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Tapir Talks is a series of forums to raise the profile of the Malaysian Nature Society among the public, by promoting media coverage of environmental concerns affecting the country. The series will be spearheaded by the President of the Malaysian Nature Society, who will host, chair or moderate the sessions. The panel will comprise a selection of individuals from government agencies, expert speakers, media organisations, civil society organisations, advocacy groups, youth advocates and the ordinary public.
Tapir Talks 10.0
SHAH REDZA HUSSEIN
Perak State Parks Corp Director An economist by training and conservationist by passion, Shah Redza Hussein has been involved in nature conservation and environmental protection for over 23 years. In 1997, he left the corporate sector to learn and contribute directly to nature conservation, including serving as Executive Director of MNS, as well as on various national and regional technical committees on nature and environmental protection. Shah Redza recently received the 2020 Dr. Rimington Award for Tiger Conservation by the WWF Tiger Alive initiative. PHANG FATT KHOW
MNS Kedah Branch Secretary Phang Fatt Khow has been involved with MNS since the early 90s. He, together with his group of nature lovers in MNS, is trying to save Ulu Muda forests in Kedah, the last and largest tract of contiguous rainforest in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, not only rich in unexplored flora and fauna but also serve to provide water for Kedah, Perlis and Penang. MNS Kedah’s plan is to conduct a scientific expedition to Ulu Muda to collect data on its biodiversity and the many other alternatives to timber extraction to save this natural heritage. LILI TOKIMAN
Park Manager, Tanjung Piai Johor National Park Lili Tokiman was formerly part of MNS’s work in Endau-Rompin, in her role as Interpretation Officer, Nature Education and Research Centre Endau Rompin, from 1998-2000. Within Johor National Park Corp, she has been the focal person for a variety of conservation projects and managed expeditions into Johor’s protected areas, such as Selai, Bukit Tukau, Bukit Belading and Pulau Sibu, and has three publications to her name. VINCENT CHOW
MNS Vice-President A steward of MNS Johor, Vincent Chow has decades of research and practical knowledge of tropical biodiversity. He chairs the MNS Publication Committee and oversees the Malaysian Naturalist and Malayan Nature Journal. He received the Social Hero Award, Iskandar Johor, in 2015, MNS Tapir Award in 2016, and was nominated for the Merdeka Award in 2018. He has authored six books and continues to be deeply involved in nature documentation and scientific studies on selected aspects of the natural environment. YEAP CHIN AIK
MNS Senior Conservation Officer/ Manager, Hornbill Conservation Project This 20-year MNS veteran has carried out various conservation initiatives involving surveys and monitoring, action plans, policy and advocacy and multi-lateral environmental agreements, capacity-building and CEPA. Yeap is working with BirdLife International on updating the status of globally threatened birds (for Malaysia) and Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. He has published bird-related articles and research, and co-authored four books. |
Tapir Talks 9.0
Tan Sri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor
MNS President 1978-2006, 2008-2010 This pre-eminent forester and academician is recognised for his passion in protecting nature and natural resources, winning the Merdeka Award (Environment) in 2016. Salleh has been linked to various organisations, local and international (FRIM, UIFRO, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation). He led the Malaysian Nature Society for a combined 30 years and currently serves as MNS Senior Advisor. Mohd Khan Momin Khan
MNS President 1972-1974, 1975-1978 A lifetime wildlife protector, Mohd Khan served at PERHILITAN for 34 years, joining after secondary school and continuing his work and education in wildlife management (University of California, Fulbright scholarship, 1964 to 1966), up to the post of Director-General (formerly Chief Game Warden) in 1971. He helmed studies in wildlife capture and relocation, and conservation, including the elephant, gaur and Malayan tiger, and won the Merdeka Award (Environment) in 2014. Dr. Francis S. P. Ng
MNS President 1974-1975 Francis Ng joined MNS in 1964, serving as national secretary (1976-1985) and a ‘reluctant President’ one year. During his time, the Malaysian Naturalist was launched, the Permanent Finance Committee was established and MNS raised conservation to a new level with the historic Save Endau-Rompin campaign. In 1986, he was Deputy Director-General of FRIM, then head of Forestry Research and Education in FAO and a Founding Director of CIFOR (Centre for International Research). Francis Ng now serves as consultant in various projects. |
Tapir Talks 8.0
hjh rotina MOhd daik
Director-General, National Landscape Department The National Landscape Department officially began operations on 1 January 1996. Since its inception, the department has played an active role in driving the direction of landscape development. Various programmes and activities have been planned and implemented to achieve the vision of ‘being leaders and centre of excellence in landscape development for the provision of environmental quality, sustainability and Malaysian identity’. Ir Dr Kribanandan G N
