The first workshop of Genting Nature Adventures (GNA) Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (CoEC’25) was a resounding success, marking a pivotal step forward for nature-based education and biodiversity-centric collaboration in Malaysia.

launch of Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 with the support of Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd./Nikon

Held on 25th May 2025 at the Genting Nature Adventure Base Camp, Resorts World Awana, the workshop brought together conservationists, researchers, and educators in a groundbreaking knowledge-sharing platform.

A Powerful Partnership for Environmental Story

tellingThis milestone event was made possible through the generous support of Nikon, via its Distributor in Malaysia, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd.

Mr. Alex Moh, the event coordinator for Futuromic Photo AV and Nikon, delivers a speech on behalf of Dato’ Billy Lai, Business Development Director of Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd.

As a key sponsor, Futuromic Photo AV brought the strength of Nikon’s imaging products to the forefront, encouraging participants to observe, appreciate, and document biodiversity through their lenses.

The alignment between GNA’s mission to engage resort customers in biodiversity education and awareness and Nikon’s dedication to capturing nature made this collaboration especially meaningful.

Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh, research officer at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), is a Nikon user

From Personal Journey To Corporate Commitment

Several years ago, Dato’ Billy Lai, Business Development Director of Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd., took a walk along the Awana Trail during a holiday visit.

What began as a casual exploration soon turned into a memorable encounter with nature’s rich biodiversity, which left a lasting impression. Unwittingly inspired by the diversity of flora and fauna found along the trail that he returned with his son to rediscover the wonders of the forest together.

some of the birding photographs on display during Genting Nature Adventures Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (Workshop 1)

It wasn’t just nature that captivated Dato’ Billy. It was the passion and dedication of GNA’s Department Manager Mr. Eddie Chan, his spouse Pat Ang and their committed team.

Their tireless work across GNA’s four key pillars of Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Education, Community Engagement and Sustainable Tourism deeply resonated with him, sparking a desire to support and amplify their mission.

Dr. Ignatius Augustine, a medical doctor in Internal Medicine, shares his passion for bird photography using Nikon cameras during the Nikon session of GNA CoEC 2025

The Beginning of an Inspiring Partnership

In May 2024, conversations between Futuromic Photo AV and GNA began to take root. By November that year, that vision came to life with the first collaborative birdwatching walk at Awana Trail.

a night safari outing along the Awana Trail (photo credit: Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd./Nikon)

While birdwatching was the initial focus, the scope of Futuromic Photo AV’s efforts at GNA has widened to include macro photography, capturing the intricate beauty of flora, insects, besides forest details.

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

A Collaborative Sponsorship

Dato’ Billy Lai was unable to attend the Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 due to travel commitments. However, he was represented by Mr. Alex Moh, the event coordinator for Futuromic Photo AV and Nikon.

In his speech, Dato’ Billy reaffirmed his support for GNA, stating, “This collaboration stands as a commitment to preserving nature and promoting responsible travel. From rainforest preservation and biodiversity protection to workshops and public engagement, we are working together to inspire greater environmental awareness.”

some of the birding photographs on display during Genting Nature Adventures Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (Workshop 1)

He also emphasised the power of photography as a conservation tool, adding, “Our partnership offers birders an immersive opportunity to connect with nature, capture its beauty, and advocate for conservation. We believe in using photography to frame a brighter, more sustainable future, one image at a time.”

Genting Nature Adventures Department Manager Mr. Eddie Chan leads GNA CoEC participants along the Nikon Mile Long Gallery

Besides this first workshop on 24th May 2025 in conjunction with International Day for Biodiversity, Nikon through Futuromic Photo AV is also committed to supporting the second and third workshops in the series, scheduled for 26th July 2025 to mark World Nature Conservation Day, and 4th October 2025 in celebration of World Habitat Day.

the Nikon Mile Long Gallery stretches as far as the eye can see circling the golf course at Resorts World Awana

A Special Outing with PSPJ

As a side event of the Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025, Awana Trail welcomed members of the Photographic Society of Petaling Jaya (PSPJ), Nikon’s passionate birders, and nature-loving guests for a special birding outing on Sunday, 25th May 2025.

Genting Nature Adventures Department Manager Mr. Eddie Chan briefs members of the Photographic Society of Petaling Jaya (PSPJ) before their morning birding activity along the Awana Trail

Equipped with Nikon cameras and Tamron gear, including the recently launched Nikon Z5 II, the approximately 70 participants ventured through the trail in search of birds, insects, and vibrant plant life. Some tried their hand at high-speed focusing and photographing birds in flight, guided by seasoned Nikon users offering practical tips.

To enhance the experience, Futuromic Photo AV and Nikon installed informative plaques along the trail, highlighting prime photo spots plus bird species found in the area.

photo opportunity plaques are installed along the Mile Long Gallery (photo credit: Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd./Nikon)

Nikon-branded plaques along Awana Trail mark the collaboration between GNA and Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd./Nikon (photo credit: Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd./Nikon)

Genting Highlands is a great place to spot all kinds of birds, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in Malaysia.

One of the highlights is the Scarlet-rumped Trogon. It was sighted at one of GNA birding trails. You might also spot the Javan Cuckooshrike in the area’s lush forests.

Then there are the Great Hornbills. They are big, bold, and often seen flying around the Batang Kali–Genting Highlands zone.

Other birds that are often seen include the colourful Black-throated Sunbird, the fast-flying White-bellied Swiftlet, and the Crested Serpent Eagle, which loves to perch up high and watch over the hills.

Dr. Ignatius Augustine of the Photographic Society of Petaling Jaya (PSPJ) poses with his birding gear, next to his Great Hornbill photograph (Nikon Z9+ NIKKOR Z 600mm f4 TC VR S)

group photo of Photographic Society of Petaling Jaya (PSPJ) members before their morning birding activity along the Awana Trail

special outing with PSPJ as a side event of the Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (photo credit: Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd./Nikon)

A Commitment to Conservation Through CollaborationAs part of Futuromic Photo AV’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), they aim to support GNA’s four key pillars: conservation, preservation, sustainability (Environmental, Social, and Governance or ESG), and education.

Together with GNA, they are working to promote biodiversity-centric tourism and sustainable travel across the country.

By combining the power of imaging with a passion for nature, this partnership represents their corporate contribution towards sustainable development. One that inspires both awareness and action for generations to come.

during an earlier outing with Genting Nature Adventures (photo credit: Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd./Nikon)