Marina Bay Sands removes shark fin from menus

SINGAPORE - Shark fin dishes will no longer be served at events held in the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the integrated resort announced on Wednesday.

MBS said in a statement that the initiative was piloted in 2013 under its Sands ECO360° global sustainability strategy.

As part of the MBS ECO360° strategy, tenants will also be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, including recycling, reducing food waste and removing shark fin from their menus.

"Removing shark fin from the menus across our different business units is a bold testament to our commitment to reducing our environmental impact," Kevin Teng, Director of Sustainability at Marina Bay Sands said.

Elaine Tan, CEO of World Wildlife Fund Singapore, lauded the move. "Sharks are a crucial part of marine ecosystems and their populations have a direct impact on fish stocks, which in-turn affects many things, including our food security in the future," she said.

"Marina Bay Sands is showing foresight and leadership in corporate sustainability, providing a great example that the longevity and ongoing success of business is closely tied to safeguarding the biodiversity of our planet."

MBS was the first venue in Singapore and Southeast Asia to obtain the ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management Certification, and has offerings geared at environmentally-conscious clients.

MICE clients at MBS can now choose from the Green Harvest Menu that features ingredients sourced locally to reduce food miles. Seafood served at MBS MICE events are also sourced from suppliers certified for sustainable wild-capture seafood.

The resort's selection of sustainable seafood is being showcased at its in-house buffet restaurant RISE from June 8 to 15.

Marina Bay Sands' parent company, Las Vegas Sands has also been named the 28th most environmentally-friendly company in the world by Newsweek.

ljessica@sph.com.sg