President, Friends of Bukit Kiara After assuming the presidency of FoBK in 2018, Dr. Kriban has focused efforts in driving the Gazettement Agenda and developing the narrative for the protection of the green lung via engagement with all stakeholders. He has been passionate about sustainability, the protection of the environment and the rights of communities. He studied and worked in the UK for over a decade and spent several years in Botswana involved in sustainable design and developing water resources for desert communities. He manages an Engineering Consultancy based in TTDI. Thary Gazi Goh
Co-founder, Urban Biodiversity Initiative Thary Gazi Goh is an ecologist and co-founder of the Urban Biodiversity Initiative (UBI), an independent collective of urban biodiversity research and outreach. He is now researching how novel ecosystems consisting of native and introduced organisms are created in urban landscapes as well as using these landscapes as a platform for education and outreach. Baida Jane Hercus
Co-founder and President, Free Tree Society Baida Hercus founded Free Tree Society, a knowledge and resource sharing NGO, to bring about change in societal values related to the environment and conservation in Malaysia. She regularly speaks on a range of environmental issues and conducts hands-on workshops to encourage a love of nature and impactful sustainability in the community. Dr Shawn Kaihekulani
Yamauchi Lum President, Nature Society (Singapore) Shawn Lum is a botanist and forest ecologist who teaches at the Asian School of Environment, Nanyang Technological University. Shawn has been president of the Nature Society (Singapore) since 2008, but his first association with the Nature Society was in 1989, when he joined the-then Singapore Branch of MNS. Shawn’s work interests include the study of impacts from forest fragmentation as well as public education in biodiversity and conservation. Wong Ee Lynn
Coordinator, Green Living SIG This lawyer has been an MNS member and volunteer since 2001, Coordinator of the Green Living SIG since 2006, and was in December 2020 elected President of the Kota Damansara Community Forest Society (KDCFS). The over-800 acre Kota Damansara Forest Reserve was gazetted in 2010 following a community-driven campaign led by, among others, MNS members and past-president Tan Sri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor. Since then, KDCFS has developed a 14km sustainable trail network and engaged in activities such as environmental education, community engagement and advocacy. |
Tapir Talks 7.0
Prof Dato’ Dr Mohd Tajuddin Abdullah
Professor, Senior Fellow Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Initially trained in wildlife resources management, Mohd Tajuddin was director of Zoo Melaka and Department of Wildlife Melaka, and is well published in the fields of zoology, ecology, molecular ecology, diseases and social sciences. He was also Chief Editor for Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology, UNIMAS, and the Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, UMT. He is currently a researcher and author mentoring young scholars and writers. Prof Dr Amir Feisal Merican Aljunid Merican
Lecturer, Universiti Malaya, co-founder and ex-President, Malaysian Society of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Amir Feisal Merican obtained a First Class Honours degree in Microbiology from UM, and DPhil in Biochemistry and Molecular Microbiology from Oxford. He was also awarded a MPhil degree in Computational Biology from Cambridge. His research team developed meZOO (Mobile Encyclopedia of the Zoo) utilising QR code and screen-based devices. The QR code is being used in Zoo Negara. QR codes of selected flora and fauna from the meZoo project were printed on special edition postal stamps for the 7 wonders of Malaysian Fauna and Flora, developed by Pos Malaysia. Dr Suhaimi Napis
Lecturer, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Permanent Member of National Agriculture Advisory Council, CEO, Birunisoft Suhaimi received his BSc (Biology) and MSc (Veterinary Immunobiology) from Iowa State University, and holds a Doctorate from University of Durham in Plant Molecular Biology. He taught bioinformatics and commercialisation of biotechnology and received several local and EU research grants. He co-founded SIFULAN, Malaysia’s Authentication and Authorization Infrastructure Trust Framework, and Asia Open Access to promote global knowledge commons based on open access and open science. He has been involved in Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) since its formation in 1997 and is presently member of APAN Board of Directors. His current endeavour includes identity and access management, open science, research data management and discovery as well as smart learning. |
Tapir Talks 6.0
tan sri dr salleh mohd nor
Senior Advisor, former president, Malaysian Nature Society This Merdeka Award winner (Envi-ronment, 2016) and pre-eminent forester and academician is recognised for his passion in protecting nature and natural resources. Salleh has been linked to various organisations, local and international (FRIM, UIFRO, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation) and led the Malaysian Nature Society for a combined 30 years. ar john koh
