Bsc.Econ.(Hons.)/London University, FHCIMA, CHA, ADK.Adjunct Professor, University Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia.
Fellow/Adjunct Lecturer, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.
Managing Director/Chairman, Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia.
Managing Director/Chairman, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia.
Director, Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies (BEST). Society, Malaysia.
Founding Board Member, Global Ecotourism Network GEN.
Deputy Chairman, Asian Ecotourism Network AEN.
Member, Product Development committee, Sabah Tourism Board (2013-17)
Albert Teo has been in the tourism industry for over forty years and has pioneered ecotourism in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo since 1991. Throughout his professional career in the tourism industry, Albert has been a hotelier (1977-91), tour operator (1991-present), an eco-lodge owner/operator (1995-present), as well as an ecotourism consultant, speaker and lecturer. His companies, Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge have both received numerous international recognition and awards.
Albert is also an avid traveller and photographer who has trekked over 1000km in Borneo and has published ten books to date. These books include the best-selling ‘Sabah-Land of the Sacred Mountain’, ‘Journey through Borneo’ and also ‘Saving Paradise: The Story of Sukau Rainforest Lodge’, which he co-authored with sustainable tourism champion and consultant, Carol Patterson.
Well-known for being a visionary, Albert established Sukau Rainforest Lodge in 1995 on the banks of Sabah’s longest waterway, Kinabatangan River. It all transpired when he saw that the natural landscapes and its diverse flora and fauna treasures were being threatened by progress and development. Even with very little knowledge about running an ecolodge, he knew something had to be done in order to “save paradise”. He has proven that taking a leap of faith is worth the while and today, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is renowned internationally and is currently branded as a National Geographic Unique of the Lodges of the World.
Today, Albert is focusing most of his energy and time on his non-profit organization, Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies or BEST Society by developing social entrepreneurship of the local communities in Sabah, especially those who are living in
the rural areas. In 2015, he established the integrated community based tourism project called Kiulu Farmstay which aims to empower the 13 villages in Kiulu through capacity building. However, BEST Society does not only focus on community projects, but is also deeply involved in environmental projects too. Its latest initiative, the Borneo Land Conservancy (BLC) and Sukau Ecotourism Research Centre (SERC) are just two examples of the environmental projects currently undertaken by BEST Society on the Kinabatangan River. In 2013, the non-profit division received the UNWTO Ulysses Award for excellence and innovation in tourism in the NGO category in Madrid, Spain.
Having organized five greatly successful international ecotourism conferences in Malaysia to date, which includes the World Ecotourism Conference and Field Seminars (1999,) the first Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference (APECO) (2002), the Borneo Tourism Conference (2007) and also the 8th Asian Pacific Ecotourism Conference (2014), Albert Teo is also often invited to share his expertise and knowledge in the industry at numerous conferences around the world.
Presently, he is a Board Member of Global Ecotourism Network (GEN), Vice Chair of Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN), Adjunct Lecturer and Fellow of Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Adjunct Professor of University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Albert has also served in various capacity in the tourism industry including: Sabah Chapter Chairman of Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents (MATTA), Chairman of the Sabah Tourist Association, and the Rural Tourism product development committee of Sabah Tourism Board. Albert was also a member of the finalist selection committee for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for five years.
