Expedition Mount Kinabalu 2026: Where Every Step Inspires Hope Beyond the Summit

 

Flag Off for the 14th Annual Expedition Mount Kinabalu 2026

Left to Right:

Mr. Ravichandran Tharumalingam, a Malaysian Climber, Mountaineer And Motivational Speaker, known as “Ravi Everest”

Mr. Justinus Guntabid, Chief Assistant Director of Kinabalu Geopark

Mr. Supian Bin Buang, Assistant Secretary (Cultural & Heritage) Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah

(Back) Dr. Heng Hock Sin Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Sabah Women And Children’s Hospital (Hospital Likas)

(Behind Dr. Heng Hock Sin) Dr. Elyssa Milus Majawit, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital (HOSPITAL LIKAS)

Mr. Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board (REPRESENTING THE MINISTER OF TOURISM, CULTURE & ENVIRONMENT SABAH)

Ms. Catherine Jayasuriya, Founder & Executive Director of Coalition Duchenne

KOTA KINABALU, SABAH | Against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, the official launch of the 14th Annual Expedition Mount Kinabalu 2026 marked the beginning of another extraordinary journey that transcends mountaineering. More than a climb, the expedition stands as a global humanitarian movement dedicated to raising awareness and support for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and life-limiting genetic disorder affecting young boys worldwide.

Representing FAVSTYLE Media Magazine at the official launch were Editor-in-Chief Mr Alfred Allen Ginsos, accompanied by Head of Administration of MY KKCity, Mr Omar Willie, and Sabah KOL Media Alliance representative, Ms Belinda Willie, joining distinguished guests, healthcare professionals, tourism leaders, international participants and advocates in celebrating a cause that continues to unite communities across borders.

For fourteen remarkable years, the annual expedition has transformed Mount Kinabalu into a symbol of courage, resilience and compassion. Since its inception, the initiative has welcomed more than 700 climbers from around the world, raising international awareness while supporting medical initiatives that directly benefit families living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Coalition Duchenne has contributed nearly RM100,000 to the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital and played a vital role in establishing Malaysia's first Duchenne-specific multidisciplinary clinic and family workshop.

A Global Movement Born from a Mother's Vision

Founded in 2011 by Catherine Jayasuriya, a Sabahan based in California, together with her son Dusty Brandom, Coalition Duchenne has grown into one of the world's leading advocacy organisations dedicated to accelerating research, expanding treatment access and providing support for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

This year's expedition carries even greater significance as promising developments in Deramiocel, an emerging cell therapy currently approaching an important United States FDA review, offer renewed hope for patients worldwide. Coalition Duchenne has been instrumental in funding the early scientific research behind the therapy while advocating for equitable treatment access, particularly for underserved communities such as Sabah.

Adding another emotional milestone, Catherine returns to her homeland with a film crew to begin production of a new documentary exploring perseverance, purpose and life with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, continuing the legacy of her acclaimed documentary Dusty's Trail: Summit of Borneo.

Tourism with Purpose

Delivering the speech on behalf of Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, YB Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Mr Julinus Jeffrey Jimit described the expedition as a shining example of how tourism can become a powerful platform for compassion, education and sustainable community development.

The Minister highlighted that Mount Kinabalu represents far more than Sabah's highest peak. It stands as an enduring symbol of identity, heritage and resilience, making it the perfect setting for an international movement that brings together people from diverse cultures with one shared mission of hope.

The Ministry also welcomed the continuation of the Duchenne Family Workshop, bringing together medical professionals, caregivers, families and advocates to strengthen awareness, improve care and expand support networks throughout Sabah.

Beyond the Climb

What began as one mother's dream has evolved into a worldwide humanitarian initiative. Through its Duchenne Without Borders programme, Coalition Duchenne continues to provide wheelchairs, BiPAP machines, emergency medical equipment and caregiver education to underserved communities across Malaysia, India, Cambodia, Algeria and the Philippines.

The expedition has also created lifelong friendships among returning climbers, many of whom have participated year after year. Their commitment reflects the spirit that this journey is about far more than reaching the summit. It is about standing together for children and families facing one of the world's most challenging rare diseases.

FAVSTYLE Perspective

As Sabah continues to position itself as a destination for meaningful and responsible tourism, the 14th Annual Expedition Mount Kinabalu 2026 demonstrates how travel, healthcare advocacy and community collaboration can create lasting global impact.

FAVSTYLE Media Magazine is honoured to witness and support this inspiring initiative that showcases Sabah not only as the Land Below the Wind, but also as a place where compassion, resilience and hope rise together with every step towards Mount Kinabalu's summit.

Event Coverage by FAVSTYLE Media Magazine

Official Representatives

• Mr Alfred Allen Ginsos – Editor-in-Chief, FAVSTYLE Media Magazine

• Mr Omar Willie – Head of Administration, MY KKCity

• Ms Belinda Willie – Sabah KOL Media Alliance