Being a conservationist

Even though i studied biology/animal science and resource management during my university year, i never dreamt to become a biologist/conservationist here in Sarawak. Before i even graduate, my supervisor, Prof Madya Dr Fatimah gave me the chance to be her research assistant. She had started the interest in wildlife research..and that is the started of my career. I thanks her for that..i could never repay her.

a year after i left UNIMAS, my cousin showed me one advertistment, that was during my beloved grandfather funeral. Seeing it as a job opportunity, i applied and was call for an interviewed.

My uncle showed me the road to GP office at night before and in the morning i had to drive alone. that was my first drive in bintulu. i got into the wrong office and met Julia. only then she directs me to CDP/COnservation office. The first person i saw was Belden and Nyegang (i thought his name was Nebang :) ). Then i was interview by tall orang putih and a charismatic chinese women. Never thought i got the Job! they were tough. :)

By the way, i was called to work on Apr 1st, and thought it was a joke..you know, it's April Fool's. Two weeks before that, Latifah call me in. I was needed for a temporary RA with the bird project. lead by Doug, with Yun and Belden, it was my first experience in the PFZ, . He photographed a lot of lovely and amazing bird during that field trip in T1C. So the first place i knew in PFZ is Sungai Gagak trail.

This is all about the first time.

on the first official day I work with GP i wore a nice green baju kurung..my favourite one, unfortunately, my orang puteh boss, Mr. Rob Stuebing said as a conservation project officer, i should be ready with a field clothes anytime. The next day, i went on a field trip with Dr. Diong (NTU), Nyegang and Norkasinah (UNIMAS) and Kate (UNIMAS). That is my first official field trip in GP.

Believe me..first time is never easy. The road is slippery and it's been raining for quite some times. So, when dr diong saw that i'm not comfortable driving in that kind of weather, he offered to drive. At that time, I didnt expect it will make my bos furious. That is the first time I saw Rob angry, the first time driving on logging road, the first time meets dr. diong and the rest of the crew, and for the first time in my life to see a bearded pig skull. :) this is all about the first time.

Every field trip that i did afterward had taught me a lot. More than i expect to learn. They are the most valuable experiences in my life. Working with the bearded pig project also giving me the opportunity to be in contact with the community. I spend most of my life studying, living in the city and never know how it is felt to stay in the rural area. For evry face i saw, every land i step on, every warm hands that i shake with, every voice that i heard, they have their own stories..pain and happiness that they felt..and to my amazement, i felt it too. and that are the experiences that no one can take away from me. I completely fall in love with conservation work and the unique community that dwell in the PFZ. They are the main component for my job..community, wildlife, lands and exotic species that blend into one in this sides of the world.

Thanks to all that help me throughout this project; UPM students, SFC interns, temporary research assistant, GP staffs, family and friends.