| 1 | Fellow – Hotel Catering & International Management Association (FHCIMA), UK | |
| 2 | Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), USA | |
| 3 | Tourist Guide – Ministry of Tourism Malaysia | |
| 4 | Adjunct Lecturer – Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia. | 2007-12 |
| 5 | Fellow – Edith Cowan University, Australia | 2012 |
| 6 | Adjunct Professor – University Malaysia Sabah | 2016 |
| 1 |
Hotel Shangri-la, Kota Kinabalu
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| 2 | Api Tours & Travel – Managing Director | 1986 – 1991 |
| 3 | Sukau Ecotourism Research & Development Centre SERDC – Director | 2001 – 2006 |
| 4 | Borneo Eco Tours Sdn Bhd – Chairman/Managing Director | 1991 – Current |
| 5 | Sukau Rainforest Lodge Sdn Bhd – Chairman/Managing Director | 1995 – Current |
| 6 |
Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies (BEST Society)
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| 7 | Kinabalu Resort and Spa Sdn Bhd – Chairman/Managing Director | 2006 – Current |
| 8 | Beauty Borneo Connects Sdn Bhd – Managing Director | 2006 – Current |
| 1 | Sabah Tourist Association – Chairman | 1985/1986 |
| 2 |
Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents Sabah Chapter (MATTA)
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| 3 |
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), USA
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| 4 | Sabah Society – Committee | 2003 – 2004 |
| 5 | Sabah Tourism Consultative Council STCC – Committee | 2009 – 2011 |
| 6 | Sabah Tourism Board – Marketing Committee | 1996 – present |
| 7 | Sabah Cheshire Home – Committee | 2007 – 2011 |
| 8 | Asian Ecotourism Network AEN | 2015-present |
| 9 | Global Ecotourism Network GEN | 2015-present |
| 1 | Organising Chairman – World Ecotourism Conference & Field Seminars | 1999 |
| 2 | Organising Chairman – Borneo Ecotourism Conference | 2005 |
| 3 | Organising Chairman – Borneo Tourism Conference | 2007 |
| 4 | Finalist Judging committee – Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, World Tourism and Travel Council | 2005/ 06/ 07/ 08/ 09/ 10 |
| 5 | Organising Chairman – East Asia and Pacific Regional Council of Cheshire Homes 10th Biennial General Meeting | 2010 |
| 6 | Organising Chairman – Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference | 2002, 2014 |
| 1 | Sabah – Land of the Sacred Mountain | 1988 |
| 2 | Exotic Islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park | 1989 |
| 3 | Sabah – Land of the Sacred Mountain (video) | 1990 |
| 4 | A Guide to Sandakan | 1990 |
| 5 | A Guide to Brunei Darussalem | 1992 |
| 6 | Journey through Sabah (video) | 1993 |
| 7 | Journey through Borneo | 1994 |
| 8 | Images of Borneo | 1996 |
| 9 | Saving Paradise | 2005 |
| 10 | A Souvenir of Sabah Malaysian Borneo | 2008 |
| 1 | The ECOCLUB Interview | 21 Sept 2007 |
| 2 | Coffee Break with Albert Teo by Harbour Herald | 26 Sept 2007 |
| 1 | Tapping Investment Incentives in the Tourism Sector – Operational aspect of applying for the special funds for tourism projects: A personal experience. Organised by Institute of Development Studies | 22nd August 1996 |
| 2 | APEC Tourism Working Group Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable Tourism Accomodation. The Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Organised by the Office of the National Tourism, Australia in Cairns | 12th April 1999 |
| 3 | Training Workshop on planning and design for small scale ecotourism development projects: The Sukau Rainforest Lodge experience. Organised by Institute of Development Studies | 3rd-4th May 2000 |
| 4 | Workshop on Green Productivity and Ecotourism: The Sukau Rainforest Lodge experience organized by Asian Productivity Organisation, Japan in Bali on | 26-30th June 2000 |
| 5 | Managing Ecolodge in an ecologically sensitive area, Asia Pacific Regional Ecotourism Conference, Sheraton Fiji Resort, Nadi, Fiji | 15-17th April 2002 |
| 6 | Current and Future Challenges in Ecotourism, Issues and Implications for Sabah, Seminar on Global Economic Outlook and Challenges, Institute for Development Studies Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 13th June 2002 |
| 7 | Sukau Ecotourism Research & Development Centre (SERDC),A Case Study on Ecotourism in Sabah, “21st Century Borneo – Issues in Development”, Seventh Biennial International Conference, BORNEO RESEARCH COUNCIL, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 15 -18 July 2002 |
| 8 | Sustainable Nature Based Tourism in South-East Asia, Sukau Rainforest Lodge: A Case Study, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA | 20-21st March 2003 |
| 9 | Global Ecotourism Outlook and Challenges, Transworld Institute of Technology, Douliu City, Republic of China | 27th October 2003 |
