Malaysian youth recognised on US environmental changemaker list

 

Quek Yew Aun's continuing efforts to promote awareness concerning marine conservation has landed him on the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) "2021 EE 30 under 30 Changemaker" list.

The co-founder of Reef Stakes, Malaysia's first-ever marine roleplaying game, Quek (photo, above) joins 12 other leaders from eight countries who will receive grants, professional development, and a community of support to boost their impact.

Throughout the 10-month Changemakers Grants programme, recipients will participate in various capacity building learning and networking opportunities.

This includes implementation and adaptation of the recipients' individual projects, developing shared experiences and knowledge through the formation of a collaborative learning community.

Quek will be leading Project Reef Spawn, according to a statement by Reef Stakes.

As a grant recipient, Quek will also have the opportunity to present his work at NAAEE's 50th international conference in October, joining other leaders with environmental education projects that build low-carbon economies, create resilient communities, and protect and restore ecosystems.

With five team members, Project Reef Spawn aims to produce three awareness videos on the marine environment in Malaysia and conduct a youth capacity development programme.

The capacity development program targets twelve Malaysian youths between the ages of 18 and 25 from diverse academic backgrounds and interests.

"Aside from students in marine biology or environmental science, we hope to encourage more youths from a non-science background to apply.

"The marine environment is threatened today more than ever before so until we get everyone involved, there can be no progress," added participant manager Natasha Zulaika.

Chow Mei Mei, educational content manager, added that the programme would comprise four practitioner-led virtual sessions, followed by a three-day, two-night hands-on boot camp scheduled to be held in August in Pulau Tioman.

"We will involve stakeholders from the public and private sectors, NGOs and local communities to ensure we equip budding conservationists with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the marine environment," she said.

Applications to the Reef Spawn Program are accepted from April 4 to April 23. The application form can be found here.

bit.ly/reefspawn-application.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by April 25 for interviews. The 12 successful participants will be announced in the first week of May. - Mkini