Volunteering
Banun, Perak
/Volunteer/
Volunteers joined treeplanting census and monitoring work at TRLC-Banun. (Lucy/TRCRC)
Volunteer Programme
The TRCRC Volunteer program aims to promote rainforest conservation and involve communities in environmental rehabilitation. By volunteering and working with and around nature and passionate staff, participants may acquire a more personal and direct relationship with complex and often abstract issues such as deforestation and subsequent loss of ecosystem services.
Participants will also make a lasting impact by helping TRCRC reach its goals. Would you like to do more to protect Malaysia’s threatened plant species? If so gather your friends or colleagues and join a program at one of our Tropical Living Collections.
Send us a message below or contact ask@trcrc.org or ekrc@trcrc.org
Tanjung Malim, Perak
/Trainee and staff/
YCTP 2nd cohort forest botany class at Edu-Forest UPSI. (Adrihani/TRCRC)
Youth Conservation Trainee Programme
The Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP) is a three-month training initiative by the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC), supported by Yayasan Sime Darby and Ministry of Finance (MOF) for the second cohort. The programme aims to inspire passionate youth aged 18 to 30, following the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act A1602), with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to tropical rainforest conservation. The programme takes place across two of TRCRC’s key sites : the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC), Shah Alam and the Tropical Rainforest Living Collection (TRLC) Banun, Perak.
YCTP provides participants with a diverse range of immersive learning experiences combining classroom-based learning and hands-on fieldwork. Trainees are exposed to a variety of conservation topics including seed collection protocols, nursery care and management, biodiversity field survey, ecosystem restoration best practices and working with Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs).
For more information and updates on our volunteer programmes and activities, follow us on Instagram.
At the 8th International Conference on Tropical Resources and Sustainable Science (CTReSS), Dr Maria Wang Mei Hua, collectively contributed from the team at Tropical Rainforest Living Collection Banun (TRLC-Banun) submitted a conference paper titled “Developing a Tropical Rainforest Living Collection to Support Native Tree Conservation and Forest Restoration in Malaysia.”
Dr Maria also delivered an E-Oral Presentation highlighting TRLC-Banun, located within the Amanjaya Forest Reserve of the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex. Her presentation explored the role of TRLC-Banun in restoring degraded landscapes through the propagation and restoration of suitable habitats for the conservation and recovery of endangered and high-value native tree species.
The paper further explored the Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) component, integrating plant conservation, forest restoration, community participation, and sustainable ecotourism within a single management framework. This integrated approach provides a scalable model for strengthening biodiversity conservation while supporting future restoration research and sustainable landscape management in Malaysia.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐢 𝐇𝐮𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐄-𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲! 🏆🌿
We would also like to express our highest appreciation to the UMK Faculty of Earth Science for the sponsored invitation to contribute this paper. Congratulations on the success of the conference!
@officialumk
Full Video Link on Bio 🔗 or Scan QR Code in Image 3️⃣
Do you know about dipterocarp trees?
These special trees have winged seeds, which ride the wind to disperse from their mother tree! They grow into some of the tallest trees in our rainforests, including Menara, the tallest tropical tree in the world! These trees are an essential part of the forest ecosystem, providing fresh air, shelter for animals, and helping to keep the air cool. However, many of them are threatened by land clearing and unsustainable logging. To help save them, TRCRC collects their seeds, grows them in nurseries, then replants them in the forest!
Have you seen a dipterocarp’s unique seeds before? Keep an eye out for them the next time you visit a forest!
Video made by: @cheenteng @ftnabilah_ @pokok_ash #YCTP2026
Special thanks to Yayasan Sime Darby @yayasansimedarbyofficial for their support in making this programme possible.
Every tree comes from a seed and every conservationist has a beginning. 🌱
Through the Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP), we had the opportunity to learn and work alongside other conservationists. We got to experience what it means to restore and protect Malaysia’s tropical rainforest.
Our journey has brought us to places that some of us never knew about its existence before. From research centres such as FRIM, MARDI and Rimba Ilmu, to the forests of Royal Belum and Pulau Banding. And each visit offered new lessons and stories.
Along this 3-month journey, we planted trees, cared for seedlings, conducted biodiversity surveys and observations, carried out tree census monitoring and joined seed buyback activities with Orang Asli. All of these brought us closer to one shared goal, which is to conserve and restore our tropical rainforests.
None of these experiences would have been possible without the support of Yayasan Sime Darby @yayasansimedarbyofficial and collaboration with the involved organisations.
If you’ve ever wondered about being part of conservation, have faith and take that leap! You never know how much impact your journey could make.
Video made by: @keruinggg @alisvx.krz @arieztotle_ @papadullah00 #YCTP2026
Last week, we celebrated the graduation of 10 inspiring trainees from the 2026 Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP), marking the end of an incredible three-month journey of learning, growth, and hands-on conservation experience.
Throughout the programme, our trainees immersed themselves in biodiversity conservation, restoration ecology, and practical fieldwork while building meaningful friendships, valuable skills, and a deeper appreciation for protecting Malaysia’s natural heritage. Their dedication, curiosity, and passion have been truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything they’ve accomplished.
