Volunteer tourism trend spreads in Southeast Asia

Photo caption — Row of old houses in Penang (Malaysia). Photo: Hang Linh - VNA reporter in Malaysia

According to CNA (Singapore), from environmental conservation projects in Thailand to community initiatives in Indonesia and Malaysia, volunteer tourism is being reshaped towards sustainability, inclusion and mutual learning.

In Malaysia, the tourism industry has been actively promoting more inclusive and sustainable services, highlighting the role of volunteer tourism. On the island of Langkawi, one woman’s story is inspiring change at both a local and regional scale.

Bring about change

Surina Pison, affectionately known as Chik Su (Miss Su), is the founder of DESA, a social enterprise in Langkawi that aims to support disabled children in her village. The 43-year-old was inspired by her own journey as a mother of two autistic children.

DESA organizes workshops and skills training for children with special needs, and invites visitors to learn. “We need to change ourselves. This is what I always emphasize to my children. If we want people to notice us, we need to show them our skills first,” Surina told CNA. Her eldest daughter now has a spa and wellness certificate, while her son is good at arts and crafts, including wood carving.

But Surina said she had faced discrimination and accusations of child exploitation. "Sometimes people say these children are so young, why do they have to go through such training? But if one day their parents die, who will teach them? So for us, only skills and knowledge can help them survive in this world ," she said.

DESA sees itself as an example that volunteer tourism is about more than just snapshots or fleeting moments – it is about empowering and creating long-term change.
Surina said she wanted to share her experience with women in Southeast Asian member states facing similar challenges. “No matter what country you come from, you can develop your own tourism products. To children with special needs around the world – help them shine,” she added.

Memorable experience

Several travelers who have participated in volunteer tourism told CNA that they find the opportunities very meaningful. Australian retirees Tony and Janis Hughes visit Langkawi three times a year. They participate in local workshops and teach singing skills to village children.

“We found joy and love in helping people, and we were lucky enough to go to the countryside and see the real life of the people,” said Tony Hughes, a former music teacher. “It was a complete joy,” added his wife, a former nurse. They even wrote a song that was recently made into a music video and aired on local television.

Notably, volunteer tourism has faced criticism in some quarters, including concerns about unskilled volunteers on construction projects… But experts say that when done ethically, it can benefit both local communities and tourists.

According to the 2019 United Nations (UN) tourism report, responsible volunteer tourism can promote sustainable development goals, especially in education and gender equality.

Across Malaysia, volunteer tourism is being embraced as a way to get tourists to stay longer, return and spend more. Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, says groups of tourists have come to teach and even help build facilities. “It’s not just about sponsoring, it’s about actually doing the work. You feel great when you go back.”

Last year, Malaysia rolled out environmental, social and governance (ESG) certification for hotels to promote sustainable tourism practices.

Many industry experts believe that member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could also benefit from each other's social enterprises by creating a regionally recognized ESG certification.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/xu-huong-du-lich-tinh-nguyen-lan-toa-o-dong-nam-a-20250924091302399.htm