Our Founders
A Message from Our Founders
For over three decades, Banyan Group has been guided by a deep conviction—that travel is an invitation not just to explore the world, but to contribute to it.
Ho KwonPing
Chairman, Banyan Group
Sustainability as a Business Imperative
Banyan Group’s journey began with a belief in the transformative power of travel—the idea that by connecting with the beauty of the world, we ignite a desire to protect it. As we reflect on three decades of achievements, we reaffirm that sustainability is not just an ambition—it is the foundation of how we operate and create value. And as we have grown our footprint in destinations that are rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, it has always made good business sense for us to contribute to their preservation.
Today, as a leader in sustainable hospitality, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving innovation, strengthening resilience, and delivering long-term value across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. We view value creation holistically, integrating social, natural, physical, and human capital to ensure the legacies we build are not only profitable but also enduring and meaningful.
We have always considered our wider stakeholders—guests, associates, investors, regulators, partners, and the wider communities in which we operate—who deserve transparency, strong ESG governance, and credible action on climate and biodiversity. In dialogue with them, we are reshaping the formula of long-term value creation and reinforcing the need for sustainability to be further embedded within our commercial and operational models.
2024 Progress: Scaling Impact Across Our Portfolio
Our ability to scale impact and drive meaningful transformation depends on embedding sustainability into every aspect of our business. In 2024, we continued to make significant strides in addressing material sustainability impacts, with improvements in energy efficiency and carbon emissions, reduced water and waste, and increasing efforts to address biodiversity and conservation. We also continued our focus on guest engagement in sustainability, as well as further development of local partnerships. To support this, we are expanding our internal systems and tools to capture data, track progress, and ensure sustainability targets are clearly linked to operational performance across the Group.
Raising Our Ambition
Whilst we have made good progress, we realise that the sustainability issues facing our business and the wider sector are increasingly complex, challenging, and interconnected. Looking ahead, we must go all in—raising our ambition, accelerating our progress, and ensuring that sustainability is fully integrated into our commercial strategy.
This includes scaling renewable energy projects across our properties, advancing regenerative design that restores natural ecosystems, and enhancing ESG governance to ensure we maintain a focus on transparency and accountability. We see these efforts not simply as a response to global pressures, but as enablers of innovation, efficiency, and long-term brand differentiation. Sustainability is no longer an external function—it is central to how we future-proof our business.
At Banyan Group, sustainability is not a separate initiative—it is a core part of our identity and long-term success. It informs how we manage risk, capture opportunity, design guest experiences, and align with capital markets. It underpins the trust we build with our stakeholders, and the resilience we build into our operations. We invite all our stakeholders—guests, associates, and partners—to join us in this collective journey. Together, we can redefine the future of hospitality and create an ecosystem that protects our planet while enriching the lives of those we serve.
Claire Chiang
Chairperson, Banyan Global Foundation
Founded on Care, Committed to Impact
For over three decades, Banyan Group has been guided by a deep conviction: that travel is an invitation not just to explore the world, but to contribute to it. This ethos shapes the work of the Banyan Global Foundation (BGF), ensuring that we uplift communities, protect biodiversity, and empower future generations.
The Banyan Global Foundation embodies our values of care, stewardship, and co-creation. We believe in partnerships over charity—working with NGOs, local communities, and researchers to drive long-term, systemic change. Our programmes focus on environmental conservation, from reforestation to coral restoration; community-based education and mentorship through initiatives such as Seedlings; and cultural and heritage preservation, ensuring local traditions thrive for future generations.
Our Greater Good Grants provide valuable support across these areas, and as part of Banyan Group’s 30th anniversary celebrations, our associates identified 30 worthy projects for funding. As our corporate sustainability strategy becomes more aligned and embedded within business functions, the Foundation retains its distinct and vital role—one that is rooted in trust, inclusion, and deep local engagement. Its impact is not defined by scale or speed, but by long-term presence and authenticity.
Wellbeing Beyond the Individual
At Banyan Group, our holistic picture of wellbeing extends beyond personal health—it encompasses our communities, our planet, and our shared future. Guided by our “8 Pillars of Wellbeing,” we continue to create spaces where guests, associates, and communities can thrive.
Through our Wellbeing Sanctuaries and Greater Good Grants, we are enabling communities to become active participants in shaping a sustainable future. We also continue to invest in people—our associates, artisans, and community partners—ensuring that education, training, and career development remain at the heart of our mission. The Foundation plays a vital role in sustaining this inclusive approach—strengthening our relationships on the ground, supporting culturally relevant impact, and anchoring our values in action.
Sustainability is Who We Are
Sustainability is not just a business strategy—it is a way of life. It is about fostering a deep sense of purpose, connection, and responsibility in everything we do. As we move forward, I urge each of us—leaders, associates, and guests alike—to embrace our role in creating a kinder, more sustainable world.
We believe in the power of travel to nurture ways of living better and working better, to co-create sustainable communities for a greener, healthier, and happier planet for all.