| 10 | Managing An Ecolodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge: A case study, Transworld Institute of Technology, Douliu City, Republic of China | 27th October 2003 |
| 11 | Cultural Tourism in Malaysia, A sustainable option, Univesity Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia | 28th August 2004 |
| 12 | Marketing Strategy of Ecotourism, Ecotourism in Taiwan: From Saying to Doing, Taiwan, Republic of China | 25 – 27 October 2004 |
| 13 | Practical Marketing Strategy of Ecotourism in Malaysia, (The Story of Borneo Eco Tours), Ecotourism in Taiwan: From Saying to Doing, Taiwan, Republic of China | 25 – 27 October 2004 |
| 14 | Managing An Ecolodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge: A case study, Feng Chia University, Seatwen, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China | 28th October 2004 |
| 15 | Sabah Tourism Attractions, Sabah Theological Seminary, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 28th July 2005 |
| 16 | Best Practice Eco and Wildlife Tourism: The Case of Borneo, Global Eco and Wildlife Tourism Seminar, Monkey Mia, Australia | 16th September 2005 |
| 17 | Best Practice Eco Accomodations: The case of Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Monkey Mia, Australia | 16th September 2005 |
| 18 | The First International Ecotourism Business Forum, Pontianak, Indonesia | 29th September – 1st October 2005 |
| 19 | Sukau Rainforest Lodge: The Challenges of Developing Wildlife Tourism, 2nd National Wildlife Tourism Conference, Fremantle, Western Australia | 13 – 15 August 2006 |
| 20 | Operating and Managing Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Issues and challenges, Tourism Workshop : Wanita UMNO Sabah, Pacific Sutera, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia | 12th September 2006 |
| 21 | Creating, building, maintaining ecotourism facilities, 4th Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference APeco 2006, Taman Negara, Pahang, Malaysia | 2 - 5th November 2006 |
| 22 | Success stories in Ecotourism Business: Case Studies in Malaysian Borneo, 2nd International Ecotourism and Business Forum, Joyakarta, Indonesia | 11 - 14th November |
| 23 | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD :1st Asia-Pacific E-tourism for growth – Matching market efficiency and social inclusion. ICT for Sustainable Tourism: A case study on Borneo Eco Tours, Sutera Habour Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia | 13 - 14th March 2007 |
| 24 | Business Opportunities in Ecotourism, Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (SWEPA), Pacific Sutera, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia | 27 - 28th July 2007 |
| 25 | Borneo Ecotourism: Working with the Communities and Environment, Forum for Advocating Culture and Ecotourism FACET, Perth, Australia | 1st May 2008 |
| 26 | Borneo Ecotourism: Working with the Communities and Environment, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia | 2nd May 2008 |
| 27 | Developing Sabah’s Tourism Products and Brand, Creating a Blue Ocean Strategy : Developing Ecotourism as a Competitive Advantage, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | 27th September 2008 |
| 28 | BIMP-EAGA Community Based Ecotourism Conference – Opportunities for Win-Win Community Based Ecotourism Partnerships : Investing in and Profiting from Partnering Community-Based Ecotourism Operations and Marketing, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia | 30 October – 1 November 2008 |
| 29 | Malaysia Tourism Symposium, New Challenges and Directions- Trends affecting ecotourism in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur | 15th Jan 2009 |
| 30 | 2nd Annual Environment Conference – The Malaysian Ecotourism Industry: Creating value with the gifts of Nature, Kuala Lumpur | 24th-25th February 2009 |
| 31 | World Ecotourism Conference: Public-Private Partnership: The Private sector Perspective, Vientiane, Laos | 14-17th July 2009 |
| 32 | UNEP Business and Industry Global Dialogue: 3rd Business and the 2010 Biodiversity Challenge Conference : The Story of Borneo Eco Tours: Integrating Biodiversity Conservation in Ecotourism Business. Jakarta, Indonesia | 30th November – 2nd December 2009 |
| 33 | Sarawak Tourism Players Capacity Building Workshop: Exploring New Frontiers, Managing Challenges: Synergizing the role of the private and public sector, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia | 15- 17 th December 2009 |
| 34 | 2nd Global Geotourism Conference: Geotourism Attractions of Sabah, Mulu, Sarawak, Malaysia | 17-20th April 2010 |
