Genting Nature Adventures Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (Workshop 2)
On 26th July 2025, a dynamic community of environmental experts, conservationists, educators, and collaborators gathered once again at Genting Nature Adventures (GNA) for the 2nd GNA Conference of Experts and Collaborators (CoEC) 2025, hosted at Resorts World Awana, Pahang.
Following the success of its inaugural workshop in May, this second instalment deepened the conversations around knowledge tourism, sustainable recreation, and biodiversity conservation. Co-sponsored by Futuromic AV/Nikon, the event marked another significant milestone in this year-long CoEC series, with its finale scheduled for October.
The themes of Workshop 2 focused on “Pioneering Biodiversity Knowledge Tourism” and “Shared Landscape for Shared Benefits: Co-existence is Not an Option in Genting Highlands, but a Must.”
Official Launch of the Conference and 2nd CoEC Magazine Unveiling
The conference commenced on a high note with an official launch ceremony led by Mr Khew Choon Teck (Head of Leisure and Hospitality Genting Highlands Midhill & Resorts) alongside Dato’ Billy Lai (Business Development Director, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd.), who represented one of the key supporting partners of the event.
In a symbolic gesture that highlighted the significance of collaboration in promoting knowledge-based tourism and sustainable travel, both dignitaries jointly unveiled the cover of the 2nd edition of the CoEC Magazine.
This latest edition showcases insightful stories, expert perspectives, and visual highlights from ongoing efforts to strengthen bio-tourism initiatives in Genting Highlands.
The magazine not only serves as the official publication for the Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (CoEC) but also stands as a visual and editorial record of the growing momentum behind knowledge tourism, conservation efforts, and local community empowerment.
Informational Boards Along the Mile Long Trail
One of the most meaningful highlights of the conference was the rollout of expert-curated info boards placed along both the Awana Trail trailhead and Clearwater Way.
These thoughtfully designed boards, featuring insights from scientists, conservationists, and artists, act as compelling storytelling tools that bring the landscape to life. Each board highlights the contributor’s unique role in advancing GNA’s vision and supporting its four Environmental Stewardship Pillars.
Presented in a creative and lasting format, the info boards aim to educate, engage, and inspire trail-goers to connect more deeply with nature through text and photographs.
As the official imaging partner and co-sponsor of the conference, Futuromic Photo AV, represented by its Business Development Director Dato’ Billy Lai, inaugurated the Nikon Photo Boards installed along the Mile Long Gallery.
In addition, special “Bird Photo Opportunity” markers were introduced along the trail, designed to help birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts identify and capture images of notable bird species more easily during their trek.
Home for Biodiversity Research and Education
The conference also saw the launch of GNA’s Biodiversity Education, Research, Sustainability & Visitor Centre (BERSVC) at the base camp. Mr. Khew and Dato’ Billy led the delegates on a tour of the diverse creative studios within the centre.
These studios included the Nikon Photo Studio, Ravi Everest Hiking School Studio, Sato’s Lepidopterology Studio, Karen & Chow’s Quill Art Studio, and the Smart Forest Studio, among others. Each space embodied a different facet of nature conservation, from storytelling to research and sustainable architecture.
Powerful Presentations by Experts & Collaborators
The afternoon session unfolded with a series of thought-provoking presentations hosted at the Bistro Studio. Experts offered in-depth views on biodiversity, rare flora, and innovative strategies for promoting conservation in the highlands.
Surin Suksuwan: Championing Nature Interpretation
Renowned biodiversity conservationist and co-founder of Sunda Shelves, Surin Suksuwan, proposed a visionary roadmap for GNA. He emphasised the importance of designing short interpretive trails equipped with plant signage and educational tools, led by trained nature interpreters.
Surin also encouraged GNA to pursue OECM (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures) status to gain formal conservation recognition while maintaining operational flexibility. His presentation powerfully underlined the role of immersive storytelling in inspiring conservation action.
Dr. Yong Kien Thai: The Overlooked “Lumut”
In his heartfelt and illuminating session, Dr. Yong Kien Thai of Universiti Malaya gave a deep dive into the hidden treasures of Genting Highlands – the often-overlooked mosses, or in Bahasa Malaysia, “lumut.”
Dr. Yong traced the mountain’s ecological richness from the foothills to the summit, emphasising the fragility of these primitive plants and their crucial role in oxygen production. With humour and humility, he painted a picture of a mossy forest as beautiful as a scene from a nature painting, reminding us that biodiversity begins with awareness and appreciation.
