Malaysiana: Stories of Spectacular Malaysians

Nurul Syahirah Nazarudin

Teacher, Artist, and Dark Sky Advocate

Art and astronomy have long been intertwined, and integrating this blend into education not only enhances engagement but also raises awareness about preserving dark skies and combating light pollution.

Art and astronomy are tools for understanding the universe. Historically, both disciplines have helped interpret the cosmos, with figures like Galileo using art to convey astronomical knowledge, blending aesthetics with scientific insight.

Integrating art into astronomy deepens student engagement. It makes celestial concepts more accessible and fosters creative connections. Through live painting sessions, digital art, and gallery exhibitions, students can connect with astronomy on a deeper level.

Efforts to combine art and science also focus on inspiring action against light pollution. Advocacy for preserving dark skies is emphasized through a creative approach, encouraging future generations to value and protect celestial views.

Peter Kallang

Founding Chairman, SAVE Rivers

SAVE Rivers is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting rivers and forests from excessive development, while championing the wellbeing and empowerment of indigenous communities in Sarawak.

SAVE Rivers was founded in response to the unforeseen negative consequences of the 9th Malaysia Plan. In 2008, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy initiated plans to build dams in the state. However, the original residents were not only displaced from their homes, but also relocated to lands which were unsuitable for agriculture, lacking access to clean water, and where quality of life was generally lower.

Forests, like rivers, are also threatened by excessive development and therefore require protection. SAVE Rivers partners with universities and local communities to combat the threat of logging. Their efforts include mapping surrounding forests using GPS and documenting local wildlife.

Sustaining conservation efforts is not solely the responsibility of the organization, but also of the affected communities. These communities are empowered to protect their own forests through programs in agroforestry and sustainable farming.

Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid

Archaeologist and anthropologist

Driven by passion and determination, local archaeological efforts in Malaysia have successfully raised the region’s significance, positioning Malaysia and Southeast Asia as key contributors in the global quest to map humanity’s history.

Archaeologists are detectives of the past, uncovering clues to understand human history. Archaeology is a multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration to make advancements. In turn, archaeology provides crucial ancient details to fields such as medicine and geology.

A historically overlooked region, Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, has emerged as an important archaeological site. Our tropical climate is harsh on archaeological artifacts, often eroding them before discovery. However, the 1991 discovery of Perak Man in Lenggong firmly established Malaysia’s place on the archaeological map.

Protecting our heritage also means safeguarding our world heritage. Archaeological discoveries in Malaysia reveal that prehistoric societies in Southeast Asia were not as backward as previously thought, showing deliberate consideration in their tool-making processes, which provided a better understanding of our local and global history.

Wong Siew Lyn & Law Yao Hua

Founders, Macaranga

Environmental journalism in Malaysia is evolving, with a focus on deepening coverage, building expertise, and addressing funding and outreach challenges to deliver impactful storytelling that promotes environmental justice.

Previously, environmental journalism in Malaysia lacked depth, with reporting often being superficial and event based. Most media outlets lacked the resources to develop comprehensive stories, limiting the coverage quality of environmental justice. Macaranga is a journalism portal with a mission to provide in-depth journalistic features on issues and build knowledge about ecosystems.

Efforts are underway to train journalists in climate and environmental issues through mentorship and skill-building programs, offering competitive pay to attract talent. This approach aims to build a robust team capable of producing localized, data-driven stories that resonate with both local communities and a broader audience.

Significant challenges include funding, talent (skilled writers), and potential legal risks. To overcome these obstacles, Macaranga leverages platform such as radio, print, and social media, to prompt investigations, stop greenwashing, and empower environmental justice initiatives.