| 35 | Training Course on Integrated Waste management at Resorts, Hotels and Restaurants: ‘A Successful Example in Ecotourism’ and ‘Marketing Strategies of Green Tourism’, Nadi, Fiji | 21-25 June 2010 |
| 36 | Terengganu Eco & Marine Tourism Conference (TEMCO): ‘Integrating Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development through Ecotourism: The Borneo Eco Tours Story’, Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia | 1st November 2010 |
| 37 | ASEAN-Japan Centre & Sabah Tourism Board: ‘Seminar on Sustainable Development of Tourism’ Destination: Borneo Eco Tours Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
18th February 2011 |
| 38 | Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conference ESTC, Driving Change in Global Tourism: “From Profitable Businesses to Community Projects”, Hilton Head Island, SC, USA | 19-21 September 2011 |
| 39 | Coral Triangle Initiative Regional Business Forum: Innovative Solutions Today for Sustainable Resources Tomorrow – “Ecotourism, Environment and Communities”. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | October 2011 |
| 40 | Driving Change in Global Tourism: ‘From Profitable Business to Community Projects’, Destination New South Wales, Australia Martin Place, Sydney, Australia | 24th-25th February 2009 |
| 41 | ASEAN and OCEANIA Tourism Forum: Ecotourism in the Asia Pacific Region: ‘The Story of Borneo Eco Tours/ Sukau Rainforest Lodge/BEST Society’, Sydney, Australia | 7 November 2011 |
| 42 | The National Tourism Seminar 2011: “Tourism Imperatives: The Deliverables of a High Valued Malaysian Experience”, The Wonders of Borneo: Developing Tourism Markets in Sabah & Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur | 21 November 2011 |
| 43 | Secrets of Sabah, Orion Expedition Cruises | 30th January 2012 |
| 44 | Saving Paradise, Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah, Orion Expedition Cruises | 3rd February 2012 |
| 45 | From Charity to Social Entrepreneurship, BEST Society, Orion Expedition Cruises | 5th February 2012 |
| 46 | Ecotourism in Asia: The Story of Borneo Eco Tours/Sukau Rainforest Lodge, FACET, Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley Campus, Perth, Australia | 23rd August 2012 |
| 47 | Driving Change in Global Tourism: From Profitable business to community projects, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia | 24th August 2012 |
| 48 | Ecotourism Best Practices: Case studies from Borneo, Forum Advocating Culture and Ecotourism Conference FACET, Broome, Australia | 28th August 2012 |
| 49 | International Conference on Heart of Borneo +5 and Beyond: Shaping and Nurturing Sabah’s Future Together, Facilitator on Tourism, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia | 6-7th November 2012 |
| 50 | Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference 2012, Penang, Malaysia. Back to mother nature; Challenges of Ecotourism, Panelist | 28-30th November 2012 |
| 51 | Iskandar Malaysia National Ecotourism Summit, Johore Bahru, Malaysia. Value Creation in Ecotourism: From Principles to Practice | 16-18th December 2012 |
| 52 | Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference: “From Charity to Social Entrepreneurship”, Nairobi, Kenya | |
| 53 | Asia Pacific Tourism, Hospitality and Technology Conference APTHAT. “Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism: Potentials, Pitfalls and Proposals”. Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia | 21st November 2013 |
| 54 | Asia Pacific Geotourism Conference. Challenges and Opportunities: Developing Geotourism Attractions and Tours in Sabah. Hong Kong | 30th November 2013 |
| 55 | 8th Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference APeco2014, Adding Value through Ecotourism Development, Marketing Ecolodges, Pacific Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 16-18th October 2014 |
| 56 | 8th Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference APeco2014, Adding Value through Ecotourism, Developing an Ecolodge, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 16-18th October 2014 |
| 57 | Creating Competitive Advantage through Responsible Tourism Practices, ITB Asia Clinics, Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | 30th October 2014 |
| 58 | Pioneering Sustainable Work Among the Poor, The story of Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia Care, Kota Kinabalu | 14 March 2015 |
| 59 | International Conference on Natural Resources, Tourism and Services Management (ICNTS) Ecotourism business and sustainability: Ecotourism business and sustainability: Issues and Challenges, Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 14 -16 April 2015 |
| 60 | Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) DASTA CBT Forum Redesign CBT Thailand: Collaborate We CAN, Bangkok, Thailand | 4 June 2015 |