Malaysian Nature Society Board of Trustees member John Koh Seng Siew, founder of green award-winning Arkitek Maju Bina, and principal of John Koh Architect, is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), and Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), and has been active in professional institutional affairs and architectural education for over 35 years. His involvement as panel for the Heritage of Malaysia Trust (BWM) Mubin Sheppard Memorial Prize and MNS Merdeka Award, as well as the Conservation Proposal of Federal Hill Kuala Lumpur for MNS and Badan Warisan Malaysia 2007/2017 are examples of his keen support for the conservation of the built and natural heritage of Malaysia. datuk m ali
Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur Chairman Datuk M. Ali is the Chairman of Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur, a group that bills itself as “advocates for city planning that protects our communities, our environment and our future”. He is also Adviser of the Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association, has been actively involved in hands-on community service over several decades, and is very concerned with the welfare of the communities, environment and society at large. “Self help is the best help.” pasupathy jayaraj
Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch Chair Decades as a teacher has clearly left a mark, as Pasupathy (or Pasu, as she prefers to be called) is known for her educational focus on the environment, with a variety of branch projects. Awareness is a key factor in her conservation approach, and her priority as the Chair of MNS Selangor is ensuring the green word reaches the masses for the sake of better forest governance. |
Tapir Talks 5.0
Prof Dato’ Dr Mohd Tajuddin Abdullah
Professor, Senior Fellow Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Initially trained in wildlife resources management, Mohd Tajuddin was director of Zoo Melaka and Department of Wildlife Melaka, and is well published in the fields of zoology, ecology, molecular ecology, diseases and social sciences. He was also Chief Editor for Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology, UNIMAS, and the Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, UMT. He is currently a researcher and author mentoring young scholars and writers. Prof Dr Zulfigar YasiN
Honorary Professor, School of Biological Sciences, USM Prof. Zulfigar has a research background in marine benthic ecology, and was invited by the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific to be part of the Marine Debris global community and provide insights on the status of marine debris and marine plastics in Malaysia. He has headed several marine national expeditions in Malaysia, including the Malaysian Antarctica Expedition, and was advisor to the Marine Parks Department and the National Biodiversity Council. Prof Dr Badrul Munir Md Zain
Lecturer, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Permanent Member of National Agriculture Advisory Council, CEO, Birunisoft Suhaimi received his BSc (Biology) and MSc (Veterinary Immunobiology) from Iowa State University, and holds a Doctorate from University of Durham in Plant Molecular Biology. He taught bioinformatics and commercialisation of biotechnology and received several local and EU research grants. He co-founded SIFULAN, Malaysia’s Authentication and Authorization Infrastructure Trust Framework, and Asia Open Access to promote global knowledge commons based on open access and open science. He has been involved in Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) since its formation in 1997 and is presently member of APAN Board of Directors. His current endeavour includes identity and access management, open science, research data management and discovery as well as smart learning. |
Tapir Talks 4.0
tan sri dr salleh mohd nor
Senior Advisor, former president, Malaysian Nature Society This Merdeka Award winner (Envi-ronment, 2016) and pre-eminent forester and academician is recognised for his passion in protecting nature and natural resources. Salleh has been linked to various organisations, local and international (FRIM, UIFRO, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation) and led the Malaysian Nature Society for a combined 30 years. dr ruth kiew
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Fellow Ruth was the first professor of botany at UPM, then curator of the herbarium and library in the Singapore Botanic Gardens before returning to Malaysia to produce the Flora of Peninsular Malaysia series. A plant taxonomist who specialises in herbaceous flora, her special interest has been in the conservation of limestone hill and mountain top flora, especially at Fraser's Hill. Ruth first joined MNS in 1969 and has been active in the Selangor Branch as well as serving for many years as editor of the Malaysian Naturalist and Malayan Nature Journal. Currently, she is involved in the Batu Caves Scientific Expedition organised by the Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy. Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr
Abdul Latiff Mohamad Pioneering plant biologist, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Winner of the Merdeka Award (Environ-ment) 2015, Langkawi Award 2004, Malaysia-Toray Award 1995; Lecturer to Professor at UKM (1979-2014); Trustee, Chairman and President, WWF Malaysia (2002-2018); Chairman, Pulau Banding Foundation; Trustee, Orang Utan Island Foundation; current Editor of the Malayan Nature Journal and Folia Malaysiana, Advisor of Sains Malaysiana; led forest biodiversity expeditions 1999-2019, Emeritus Professor, FLS, FASc. |
Tapir Talks 3.0
prof tan sri zakri abdul hamid
Eminent Science Advisor, merdeka Award winner Known for his distinguished career in science as a researcher, educator, administrator and diplomat, Tan Sri Zakri has received various awards, inspired the naming of a beetle, cicada and pitcher plant, and has served as the Science Advisor to the Prime Minister since 2010. He also serves in a leadership capacity on various platforms, including the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and is a member of the UN Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board. |
Tapir Talks 2.0
abbott chong
Malaysian Nature Society Johor Branch Chair This MNS Johor stalwart has been part of the state’s conservation landscape for years, quietly working behind the scenes in the branch’s green efforts. One of the most recent outings for the branch is a scientific expedition at the Panti Bird Sanctuary, in collaboration with Johor Forestry. Focusing on birds, vertebrates, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects, fish and non-timber plants, the exercise will hopefully result in a definitive survey of the area’s rich biodiversity. Phang fatt khow
Malaysian Nature Society Kedah Branch Secretary Perak-born transplant to Kedah, Phang has been involved with MNS since the early 90s. He, together with the group of nature lovers in MNS, is trying to save Ulu Muda Forests in Kedah, the last and largest tract of contiguous rainforest in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, not only rich in unexplored flora and fauna but also serve to provide water for Kedah, Perlis and Penang. MNS Kedah’s plan is to conduct a scientific expedition to Ulu Muda to collect data on its biodiversity and the many other alternatives to timber extraction to save this natural heritage. pasupathy jayaraj
Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch Chair Decades as a teacher has clearly left a mark, as Pasupathy (or Pasu, as she prefers to be called) is known for her educational focus on the environment, with a variety of branch projects. Awareness is a key factor in her conservation approach, and her priority as the Chair of MNS Selangor is ensuring the green word reaches the masses for the sake of better forest governance. rose au nyat jun
Malaysian Nature Society Kuching Branch Chair A 20-year veteran of MNS Kuching, Rose has worked on a variety of projects for the state, including the expansive two-year Waterbird Surveys of the Sarawak Coast (2010-2012). In the mountains, she led teams in Mount Dulit and Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018 to survey Sarawak’s birds. Currently, Rose is the Project Manager for the Rapid Assessments of the Helmeted Hornbill in Sarawak, an essential exercise to protect this critically endangered bird. ng jia jie
Malaysian Nature Society Kuching Branch Youth member A keen youth member of MNS Kuching with avid interest in avifauna, Ng has already taken charge of branch tasks, including representing MNS Kuching at the IBA Workshop in March. He is also an Asian Waterbirds Census/IBA Coordinator in the MNS Bird Conservation Council and volunteers in a variety of projects, such as the Rapid Assessments of the Helmeted Hornbill in Sarawak, all while working on his veterinary studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Article |
Tapir Talks 1.0
tan sri dr salleh mohd nor
Malaysian Nature Society Senior Advisor, former president This Merdeka Award winner (Envi-ronment, 2016) and pre-eminent forester and academician is recognised for his passion in protecting nature and natural resources. Salleh has been linked to various organisations, local and international (FRIM, UIFRO, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation) and led the Malaysian Nature Society for a combined 30 years. lim teck wyn
Forest Activist Technical Director of research and policy advisory company Resource Stewardship Consultants Sdn Bhd (RESCU), Teck Wyn is a forestry degree holder and recently received a PhD under the Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME) project. He served as the first manager of the Malaysian Timber Certification Council, and worked as forest officer for WWF's Borneo Programme. He continues to volunteer with several non-governmental organisations including the Malaysian Nature Society. michaelle phoenix
Youth Environmental Activist As an avid human rights defender and environmentalist, Phoenix is dedicated to widening our civic space. She led a student organisation championing nature’s platform for nation building, as part of a coalition that successfully campaigned for the re-gazettement of Kota Damansara Forest. As a youth environmental activist, Phoenix champions sustainable food consumption behaviours and circular economy as a framework for sustainable development. |