The 2025 EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of this year’s winners in the ‘People’ category.
Tourism, when thoughtfully managed, holds transformative power, not only for travellers but for local communities and their cultural heritage.
Across Asia, an increasing number of initiatives have embraced tourism as a driver for socio-economic growth, empowering communities while safeguarding their unique cultural legacies.
This year’s award recipients were selected by a panel of industry experts for their dedication to community empowerment and cultural preservation.
Read on to learn about the winners and the incredible work they are doing.
Winners in category People (Non Profit)
Karaja Sumba is a social enterprise founded in 2019 with the mission to empower women across Sumba by reviving the ancient craft of handwoven ikat while promoting financial independence. The initiative was started by Asty Roswita Kulla, a native of Sumba, with the vision to preserve traditional heritage and provide an alternative income stream for women vulnerable to domestic violence and economic instability.
Today, Karaja supports a community of nearly 250 women weavers in 18 traditional villages across the island. The organization buys finished ikats upfront at fair prices, recognizing the months-long process behind each piece.
Akha Ma-De is a social enterprise based in Asha Village, Chiang Rai, Thailand. We empower Akha women—especially young mothers—by training and employing them to create sustainable gifts such as cotton Phuang Malai, keychains, and Christmas ornaments.
Our mission is to provide dignified, stable incomes while preserving the Akha culture, which is at risk of disappearing.
We are also currently building a “Cultural Stay” to share our traditions with tourists. Akha Ma-De is founded and led by myself, an Akha woman, working within my own village to drive long-term, ethical development.
STREETS International is an innovative social enterprise initiative that provides sustainable training programs for street kids and other underprivileged youth in Vietnam and, ultimately, in Southeast Asia. STREETS aims to empower vulnerable, orphaned, trafficked, out-of-school, out-of-work, and disadvantaged youth for lives of dignity and self-sufficiency gleaned through professional careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Our core values – Center of Excellence, Empowering, Gender Neutral, Dignity, Supportive, and Impact — are at the heart of STREETS’ no-cost 14-month comprehensive residential program.
Since its start in Hoi An, Vietnam, in 2009, the program has distinguished itself through vocational hospitality and culinary training for over 450 youths.
The Anh Duong Community Development and Support Center is a local NGO partnered with Mekong Plus in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. It was established in 2008. The organization operates according to Lao Tzu’s motto: “Go to the people, learn from them, love them, start with what they know, do with what they have and when finished, they say WE did it”.
Our mission is to eliminate poverty through community participation, focusing on remote areas of Hậu Giang province, Vietnam.
The purpose of the Center is to raise awareness and transfer scientific and technological advances to people in rural areas with difficult circumstances, contributing to hunger eradication and poverty reduction for local households.
Winners in category People (Tourism Company)
Six Senses Con Dao is perched on a pristine 2-kilometer stretch of golden sand, overlooking the sapphire-blue ocean and embraced by lush, forested hills. Located on the protected island of Con Dao —renowned for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage—the resort offers an idyllic setting where nature, history, and hospitality come together.
Sustainability is central to the resort’s identity—shaping every detail, from architectural design to guest experiences and community engagement. It is deeply woven into the culture, vision, and values of the brand. The business thrives by preserving and conserving the environments, cultures, and communities where it operates. Each staff member actively upholds this commitment, ensuring that operations create lasting value while minimizing environmental impact.
VNEBT is established in September 2024. Vietnam E-Bike Travel was born out of the desire to help visitors discover the true hidden gems of Vietnam which are often located in areas they would normally never enter. We saw an opportunity to provide a better way to explore—one that’s safe, enjoyable, and respectful of the environment. By combining modern electric bike technology with curated routes and local expertise, we make it easy for travellers to go beyond the typical tourist path.
The mission is to make authentic, immersive travel effortless, eco-friendly, and accessible for everyone. With premium electric bicycle rentals, curated itineraries, and trusted guided tours, we aim to connect travellers with Vietnam’s truly authentic destinations and experiences while supporting sustainable tourism development and local communities.
Nikoi Island is a private island located in the South China Sea, just 8 kilometers off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia. Predominantly covered in virgin rainforest and surrounded by thriving coral reefs, the island offers a pristine natural setting that underscores its deep commitment to sustainability.
From inception, Nikoi (and its sister island, Cempedak) has redefined luxury by embracing eco-conscious design and low-impact operations. This includes the elimination of air-conditioning, the use of fixed menus to reduce food waste, and innovative systems for energy, water, and waste management. A dedicated foundation further amplifies the islands’ efforts in conservation and community support.
Pimalai offers a sanctuary away from crowds. Thoughtfully built into the hillside and overlooking Kantiang Bay, the resort blends seamlessly with nature while delivering 5-star luxury. Founded in the 1990s by Khun Anurat Tiyaphorn and now represented by his daughter, Khun Charintip Tiyaphorn, the resort is run with a philosophy of preserving nature and supporting local communities. The long-serving team embodies Thai hospitality and a family-like culture.
Mission, Objectives & Initiatives
Preservation-Led Luxury:
– Built to protect native jungle and coastline, with minimal environmental impact
– Green Globe certified and focused on delivering high sustainability standards
EXO Foundation, the non-profit arm of EXO Travel, operates across a growing number of countries, fostering sustainable development through responsible tourism. By supporting local grassroots initiatives, the Foundation aims to drive positive societal and environmental changes, maximising tourism’s potential as a tool for poverty alleviation and promoting good practices across the travel industry.
The EXO Foundation’s annual Sustainability Awards celebrates organisations—both non-profits and tourism companies—that are pioneering scalable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in our destinations. Expert judges evaluate each of the applicants and prizes are awarded to recognise and support their efforts. Read about the 2025 winners in the Planet category by clicking here.
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