TONIBUNG wins United Nations in Malaysia Award 2026

PENAMPANG, SABAH, 27 October 2026 — TONIBUNG has been awarded the United Nations in Malaysia Awards 2026 under the Innovation category, recognising its contribution to sustainable energy access and community-led development in rural and remote communities.

The award recognises the Sabah-based, Indigenous-led social enterprise’s work in enabling communities to develop, own and manage renewable energy systems. The UN Day commemoration ceremony was held on 26 October 2026 at Astana at Bamboo Hills in Kuala Lumpur.

In its notification letter, the United Nations Country Team in Malaysia highlighted how TONIBUNG’s locally driven solutions bridge energy gaps and improve livelihoods. It recognised the organisation’s collaboration with communities, government and development partners in advancing inclusive, resilient and sustainable development.

The award citation highlighted TONIBUNG’s support for more than 40 renewable energy installations across Malaysia. It commended an approach in which local people become planners, builders and custodians of their own energy future, with skills transferred to communities so they can manage their electricity supply and drive local development.

Among the achievements featured was the Kobulu Micro Hydro Project in Penampang. A project supported by Shell through their Access to Energy (A2E) program that enabled the community-led system upgrade to double its generating capacity from 10 to 20 kilowatts, strengthening local electricity supply and livelihoods.

Residents manage the system and support its upkeep through a community-agreed tariff. The citation also noted the project’s recognition through Malaysia’s National Energy Awards 2023.

For TONIBUNG, community-based renewable energy connects practical engineering with community ownership and local decision-making. Its work combines renewable energy systems with training and community organising, helping residents build the technical and management skills needed to sustain their systems over time.

The recognition highlights the contribution of Indigenous knowledge and community leadership to innovation in energy access. It also acknowledges the communities, local operators and partners whose continuing work makes community-owned renewable energy possible.

The UN in Malaysia Awards honour champions of change contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous Malaysia. This year’s awards spotlight inclusion, impact and innovation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

About TONIBUNG

TONIBUNG is a Sabah-based, Indigenous-led social enterprise working with rural and remote communities on community-based renewable energy. Its work brings together renewable energy technology, skills development and community ownership to improve energy access and support local livelihoods.