As many as 200 tree species can be found within 1 hectare of Malaysian rainforests.
~ Turner, 2001a
Dipterocarps have a unique biology and a slow reproductive cycle. Seeds are produced during mast fruiting events which occur every 5-7 years, and the seeds are ‘recalcitrant’ – their high-water content makes them unsuitable for storage (e.g. in a seed bank), and thus must be germinated. Recalcitrant seeds rescued from forest fragments can be planted out with seeds from different parents to create a living collection of trees that can reproduce perpetually. Seeds from the living collection could then serve future reforestation projects.
The loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest environmental challenges the world faces. In Malaysia logging, agriculture, palm oil and development have all contributed to increased forest fragmentation and species loss. Approximately 80% of Malaysian rainforests are dominated by the Dipterocarpaceae family of trees, of which 93 species are considered threatened in Malaysia.
At Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre, we aim to play our part in protecting Malaysia's rare, threatened and endangered plant species. We believe in taking action and working on the ground in order to tackle biodiversity loss – one of the most pressing issues facing today’s society. Our conservation and landscape-level initiatives promote sustainable development and management practices.
As we’re getting closer to the applicant screening phase for the Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP) 2026, we’ve been hearing all your thoughts, questions and maybe even a few worries too 👀 So we’ve put together some FAQs to help you understand the programme better and (hopefully) make your decision a whole lot easier!
Got more questions? Don’t be shy, drop them our way! We’re here for it 🌳
This programme is made possible with the support of @yayasansimedarbyofficial
#YayasanSimeDarby #YouthConservationTraineeProgramme2026 #YCTP2026 #TropicalRainforestConservationAndResearchCentre #TRCRC
🌿 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 🌱
This March 21, International Day of Forests, the theme “𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀” is a reminder that what happens to forests happens to us too.
At TRCRC, our work spans across restoration, seed collection, research and conservation training. Beyond that, we are building resilience to make sure tropical rainforests are still standing and still giving, for generations to come.
The forests we protect today are the economies and livelihoods that thrive tomorrow.
As we reflect on the value of forests and what they sustain, we also take this opportunity to wish everyone who celebrate a blessed
𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗥𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗔𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗶, 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝗳 𝗭𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 🕌🎉✨
Last month, our team member Nabilah Huda spent a week at the Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) in @wakehurst_kew , where seeds from around the world are conserved for the future.
From 8–13 February 2026, she along with seven international participants joined an intensive, hands-on training, supported by a bursary from @kewgardens .
The experience went beyond techniques. It was about exchanging knowledge across countries and contexts. From seed collection to lab processing, the training covered key aspects of seed conservation, including storage, viability monitoring, data management, and seed bank operations, guided by MSB Partnership experts.
We’re grateful for this opportunity, which strengthened technical skills and brought valuable insights home to support our conservation work. It’s a reminder that conserving plant diversity is a shared global effort, one that depends on collaboration, curiosity, and care. 🌱
#trcrc #conservation #seedbank #knowledgesharing #wakehurst
🌿 Are you passionate about conservation and eager to gain real hands-on experience? This is your chance to learn, explore, and make a difference with us! 🌱
We’re excited to welcome youth who are curious about nature, conservation work, and protecting our environment. Get ready for engaging activities, meaningful field experiences, and the opportunity to learn alongside other passionate young conservationists.
📅 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱: 𝟵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 – 𝟯𝟭 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
⚠️ 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭.
Only 𝟭𝟬 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 will be selected, so be sure to secure your spot early!
We can’t wait to meet the next generation of conservation leaders. See you in the program! 🌱
For any inquiries, contact us via:
Email: erkc@trcrc.org
Whatsapp: +60 11 4057 9742
This programme is made possible with the support of @yayasansimedarbyofficial
At TRCRC, we don’t just plant trees—we conserve rare local species. Our Tropical Rainforest Living Collections (TRLC) act as botanical reservoirs to prevent extinction and restore our nation’s biodiversity.
