Documenting Wild Treasures: Futuromic Photo AV/Nikon & Genting Nature Adventures Unite for Knowledge Tourism
Advancing knowledge-based tourism in Genting Highlands, Nikon, represented by its official Malaysian distributor Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd., plays a pivotal role in backing the work of Genting Nature Adventures (GNA).
By providing top-tier imaging technology, creative expertise, and continuous collaboration, Futuromic Photo AV, which also distributes ten other leading international imaging brands, enables GNA to document and share the rich biodiversity of the region with scientific accuracy and visual artistry. This partnership helps elevate Malaysia’s biodiversity storytelling to world-class standards, fostering greater public engagement and conservation awareness.
Awana Bio Park: A Montane Sanctuary of Global Importance
Rising 3,000 feet above sea level, Awana Bio Park is an upper dipterocarp montane forest that offers an ideal habitat for a stunning array of birdlife and other wildlife. The park is home to 120 recorded native bird species among Genting Highlands’ total of 254, including hornbills, trogons, broadbills, barbets, bulbuls, woodpeckers, drongos, and flycatchers.
This remarkable biodiversity has earned Awana Bio Park the prestigious designation of an Important Bird Area (IBA MY10) by BirdLife International, marking it as a site of global ecological significance.
Surrounded by developing mid-hill areas, the park stands as both a refuge and a living laboratory, where ongoing conservation and scientific efforts are urgently needed and deeply valued.
Nikon-Enhanced Birdwatching Along Clearwater Way
With the enthusiastic support from Futuromic Photo AV, GNA has transformed the Clearwater Way into a Nikon-inspired birdwatching trail. Visitors are now greeted by Nikon Photo Boards along the Mile Long Gallery.
Additionally, special “Bird Photo Opportunity” markers have been strategically positioned along the trail. These markers assist birdwatchers and nature lovers in identifying and photographing notable bird species, turning their trek into an engaging learning opportunity enriched by technology.
This initiative exemplifies how modern imaging tools can enhance knowledge-based tourism, making nature more accessible while fostering deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife.
Inaugural Post-Pandemic Bird Inventory: A Scientific Milestone
On 1st August 2025, GNA launched its first annual Birdwatching & Inventory For Native & Migratory Birds, running for eight months until 30th March 2026.
This initiative aims to document as many as 120 native and 10 migratory bird species, marking a comprehensive effort to update biodiversity data.
Equipped with advanced Nikon cameras provided by Futuromic Photo AV, GNA staff diligently record each sighting’s date, time, species, location, frequency, and environmental context.
This meticulous data collection goes beyond counting birds. Instead, it offers valuable insights into species presence, migration patterns, and distribution across different areas.
As the first post-pandemic bird inventory of its kind in Genting Highlands, it fills a significant knowledge gap, enabling accurate biodiversity reporting, guiding targeted conservation efforts, and supporting sustainable tourism, as well as development planning amid rapid urbanisation.
The inventory’s commencement was symbolically marked by the sighting of the Grey Wagtail on 31st July 2025, a migratory harbinger that journeys thousands of kilometres from Northeastern Asia, through northern Peninsular Malaysia, including Genting Highlands.
Other migratory birds expected are the Asian Brown Flycatcher, Amur Paradise Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Siberian Thrush and Blue-winged Pitta. Migratory birds nest here, highlighting Awana Bio Park’s key role in global bird migration corridors. Some of these birds may continue to Sumatra, Indonesia or further south.
Empowering Future Guardians
Futuromic Photo AV’s support of GNA goes far beyond birding. Through the Young Pioneers for Nature programme, Nikon cameras are loaned to young naturalists, equipping them with camera devices and skills to document wildlife properly. This hands-on experience nurtures their connection to the environment and inspires a lifelong commitment to conservation.
Such educational outreach is essential in cultivating the next generation of biodiversity custodians who will continue the legacy of stewardship and scientific curiosity in Malaysia’s rich natural heritage.
Scientific Discoveries Captured in Detail
Genting Highlands continuously reveals new wonders. Among these, the discovery of Thismia limkokthayi, a rare, uniquely beautiful plant species found near Clearwater Way by GNA’s Department Manager Mr Eddie Chan and research officer at Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Siti Munirah Mat Yunoh emphasises the area’s still-undiscovered biodiversity treasures.
Earlier, Dr Yong Kien Thai and his research team from Universiti Malaya documented close to 90 species of bryophytes (mosses or lumut in Bahasa Malaysia) within just one elevation.
These discoveries demonstrate how essential quality imaging technology is to scientific research, enabling fine details of elusive flora and fauna to be recorded, studied, and preserved.
The CoEC’25 Magazine Launch
During the Genting Nature Adventures Conference of Experts & Collaborators 2025 (CoEC’25) Workshop 2 in July 2025, Futuromic Photo AV’s Business Development Director Dato’ Billy Lai was accorded the honour to co-launch the second edition of the CoEC’25 Magazine, alongside Mr Khew Choon Teck (Head of Leisure and Hospitality Genting Highlands Midhill & Resorts).
The magazine explores two crucial themes: “Pioneering Biodiversity Knowledge Tourism” and “Shared Landscape for Shared Benefits: Co-existence is Not an Option, but a Must.”
Through expert analysis and compelling accounts of conservation success, community involvement, and corporate responsibility, the publication highlights how knowledge-based tourism can bridge science and public participation, supporting habitat preservation in parallel with sustainable economic development.
This 2nd edition of the CoEC’25 magazine will also highlight all of GNA’s past work, pre-and-post pandemic.
By the way, the first edition of the CoEC’25 Magazine will be available anytime soon. Do stay tuned.
Expanding Right Up To Upper Heritage Trail
GNA continues to develop its network of nature trails, including Awana Trail, Clearwater Trail, Memorial Trail and the upcoming Lower/Upper Heritage Trails. Recognising that biodiversity storytelling extends beyond still photography, Futuromic Photo AV is considering broadening its support to digital archiving. The integration of advanced storage solutions, such as Western Digital and SanDisk hard drives, ensures the long-term preservation and easy accessibility of vital conservation content.
This approach ensures GNA’s work reaches wider audiences and sustains engagement across generations through diverse platforms.
As stressed by Futuromic Photo AV’s Business Development Director Dato’ Billy Lai, “Recording today ensures that what exists now can still be seen by future generations.”
Creating, Connecting, Inspiring: A Shared Conservation Legacy
The support from Futuromic Photo AV is in line with the company’s three core objectives: to Create world-class content; to Connect diverse audiences with nature and knowledge; and to Inspire young conservationists to carry forward the mission of biodiversity preservation.
Together, Nikon through Futuromic Photo AV, Genting Nature Adventures, and the wider network of experts, partners, plus collaborators are forging a future where nature’s stories are told with clarity, passion, and respect, anchoring Genting Highlands as a shining example for sustainable knowledge-based tourism in Malaysia and beyond.