A sincere thank you to everyone who made this journey possible. From our trainers, mentors, and staff to our partners and supporters. Your guidance, encouragement, and commitment have helped shape the next generation of conservationists.
Congratulations to our YCTP 2026 graduates. This may mark the end of the programme, but it is only the beginning of your conservation journey in creating a more sustainable future. We look forward to seeing the positive impact each of you will make.
Special thanks to @biousm for delivering the certified module in biodiversity monitoring and restoration ecology, as our strong partners and supporter since the inaugural batch. In addition, we would also like to extend huge appreciation for @pulaubandingfoundation and @trace_umkpbf as the strategic partners at Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to @yayasansimedarbyofficial for its continued support and unwavering commitment to empowering youth and advancing conservation efforts.
Snakes are often misunderstood, but they play an important role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.
This World Snake Day, join us for an evening of learning, discovery and appreciation for these fascinating creatures. Come and explore the world of snakes through engaging activities and educational sharing sessions while discovering why conserving these incredible species matters!
📅 Date: 16 July 2026 (Thursday)
⏰ Time: 7.00 PM – 10.00 PM
📍 Venue: Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC)
Open to the public with limited slots available! Registration is required. Kindly fill in the Google Form to reserve your place 🔗
#WorldSnakeDay2026 #ElminaRainforestKnowledgeCentre #MalaysiaNatureSociety #TRCRC
Last week served as a powerful reminder of what committed collaboration can achieve when young people are given the space to lead, learn and take action.
Representatives from TRCRC joined the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS2026), where more than 1,700 youth participants, 50+ speakers from 37 countries, and 80+ organizations gathered at voco Kuching by IHG from 24–26 June under the theme "Youth: Many Ways, One Planet." Over three days, participants actively exchanged ideas, challenged perspectives, and co-developed practical recommendations on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, cultural continuity, and sustainable development. 🌱 🌍
Beyond inspiring conversations, RAYS2026 emphasized action. Through the Planet Futures Forum, delegates worked together to develop recommendations that were put forward for collective voting, demonstrating how diverse voices can contribute to shaping future policies and decisions.
TRCRC was honored to contribute to these conversations, with our team sharing experiences in rainforest conservation while highlighting opportunities for youth engagement through initiatives such as the Young Conservationists Training Program (YCTP) and volunteer program. Investing in youth is just as important as investing in our forests, because building a resilient future requires both healthy ecosystems and empowered people. ✨
If you have a voice, let it be heard. Start where you are, however small, and let action be your language, grounded in evidence, sustained through consistency, and strengthened by collaboration. 🤝🤝
#RainforestYouthSummit #YouthManyWaysOnePlanet #YouthForNature #RAYS2026 #trcrc
🌿 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐑𝐂𝐑𝐂 🌿
The Youth Conservation Trainee Programme has officially concluded its one-month journey at TRLC-Banun, marking an enriching experience filled with immersive training, hands-on fieldwork, and meaningful conservation activities. Throughout the programme, participants explored a wide range of topics, from GIS applications in restoration planning, soil science for reforestation, camera trap deployment, and seed conservation techniques to experimental design and seed sample preparation. They also gained practical exposure to tropical rainforest ecology through fieldwork on birds, bats, and fungi, while learning about habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation research.
Beyond the classroom, trainees took part in tree planting at Amanjaya Forest Reserve, visited Royal Belum State Park, supported the Community Seedlings Purchase Programme at Kampung Klewang, and joined the Banding Trail Walk organised by Pulau Banding Foundation. The programme also featured a Youth Conservation Career Day with @rimau_ngo , @perakstateparks , @wwfmy , @belumrainforestresort , and TRCRC, providing valuable insights into career pathways in conservation.
TRCRC extends its sincere appreciation to our strategic partners, @pulaubandingfoundation and @trace_umkpbf , for their collaboration and unwavering support in making this programme a success.
Most importantly, this initiative was made possible through the generous and continuous trust and support of @yayasansimedarbyofficial . Their commitment to empowering the next generation of conservation practitioners is manifesting stronger capacity and quality workforce for the conservation industry.
We look forward to seeing the young conservation trainee continue to charting their fruitful journey in July back at Selangor.
📹 Video edited by YCTP Trainee
@alisvx.krz , @1withtheflow , @arieztotle_
#YCTP #Youth #Conservation #PulauBanding #YayasanSimeDarby
TRCRC is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Urban Hallmark Properties (UHP) to support Botanik Point’s journey towards ArbNet Level I Accreditation. 🌿
Located adjacent to the Ampang Forest Reserve, Botanik Point has committed approximately 30% of its site as a green lung, reflecting a shared vision of integrating biodiversity considerations into urban development.
Through this collaboration, TRCRC will provide guidance as UHP works towards ArbNet requirements.
As Malaysia continues to urbanise, thoughtfully managed green spaces can play an important role in supporting biodiversity, ecological resilience, and meaningful connections between people and nature.
We look forward to working with UHP on this exciting initiative. ✨
#TRCRC #UrbanBiodiversity #ArbNet #Biodiversity #BotanikPoint
