Malaysian primates are branchiating around the globe. And this time, it's gonna be Oxford. 

Last month, I was selected by Global Environments Network to one of their program, namedly as "Global Environmental Summer Academy" - GESA 2018. This is a three-week training course that brings together activists, graduate students,  professionals, and community officers around the globe - from different backgrounds- natural science, social science and art and communities. This year, GESA would be happening at Oxford University with collaboration with University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute (ECI) and Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science  It creates an opportunity to widen our horizons as in to shape more environmental leaders to learn from the experts and among each other. 

As part of the program requirements, participants are required for fundraising for 25% the tuition fees (MYR 2900) and our own transportation (local and international), and other living expenses. In total, I am looking to raise  MYR 7000. 

Budget list

Fees : RM 2900.00 

Flight expenses: RM 3400.00

Mystartr Fee: 10% from 7000 = RM700.00

A lil bit something about myself 

I am postgraduate student based in Universiti Sains Malaysia (Penang). I basically love animal and found passion on conservation. I found Malaysia has rich biodiversity in many ecosystem that may require more people to get involved in protecting it. Most importantly, it takes more people to appreciate the biodiversity richness 

My earliest field training started when I was an intern for WWF Malaysia, a wildlife NGO and I was based in Terengganu. I was surrounded by passionate people who worked around the clock at the ground; collected data, fought for policy advocacy, ensure smooth enforcement, and help to enhance and build capasity among locals by conservation effort. I learned a lot from Turtle and Terrapin team at that time, be it from analytical skills to surviving the wild. 

Sometimes working in this environment forced us to be under direct sunlight (even during fasting month!), sometimes it is taking us to walk along the beach for  3-4kms to monitor the protected areas. Sometimes we give out talks and campaigns, sometimes we teach local housewives or kids on simple English words or basic sciences with conservation values. Sometimes we were compelled by risk of getting chased by pigs, or bitten by snakes, or attacked by wasps. If we are not lucky, our safety might be compromised by poachers or snares. 

I then earned my Master degree on conservation of marine green turtles (Chelonia mydas) based on my study site in Setiu, Terengganu, the same place I started my internship at . At the end of my Master, I found friends, family, and home at a place I used to strangely see. I also found that conservation requires us to be patient, passionate and perservere.  I learnt to be independent but at the times needed, work as a team. I also learnt a lot from the marine turtles and terrapins, and how sustainable natural resource use is vital for their population to be improved.   

Above all challenges, I think this conservation battle is worth staying on: because we cant afford to lose our Malaysian natural resources. 

I took a different road afterward, but still on the same line of conservation. This time around, I study orangutan, our iconic primate/great ape species. I study on the conservation management of Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) comprise the aspect of habitat characteristics, activity budgets and visitor affect, tourists' level of perception and how communication channels are effective in conservation sites of orangutan, and I interviewed the workers on their motivation of working there. We  also collaborate with companies to share knowledge with the local management of the protected sites on using the unmanned aerial vehicle to monitor the areas. 

I couldnt do a lot on my own, thankfully I found a research partner I can work together with. We started a research project called Primate Watch Project. Also with the guidance from my supervisors, and the help from the rangers, we found ways to solve our challenges in doing our research. 

Of course, there were moments of getting chased (this time around by orangutans!), bitten by the wasps or bees, fell into some puddle of mud, or even stuck with rattans at our coverhead while tracking the forest! 

Under Primate Watch Project, we also trained younger students on research field work at the ground especially to manage the conservation of orangutan at the zoo.  We tested out measures to increase environmental enrichmental for orangutans in captivity. Enrichments are important to reduce stress for these orangutans, since their activity and space is limited. We use natural sources, such as banana  trunks and fruits in ice blocks. We saw changes in the activity budget of the orangutans before and after the enrinchment were given, and we plan to expand our studies especially in extended period and adapt to other zoos in Malaysia too.  `

I hope that our research would bring benefit, at least to share knowledge and experience among researchers, wildlife or forestry department and conservationists. Findings from experiments and field work are always presented, and in return we hope that more networking bridge can be linked and collaboration can be carried out, as to bring impact to research field in the future.  

Last year, we initiated "Primate Education Camp" involving students from tertiary and secondary level in Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. This camp aim to introduce Malaysian primates and forest conservation issues among the local students. We integrate scientific and conservation issues in games so that students would learn and explore the diversity of Malaysian primates.  We hiked up, collected garbage along the trail and learn about forest and primate diversity at the National Park. We introduce simple analyse technique to the youth students, debated environmental issues such as oil palm conflict and wildlife trade, and pitch in to their ideas of better conservation strategies according to their understanding. Most importantly, we intend to enhance participation and interest to contribute toward conservation of primates and forest in Malaysia among the youngsters.

