In 2025, teams across Destination Asia continued to strengthen their commitment to giving back to local communities through a mix of long-term partnerships and new initiatives. Throughout the year, our teams supported a wide range of programs focused on community wellbeing, environmental care, and food security, working closely with local charities and organisations to create positive and lasting impact. We are proud to be part of a team that remains invested in its local communities, committed to building meaningful relationships and making a difference where it matters most.
ASITA CARE, a new initiative by the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), was launched to tackle biodiversity loss and improve waste management across Bali. Destination Asia Indonesia’s Managing Director, Ketut Yasa Sediya, played a key leadership role as Program Chair, helping guide initiatives that reflect the organisation’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community support. One of the first actions under the program saw meals donated to waste transport workers at Suwung landfill, recognising their essential role in keeping the island clean. The following day, the team extended these efforts with a beach clean-up in Sanur and a blood donation drive, supporting environmental sustainability and public health.
In addition to environmental efforts, the team also collaborated with Ragam Foundation in Bali, hand-selecting fresh ingredients from their organic farm and preparing nearly 300 nutritious meals at the community kitchen in Canggu. These meals were shared with children’s centres and orphanages across Suwung, Denpasar, and Tabanan. Alongside hands-on support, Destination Asia Indonesia donated 100kg of rice, pantry essentials, and used clothing to help sustain Ragam’s ongoing work.
Later in the year, severe flooding impacted six regencies across Bali. Destination Asia Indonesia responded swiftly, working alongside ASITA Bali & BPBD Denpasar, along with local volunteers to deliver essential relief supplies and support house-rebuilding efforts in Jembrana Regency, helping affected families begin the process of recovery.
In May, Destination Asia Singapore partnered with Willing Hearts, a local non-profit organisation that operates a volunteer-run soup kitchen preparing and distributing approximately 7,000 meals daily to more than 70 locations across Singapore. Team members contributed their time to assist with the hands-on delivery of meals, helping ensure consistent access to nutritious food for individuals and families in need.
Later in the year, the team spent a meaningful afternoon at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, one of Singapore’s oldest charitable healthcare institutions providing medical, nursing, and elderly care services to the community. At the Potong Pasir branch, which focuses on holistic care and social engagement for seniors, the team organised and joined residents for karaoke, dancing, bingo, and afternoon tea, sharing smiles, laughter, and companionship while strengthening their connection with the local community.
Destination Asia Vietnam continued its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through a visit to the School for Blind and Disabled Youth, which provides care and support for 115 residents.
The team raised 40 million VND (approximately USD 1,550) with a portion of the funds being donated directly to the organisation to help cover essential utility costs, while the remaining amount was used to purchase vital supplies including rice, cooking oil, seasoning, instant noodles, fresh milk, baby diapers, and laundry detergent, supporting the residents’ daily needs.
Destination Asia Hong Kong continued to provide support to Feeding Hong Kong , a local organisation dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to charities across the city. The team raised and donated HK$1,000 to help purchase essential groceries and meals for vulnerable families and individuals, while also supporting efforts to reduce food waste and promote more efficient food distribution within the community.
Destination Asia Thailand marked its 10th consecutive year supporting Baan Nok Kamin, a Bangkok-based home dedicated to orphans and children in need. Ahead of Thailand’s National Children’s Day, team members from Destination Asia Thailand and Head Office collected and donated toys, school supplies, arts and crafts materials, and personal care items, helping create a supportive and nurturing environment for the children.
Environmental conservation also remained a key focus through collaboration with Wat Chak Daeng, a Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Bangkok widely recognised for its environmental and waste-management initiatives. Volunteers took part in waste separation, plastic upcycling, and tree planting using recycled materials. These efforts were complemented by community-focused activities at the Baan Duangkae Foundation, where the team revitalised a children’s basketball court, created an educational mural on waste awareness, and shared a meal with local residents.
In May, food security was supported through a partnership with Scholars of Sustenance Thailand (SOS Thailand). The team prepared and distributed more than 1,500 nutritious meals made entirely from rescued surplus ingredients, alongside essential food supplies for families in need, helping reduce food waste while achieving a measurable reduction in carbon emissions.
In support of the circular economy, Destination Asia Thailand donated used office furniture and electronics to the Wat Suan Kaew Foundation and the Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand (APHT). The year concluded with a canal clean-up alongside the TerraCycle Thai Foundation, where the team collected 2,700kg of waste from the canal, preventing it from being sent to landfill.
Destination Asia Cambodia continued its support for education and community development in partnership with the KAI Foundation, through ongoing contributions to Mebon Primary School in Siem Reap. The school plays a vital role in providing free education to children from surrounding rural villages, many of whom face financial barriers to attending school.
With long-standing support from the KAI Foundation, the school recently benefited from the construction of three new classrooms, funded through a donation of over USD 20,000. The new facilities have significantly increased the school’s capacity, allowing an additional 75 students to enrol and providing modern classrooms, a library, and a safer learning environment. Together, these improvements have doubled the school’s overall capacity to support its growing student population.
Destination Asia Japan partnered with Heart Ribbon to support its children’s cafeteria initiative, which focuses on community nourishment through educational and social support while providing immediate relief to children and their families. Team members volunteered their time to cook and serve 200 nutritious meals to families in need. In addition to the hot meals, fresh vegetables and snacks were distributed for families to take home, extending support beyond the day’s activities.
In October, the team also showed its support for breast cancer awareness by taking part in the Pink Ribbon Run and Walk 45km Challenge. Team members participated in the month-long initiative, each walking or running a total of 45 kilometres to help raise awareness and promote the importance of early detection and education.
In Penang, the team volunteered their time for a meaningful cooking and food distribution initiative supporting the Penang Transit Centre for the Homeless. Partnering with Penang Cooking Class at Chow Rasta Market, the team prepared a hearty dinner of chicken bolognese and fried mashed potatoes for over 100 individuals. The meals were delivered to the centre in time for the evening service, supporting the Transit Centre’s role as a temporary shelter that helps individuals on their journey toward stable housing or long-term care while providing access to nutritious, home-cooked food.
In addition to community-focused efforts, the team in Kuala Lumpur took part in an environmental initiative along the Melaka River, in collaboration with Melaka River Cruise. Once a key trade route during the sultanate era, the river now flows through the heart of the historic city and attracts thousands of visitors each year, making its preservation especially important. Over the course of three hours, the team collected more than four large barrels of waste, helping to restore the river’s natural beauty and protect local ecosystems and marine wildlife. The clean-up was supported by local partners, including Melaka River Cruise and Casa Del Rio, reinforcing the value of collaboration in driving positive change.
