for Energy. Event organisers are also encouraged to consolidate shipments (Freight and Logistics), partner with green hotels (Accommodation), adopt paperless communication (Digital and Communications), and promote public transport use (Travel).
To ensure accountability and measurable progress, the framework introduces the SEF Assessment Matrix, which evaluates events across two levels:
• Level 1: Focuses on four entry-level categories – F&B, Waste, Products and Materials, and Energy. Events scoring 10 to 20 points in these areas will be recognised as Certified Sustainable Events.
• Level 2: Expands the evaluation to Freight and Logistics, Accommodation, Digital and Communications, and Travel, assessed through a tiered certification system to encourage continuous improvement.
Through this initiative, MACEOS and UiTM aim to establish a consistent national benchmark, guiding organisers to adopt sustainable practices across Malaysia’s business events sector while elevating the nation’s reputation as a responsible, forward-looking destination and reinforcing its position as a leader in environmentally responsible event management.