Our core impact zones:
📍 TRLC Merisuli (Sabah): A sanctuary for endangered Bornean tree species.
📍 TRLC Banun (Perak): Protecting critical wildlife corridors with the help of local communities.
📍 Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (Shah Alam): Pioneering urban biodiversity and conservation education.
Through our Seed to Tree (STT) initiative, we integrate technology, collect and nurture these species to ensure every forest we restore is resilient and traceable. 📱🌳the STT project is funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN and implemented by TRCRC in partnership with @bioversityciat .
Join us in safeguarding the giants of our rainforests. Stay tuned for our call for volunteers! 👀
#TRCRC #SeedToTree #ASEANUKGTF #ASEANUK #ThrivingPartnership
🌿 World Wildlife Day 2026 🌿
This year’s theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods” 🌱💚
At Elmina Living Collection Nursery, we are proud to highlight some incredible species that embody this theme:
𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮 – a versatile native of Malaysia, known for its skin-healing seed oil and traditional medicinal uses.
𝘚𝘺𝘻𝘺𝘨𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪 – Kerian, used traditionally for blood sugar regulation, digestive health, and more.
𝘈𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 – the precious agarwood tree, valued for its therapeutic wood and resin, now endangered and under conservation focus.
Medicinal and aromatic plants are more than just remedies! They are a living heritage, supporting local communities, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity. Protecting them ensures health, culture, and sustainable livelihoods for generations to come.
At TRCRC, we continue to conserve these species, promote awareness, and empower communities through sustainable practices and environmental education. Every plant we nurture is a step towards a healthier planet.
Let’s celebrate wildlife, heritage, and nature today and every day. Wishing everyone a Happy World Wildlife Day 2026! 🌎💚
#worldwildlifeday2026
Forests, frontline rangers, and the fight for tigers 🐅.
⌛Starting tomorrow, TRCRC’s work in Malaysia’s Central Forest Spine will be featured in CNN’s Mission Tiger, hosted by Will Ripley.
The programme follows conservation efforts across Southeast Asia, from 🇹🇭 Thailand’s Western Forest Complex, where rangers patrol and monitor tiger populations, to 🇲🇾 Malaysia’s forest restoration work supporting habitat recovery for the Malayan tiger.
📺 Airing 21–23 Feb on CNN International.
📷 CNN International/PR Newswire
@wwfmy @asaroyaltigerreserve @pantheracats
#TRCRC #MissionTiger #CNN
🌿✨ TRCRC on National TV! ✨🌿
We are proud to share that Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC) will be featured in PANORAMA: Makmal Hidup Hijau Banding on TV1, a special documentary segment highlighting collaborative conservation efforts at Pulau Banding, Royal Belum, Perak.
This episode showcases the inspiring work led by Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) in collaborative efforts with TRCRC and UMK TRaCe, focusing on forest restoration at the Gaharu Plot through the planting of diverse native tree species. More than just tree planting, the programme captures how restoration, research, and community engagement intersect to strengthen long-term forest resilience.
Audiences will experience how the forest itself becomes a dynamic learning space, bringing together students, researchers, NGOs, and members of Belum Forest Friends (BFF) to engage with nature firsthand.
Our sincere appreciation to PBF for counting us in the recordings, RTM, the Unit Majalah & Dokumentari TV and everyone behind PANORAMA for the opportunity to share our conservation journey with a national audience.
We are equally grateful to Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) and UMK TRaCe for their continued collaboration in advancing forest restoration and environmental education at Pulau Banding. 🌿
📺 Catch the broadcast:
🗓 Sunday, 22 February 2026
⏰ 9:00 PM
📍 TV1
🔁 Re-run: Thursday, 26 February, 11:30 PM, TV1
Tune in and witness how forests can become living classrooms and how collective action helps protect Malaysia’s natural heritage for generations to come. 🌱✨
Images credit: RTM
#PanoramaRTM #TRCRC #RoyalBelum #ForestRestoration #MakmalHidupHijauBanding
