I am a Malaysian conservation advocate with a focus on biodiversity and sustainability in Southeast Asia. My work is rooted in close collaboration with Indigenous communities and local communities as well as Government entities, whose knowledge, rights, and stewardship are vital to protecting some of the region’s most threatened ecosystems. I believe that meaningful conservation must also be socially just, centring the voices of marginalised groups as well as Governments and institutions. Drawing on my background in history and gender, I approach the challenges faced by conservation, sustainability and Climate Change through an intersectional and decolonial lens, whether in shaping policy, supporting sustainable land use, or amplifying grassroots leadership. I’m committed to building a sustainable future in which biodiversity thrives alongside empowered communities and Government entities, while being grounded in equity, resilience, and mutual respect.
I have been with Hutan, a community-based research and conservation NGO based in Malaysian Borneo, since 2008. In my role, I bridge local realities with broader environmental goals. I work across multiple levels; local, State, national, and international to build collaborative, inclusive, and science-informed solutions that support long-term biodiversity conservation to adapt and combat Climate Change. My work involves coordinating diverse stakeholders, including Government entities, Indigenous and local communities, private sector actors, and civil society, to co-create strategies that balance ecological integrity with community well-being.More...