A gathering of hearts and minds for a greener tomorrow.

On Saturday, 24th May 2025, the lush hills of Genting Highlands played host to a reunion of minds, hearts, and shared purpose at the first of three workshops under the Conference of Experts and Collaborators (CoEC) 2025, hosted by GNA (Genting Nature Adventures).

launch of Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025

Held at the cosy GNA Base Camp in Awana Village, this one-day conference marked a significant step in GNA’s journey to champion biodiversity, education, and environmental stewardship — all simultaneously building a joyful, knowledge-based eco-community.

group photo of VIPs with the lead speakers

In honour of the International Day for Biodiversity, which is observed annually on 22nd May, the theme for the workshop was visionary: “Transforming Barriers. Raising the Bar. Endowing the Future.”

A Lively Launch

The workshop’s official launch was graced by VIPs Peter Foster (Executive Vice President – Leisure, Hospitality & Lifestyle, Resorts World Genting), Darren Yeo (Vice President – Design, Landscape, Eco Attractions, Lifestyle & Wellness), alongside Alex Moh event coordinator for Futuromic Photo AV and Nikon, the event’s co-sponsor.

opening speech by Peter Foster Executive Vice President Leisure, Hospitality & Lifestyle at Resorts World Genting

One of the most meaningful moments of the morning came when GNA (Genting Nature Adventures) unveiled the cover of its very first CoEC journal. This upcoming magazine isn’t merely a conference souvenir. It is a long-term project that will bring together the voices, findings, and stories of everyone who took part in this event.

Pat Ang of Genting Nature Adventures and Genting’s Peter Foster unveil the cover of the journal that’s soon to be published

From scientific research and conservation fieldwork to personal reflections and creative approaches to environmental education, the publication promises to be a treasure trove of insights. It’s designed for more than just reading; it’s meant to be shared and referenced by eco-guides, students, educators, and curious minds in the years to come, building a lasting legacy of knowledge, driven by collaboration.

Workshop 1 was divided into eleven lively sessions, each with a theme and a set of brilliant minds behind the microphone.

Primate DNA and Wildlife on the Ground

The first presentation block set the tone for the day with a sharp focus on Malaysia’s extraordinary wildlife and the many layers of work needed to protect it.

Prof. Dr. Badrul Munir Md Zain, a leading authority from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), opened the session with a deep dive into his work in molecular systematics and primatology. His research focuses on the genetics, phylogeography, and behavioural ecology of Malaysian primates, including the use of mitogenomics and DNA metabarcoding to better understand species distribution, genetic diversity, and even dietary habits.

Prof. Dr. Badrul Munir Md Zain, Professor Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UKM

His studies don’t stop at primates; he is also involved in DNA research on the endangered Malayan tiger, aiming to inform better management and protection strategies through science.

But as Prof. Badrul’s work highlights the invisible threads of life at the genetic level, it’s in the field where that knowledge meets real-world urgency.

Joining him were Pn. Hani Nabilia and En. Anuar Ismail, seasoned wildlife officers from PERHILITAN (Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia).

They shared raw and honest reflections from the frontlines of conservation – from conflict management between humans and wildlife, to the difficulties of monitoring elusive species in fragmented forests, including areas surrounding Genting Highlands and beyond.

Together, their session reminded everyone that wildlife conservation isn’t a single-discipline effort. It is powered by science, enforced by law, challenged by circumstance, but fuelled by passion.

From Animals to Plants

The session on botanical conservation blossomed with insights from two passionate women who have dedicated their lives to understanding, protecting, and championing Malaysia’s rich and often endangered plant heritage.

Prof. Dr. Rusea Go, a plant taxonomist from Universiti Putra Malaysia, opened with captivating accounts of rare and endangered plant species, many of which are found only in Malaysia.

Prof. Dr. Rusea Go Faculty of Science UPM

Her stories served as a powerful reminder that once these plants vanish, they are gone forever. She urged for early intervention in conservation, stressing that discovery must be followed by protection before species fade into extinction.

Adding a scientific and field-based perspective was Siti Munirah Mat Yunoh, a research officer at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). She provided a window into the role of systematic forest surveys, taxonomic documentation, and long-term plant monitoring in shaping Malaysia’s national conservation strategies.

Siti Munirah co-discovered the newly named Thismia limkokthayi in Genting Highlands. Nestled along a quiet nature trail near Clearwater Way, this tiny, otherworldly plant lay hidden until it was spotted by Genting Nature Adventures Department Manager Mr. Eddie Chan.

What initially looked like a curious wildflower turned out to be a completely new species of mycoheterotrophic plant from the genus Thismia.