| 61 | Institute for Rural Development(INFRA) Sabah, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, Sabah Homestay Development Course, TH Hotel, Kota Kinabalu Sabah | 23-27th August 2015 |
| 62 | 2015 Global Eco Asia – Pacific Tourism Conference, Navigating for Success, From Ecolodge to National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, Rottnest Island, Western Australia | 17 – 19 November 2015 |
| 63 | Asia Forest Cooperation Orgaisation (AFoCo), Training Course on Forest Based Ecotourism, Community Involvement and Capacity Building, Marriot Mulu Resort & Spa, Sarawak, Malaysia | 1st December 2015 |
| 64 | Asia Forest Cooperation Orgaisation (AFoCo), Training Course on Forest Based Ecotourism, Program, Activities and Infrastructure Development, Marriot Mulu Resort & Spa, Sarawak, Malaysia | 1st December 2015 |
| 65 | Taiwan Ecotourism Association 15th anniversary celebration, Taipei, Taiwan: Ecotourism in Borneo – My Journey | 28-30th April 2016 |
| 66 | University of Malaysia Sabah: Ecotourism in Borneo: Issues, Challenges and my Journey, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | 10th May 2016 |
| 67 | Malaysia Technical Cooperation Program MTCP, Ecotourism Development & Promotion – Its Impact on Culture, Nature and Community | 16th May 2016 |
| 68 | Malaysia Technical Cooperation Program MTCP, Ecotourism Marketing & Promotion Plan: Critical Success Factors, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 18th May 2016 |
| 69 | Kingdom Economy for social change workshop: Alleviating Poverty through Wealth Creation: From Charity to Social Entrepreneurship. Sabah Theological Seminary | 14-16th October 2016 |
| 70 | 9th Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference APeco16. Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. SUCCESS STORIES: Components of ecotourism: Sukau Rainforest lodge and BEST Society | 21-23rd October 2016 |
| 71 | Wildlife Tourism Conference, South Australia: Running an ecolodge on the Kinabatangan River: Challenges and Opportun誰ties | 7th Nov 2016 |
| 72 | South Australia Tourism Industry Council SATIC. “Working with communities to develop ecotourism in general and wildlife tourism in particular” | 8th Nov 2016 |
| 73 | International Ecotourism Forum: My Journey from Ecotourism to Social Entrepreneurship Rose Hotel, Banbury, Australia | 17th November 2016 |
| 74 | Asian Strategic and Leadership Institute ASLi. Entrepreneurship and Partnership in Nation Building. Rethinking CSR : Building Lasting Legacies, Sunway Resort and Spa, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 29th November 2016 |
| 75 | Business South West, Pemberton. “Empowering Communities: Borneo Eco Tours’ Experience” | April, 2017 |
| 76 | Tourism Western Australia/Forum Advocating Cultural & Ecotourism Inc (FACET), Perth, Australia. GIVING BACK. Tourism’s Social Entrepreneurship | April, 2017 |
| 77 | Subic Ecotourism Festival, Philippines. Ecotourism: A Natural for ASEAN | May 29-1st June 2017 |
| 78 | Seminar Pelancongan & Perhotelan Hijau, Kolej Universiti Islam Melaka, Malaysia “Seminar Pelancongan & Perhotelan Hijau” .Kolej Universiti Islam Melaka (KUIM) .”The Definition and Understanding of Green Tourism” | 23rd August 2017 |
| 79 | International Conference on Heart of Borneo. A Decade of Heart of Borneo Initiative: Accomplishments and the Way Forward. Ecotourism Development: Community Based Tourism in the Heart of Borneo, Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | 24-25th October, 2017 |
| 80 | “Infinite Discovery” – Nature Travel Awards Ceremony 2017, Shanghai, China. The Borneo Eco Tours Experience | 15th-21st November, 2017 |
| 81 | Ecotourism Development: Community Based Tourism in the Heart of Borneo, Huating Hotel, Shanghai | ovember, 2017 |
| 82 | Sustainable Tourism and Forest Management in the Asia-Pacific Region, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea | 22nd March 2018 |
| 83 | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions, Perth, Western AustraliaForum Advocating Cultural & Ecotourism Inc (FACET), Perth, Western Australia. Geotourism in Sabah | 14 May 2018 |
| 84 | 2018 International Conference on Ecotourism for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development, Philippines | 14-16th August 2018 |
| 85 | ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN MANAGING TOURISM RESOURCES SUSTAINABLY IN SABAH: NGO’s Perspective on Sustainable Management of Community Tourism Products. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Institute for Development Studies | 6th September 2018 |
| 86 | International Forum on Korea Rural Tourism Resources: Developing Creative Tourism as a Tourism Product, CONRAD SEOUL Hotel, Korea | 10-13th September 2018 |