Dr. Sam Yen Yen: Showcasing Genting’s Botanical Rarities
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)’s Dr. Sam Yen Yen introduced rare and endangered plant species discovered in Genting Highlands.
The audience was captivated by the stories behind species like Thismia limkokthayi, Ridleyandra chuana, and Oreogrammitis malaysensis, plants so rare that some are only found within the boundaries of this mountain range. The talk called attention to Genting Highlands’ status as a biodiversity hotspot, worthy of greater protection and recognition.
Woon Kean Sim: Guardians of the Green
The founder of Treks, Woon Kean Sim, shared how his nature-inspired team-building initiative, “Guardians of the Green,” connects people with nature through experiential learning.
From simulation games to guided nature walks and verge-growing projects, the programme empowers participants to take real-world action aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His presentation reminded delegates that corporate and environmental goals can and should go hand in hand.
Curious Young Pioneers Meet the Experts
The day continued with a meaningful and heartwarming session at the Greenhouse Studio, where the three Young Pioneers for Nature (Little Dao Her, Little Ziann, and Little Hayley) sat down for a casual Q&A with the experts.
The atmosphere was light, but the conversations revealed the depth of curiosity and passion these young nature enthusiasts carry.
Little Hayley and Prof. Dr. Rusea Go (Botanist, UPM)
Hayley began her chat with Professor Rusea Go by asking, “What’s your favourite flower?”
“Orchids,” Dr. Rusea replied without hesitation.
When asked why, she smiled and shared, “Historically, orchids were reserved for royalty. That made them feel rare and precious to me.”
Hayley then asked about the smallest orchid she’d ever come across. Dr. Rusea described the Lepanthes oscarrodrigoi, a flower so tiny that it measures just 0.5mm across. “You need a magnifying lens to truly appreciate it,” she added.
Little Dao Her and Prof. Dr. Badrul Munir Md Zain (Primatologist, UKM)
Dao Her shifted the focus of the conversation, expressing a keen interest in animals, particularly siamangs.
“How long do siamangs live?” he asked.
Dr. Badrul replied, “On average, about 30 years. But it can vary depending on their environment and care.”
“And what do they eat?”
“They’re frugivores,” Dr. Badrul explained. “That means they mainly eat fruit.”
Dao Her’s final question was met with laughter and warmth: “Why do you like siamangs?”
“They’re just… really cute,” said Dr. Badrul, grinning.
Ziann and Siti Munirah Mat Yunoh (Senior Botanist, FRIM)
Ziann asked Siti Munirah what inspired her journey into botany. “I fell in love with plants when I was about 15, during boarding school,” she recalled. “Later, at university, I became fascinated by Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.”
But her deepest fascination, she revealed, is with Thismia sitimeriamiae, a genus of tiny, rarely seen plants.
“About ten years ago, I saw one in Terengganu for the first time. It was so small, so unique. I was thrilled,” she said. That encounter led her to start documenting them using her Nikon camera.
Ziann, clearly captivated, had one more question: “Why doesn’t Thismia have chlorophyll? How does it survive if it can’t do photosynthesis?”
Siti Munirah gave a patient and detailed explanation that held everyone’s attention.
A Living Legacy of Stewardship
The conference concluded with a tour of the Memorial Trail, a symbolic gesture of unity and shared purpose. It served as a quiet yet powerful reminder that co-existence with nature is not just an ideal, but a necessity in protecting Malaysia’s rich natural heritage for generations to come.
Every aspect of this conference, from the info board unveilings to the scientific discussions and youth engagement, embodied the core values of GNA’s 4 Environmental Stewardship Pillars:
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As delegates look ahead to the final workshop in October, the 2nd CoEC has proven to be a resounding success by uniting science, community, and creativity under one green canopy in Genting Highlands.
Conservation isn’t just about protecting what’s rare. It’s about celebrating what’s possible when passionate people come together. Genting Nature Adventures is no longer just a destination; it’s a growing movement that reimagines knowledge tourism as a powerful platform for biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and meaningful community engagement.
Video: Genting Nature Adventures Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (Workshop 2)
Event: Genting Nature Adventures Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025 (Workshop 2)
Venue: Genting Nature Adventures Base Camp, Awana Village, Resorts World Awana, Genting Highlands, 69000 Pahang.
Date: 26th July, 2025
Time: 9am – 6pm
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