Recognising its uniqueness, Eddie shared his discovery with Siti Munirah. Together, with collaborator Suhaida M., they embarked on a scientific journey to confirm what they had found.

On 7th April 2022, they revisited the site and collected specimens. With its striking blackish-brown floral tube, mitre-shaped bloom, and peculiar underground lifestyle, the plant was unlike anything else recorded in the state of Pahang.

Thismia limkokthayi

After a detailed study, it was confirmed: this was indeed a new species, now officially named Thismia limkokthayi, paying tribute to Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman of the Genting Group, in recognition of his contributions to knowledge-based tourism and environmental awareness in the highlands.

tour of Awana Trail

tour of Awana Trail

tour of Awana Trail

In between the presentations, participants had the opportunity to explore the Awana Trail and the Mile Long Gallery, providing a refreshing break amidst nature and photography. Lunch was served at Awana Garden, where everyone enjoyed a delightful banana leaf meal in a scenic setting.

Little Ziann Kok presenting her Little Z Program

Genting Nature Adventures Department Manager Mr Eddie Chan presents Charlie the Black Panther

Learning in the Wild

Won Yee How, creator of the Smart Forest mobile app, introduced the audience to an exciting tool built for modern-day explorers. Designed for Android devices, this app functions like a personal field guide, helping users identify different species during forest walks — simply by scanning and matching features.

With its user-friendly functionality, Smart Forest bridges technology with curiosity, making it ideal for outdoor classrooms and trail-based learning. It’s an empowering tool for beginners, students, and even seasoned guides wanting to connect more meaningfully with their surroundings.

Won Yee How demonstrates his Smart Forest app

Complementing the high-tech presentation was a heartwarming story from Sato Akira, a beloved Japanese bee expert and nature educator based in Genting Highlands.

Japanese Mr SATO Akira is a bee expert

Over the years, Sato-san has led countless nature walks for Japanese schoolchildren studying at international schools in Kuala Lumpur, guiding them through the forest trails of Genting Highlands.

His soft-spoken style and deep respect for nature have left lasting impressions in those young minds, as proven when one group of students returned home and surprised him with a handmade appreciation booklet, filled with personal messages and drawings.

Nature education isn’t a one-way street. Whether through an app in your hand or a walk in the woods, the future of conservation lies as much in heartfelt connections as it does in technological progress.

Rooted in a Deep Connection to Nature

Ravi Everest (Ravichandran Tharumalingam), renowned as Malaysia’s first solo climber to conquer Mount Everest, opened the segment with reflections on how the mountain transformed his worldview. Having stood atop the world’s highest peak on 15 May 2006, his journey didn’t end at the summit: it began a new one.

Ravi Everest shares his experience changing from being a mountaineer to a mountain climbing guide who cares about nature

Ravi now channels his leadership into advocating for environmental sustainability, especially around educating the younger generation of mountaineers to respect and protect nature.

GNA Resident Naturalist Executive Boey Yen Li holds two pieces of nature-inspired handicraft from Quilljoy Endeavours

Next came the creative husband-and-wife team of Karen and Chow, founders of Quilljoy Endeavours. Through tactile experiences and eco-themed creations, they engage children in the wonders of the natural world via nature-inspired handcrafted art. Their work is not just art for art’s sake, but a way of nurturing curiosity, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship from an early age.

Singaporean Dr. Clement Ng talks about nature as medicine

Closing the session with quiet depth was Dr. Clement Ng Shin Kiat, a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), who is also the President of the Singapore Acupuncture Association. His talk explored the interdependence between biodiversity and traditional healing systems, highlighting how so many TCM ingredients rely on plants, fungi, and herbs found in Malaysia’s forests. In protecting nature, we are also safeguarding future knowledge, health, and cultural continuity.

Reinventing the Way We Live and Travel

Eric Chong introduced the audience to MRET-activated water: a fascinating technology that uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields to restructure water at the molecular level.

Eric Chong explains about MRET activated water

Known as Molecular Resonance Effect Technology, this process is being explored for its potential benefits in health, agriculture, and even environmental applications.

With patents in the U.S. and ongoing research into its biological impacts, MRET-activated water may offer a new frontier in eco-conscious hydration and sustainable farming practices.

Benjamin Cheam, representing Go Advantes Sdn. Bhd., turned attention to the built environment. His presentation addressed the pressing need for recycling in construction, highlighting how waste from the industry can be repurposed, reducing environmental harm.

He also discussed sustainable building design principles, a crucial topic as urbanisation expands and the need for eco-conscious infrastructure grows.

Completing the session were siblings Kenny Ng and Angie Ng, whose combined experience in tourism offered a grounded, real-world perspective.