Malaysia has over 25 primates within our geographical boundaries. Some are endemic to our forest, such as proboscis monkeys and Bornean orang utan. Unfortunately, most are either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. Having said that, my colleagues and I proposed that we should be more collective in Malaysian primate conservation. So we cofound an NGO of which we called as Malaysian Primatological Society (MPS) and get the society to be officially established in 2015.   

Our work. 

Malaysian Primatological Society (MPS) is a registered an established NGO that my colleagues and I co-found and we are based in Penang. We aim to conduct scientific research program on the ground (ex situ or in situ), collaborate and carry  outreach programs (e.g road tours, public talk, nature camps, exhibition) and conduct training among undergraduates, interns and volunteers to work at primate habitat/conservation site. 

Our NGO comprise of several scientific projects from around the local nation. Primate Watch Project Malaysia, Langur Project Penang, Night Spotting Project, Macaca Nemestrina Project, and Gibbons of Peninsular Malaysia fall under the umbrella of MPS. As we work actively at the field, we collect data from intensive monitoring activities at the in situ and ex situ conservation areas. Data comprise behavioral activities. 

But you know, all this effort won't have impact- if we don't connect it with humans- the most significant primate! Data, images and videos from the research would only be beneficial if they can be portrayed in a more community-friendly manner so that more of us will understand our part.

We launched donation drive to aid orangutan saving mission for Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) during forest fire during end of 2015. We also ran campaigns such as exhibitions, open booth and give talks at schools, public area, colleges and open festivals.  We show support for Society of Conservation Biology Malaysia especially to strengthen environmental enforcement in Malaysia.   

We reach out to the community through out our outreach program at the schools, universities, colleges, road tours at the events, exhibitions, and others. We play games, sing songs, debate issues, provoke thoughts, draw maps and pitch in ideas among the students from primary to tertiary background, to increase their awareness on forest and primate conservation. 

My desire and aim is to work with different communities in Malaysia to ensure the sustainable use of forest as important habitat to Malaysian primates. Also at the same time, I want to work closely and continuously to educate local communities about the current condition of primate biodiversity.  For this, GESA 2018 provides platform and build network to learn more skills in this kind of work. I am committed and ready to work for something that is greater than myself, so I need your support too, please!  Let us struggle this battle, towards conservation of forest and Malaysian primates, together!

Previous award:

1)  International Primatological Society Congress (2018) Grant from Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation to Global Wildlife Conservation and the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group. 

2) Idea Wild Foundation 2018- Dji Mavic Pro

3) Southeast Asian Gateway Evolution in Bogor, Indonesia 2017 (Grantee)

4) Association for Tropical Biological Conservation (ATBC) Asia Pacific Chapter Conference in Xishuanbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, China 2017 (Grantee)

5) Conservation Optimism Summit from ICCS Oxford University and ZSL U.K (2017) (Grantee) 

6)  Sir Terry Pratchett Award (2016)

7) Study of human interaction with orangutan (2015) 

8) Student Conference in Conservation Sciences (SCCS) Brisbane, Australia 2016 (Grantee) 

9) Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science Kyoto University, Japan 2015 - (Grantee)

Previous conservation research publication: 

1) A brief study on public’s perception, knowledge and willingness
to participate in primate conservation

2) General Perceptions and Awareness Level among Local Residents in Penang Island toward Bats Conservation Efforts

3)  Assessing hatchery management as a conservation tool for sea turtles: A case study in Setiu, Terengganu

4) Understanding nesting ecology and behaviour of green marine turtles at Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia

5) Striking a balance between tradition and conservation: General perceptions and awareness level of local citizens regarding turtle conservation efforts based on age factors and gender

Dont let more branch break for the wrong reasons, we don't want to lose our primates!

Lets talk about why I need this fund: 

I was (and still am) attracted to the syllabus offered at GESA 2018. With three weeks, I can be exposed to international network and experts on conservation strategies. There are just a lot of conservation issues we can address on, and perhaps more effictive techniques that could be shared.  

And then, after a phone interview happened and I found out that I am selected to the final around- with addition to that I am the only woman and Malaysian to be here, drive me forward to continue and humbly, plead your support. 

In the future, I really hope I'd gain much support (finding, networking, strategies): 

- On strengthening more empowerment and knowledge sharing with primate conservation centres such as with more comprehensive conservation efforts and research implementation. With that, I want to expand my project with more training given, especially to younger, budding scientist and interested and potential volunteers. Most importantly, I aim to contribute into better management of primate conservation sites. 

- I plan to extend Primate Education Camp to more schools (especially from highly-needed background). With more funding, networking and modules improvisation, I really hope that the program can be continously done with nature as the study sites! 

-  Proposing on better implementation of education message in school syllabus- collaboration from governmental agencies, NGOs and private sectors. Also to work together in combating illegal wildlife trade. I am really looking forward to working collectively with other societies especially in forest and environmental conservation effort 

This crowdfunding initiative is a stepping stone for more primate conservation effort.   I am really looking forward to contribute for something greater, together with YOUR SUPPORT!  Every cent is received with utmost gratitude.