Kenny Ng Operation Manager of Han Travel & consultant for ESG in Ecotourism

Kenny, the Operations Manager at Han Travel and a consultant on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards for ecotourism, spoke about the role of responsible tourism in supporting biodiversity and meeting sustainability goals.

Kenny Ng’s sister, Angie, is an experienced nature guide for Taman Negara and Gunung Tahan

His sister, Angie Ng, has spent years guiding travellers through Taman Negara and Gunung Tahan, two of Malaysia’s most treasured natural landscapes. Her reflections reminded everyone that low-impact tourism is a necessity in fragile ecosystems, and it depends on guides who not only know the trails like the back of their hands but also love and protect them.

Telling Nature’s Stories Through The Lens

In a visually rich session co-sponsored by Nikon Malaysia, participants were treated to a series of personal stories that underscored the power of images and storytelling in the conservation movement.

Dr. Ignatius Augustine, a physician by profession and bird photographer by passion, shared his collection of breathtaking images captured in the highlands.

Dr. Ignatius Augustine, a medical doctor in Internal Medicine, shares his passion for bird photography

His work documents elusive bird species, offering glimpses into habitats many may never see in person.

Next, Francois Wolfaardt, a nature lover and Nikon photography enthusiast, brought the audience along on his personal journeys through Genting’s forest trails. His photographs don’t just showcase flora and fauna.

Francois Wolfaardt talks about the nature he discovers around Genting Highlands with his Nikon camera

They evoke a sense of intimacy with the landscape, inviting viewers to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. For Francois, the camera is more than a tool; it’s a companion in discovering the small, often overlooked details that give the forest its soul.

Fernando Fong, senior writer at The Rakyat Post, brought the conversation into the realm of media and public storytelling. With experience spanning both print and digital platforms, he spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities of environmental reporting in today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world.

His key takeaway: facts need framing, and environmental stories, no matter how important, need to be told in ways that resonate emotionally and socially.

Traditional media, he noted, still holds space for meaningful coverage, but it must co-exist with the fast-sharing nature of digital content.

A Community in Action

One of the most heartwarming moments of the conference came from three young eco-warriors who took the stage with the kind of confidence that would make even seasoned speakers take note.

L-R: GNA Young Pioneers For Nature Little Won Dao Her, Little Ziann Kok and Little Ho Hayley

Meet Young Pioneers For Nature Ziann Kok, Won Dao Her, and Ho Hayley – three bright-eyed nature lovers who delivered their own mini-presentations. Speaking in front of a room full of adults, they shared their personal encounters with nature, their love for wildlife and forests, and their hopes for a greener future.

What made their presentations so impactful wasn’t just their poise or clarity. It was the genuine passion that came from their heart. Their curiosity was authentic, their enthusiasm infectious, and their messages deeply moving.

Little Won Dao Her, Little Ziann Kok and Little Ho Hayley with their parents

Their impactful stage presence, however, didn’t happen by chance. Behind these young voices were supportive parents who believed in cultivating their love for nature. Parents who took them on forest walks, encouraged them to ask questions, and helped them see the world beyond screens and textbooks. It was a beautiful example of how family involvement can sow the seeds of environmental stewardship from an early age.

By the end of their session, the applause was thunderous. These Young Pioneers For Nature reminded everyone why we fight so hard to protect what’s left – for them.

GNA Internal Talents Drive Eco-Education Forward

Behind GNA’s success is a dynamic team blending scientific rigour with community passion, led by the visionary Department Manager Eddie Chan and his spouse, Pat Ang, whose leadership inspires innovation and collaboration across all levels.

presentation by GNA scientists Lim Wing Yun & Nur Najmin

They were assisted by resident scientists, Lim Wing Yun and Nur Najmin, who have been crucial in mapping local ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity databases.

sharing by GNA Resident Naturalist Executives

Meanwhile, executives Chris Low, Mohd Muhaymin, and Boey Yen Li continue to pioneer sustainable tourism models that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, supporting Malaysia’s green economy goals.

sharing by GNA interns Venisha, Iman, Afiqah, Misha & Shah Daniel

Interns Venisha, Iman, Afiqah, Misha and Shah Daniel brought fresh energy, spearheading innovative eco-education initiatives and enhancing visitor engagement.

GNA contract workers from Bangladesh close the conference by dancing to the song Ghostbusters using their gardening tools as props

The grand finale? GNA’s Bangladeshi contract workers (Liton, Rahat, Helal, and Chaudary) stole the spotlight with an infectious “Ghostbusters” dance, wielding gardening tools as props and reminding everyone that joy and teamwork are at the heart of every achievement.