A new generation of conservation leaders officially graduated today from the Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP), a three-month career development initiative designed by Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC) to equip youths from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds with the skills and experience to enter the conservation industry.
Supported by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and the MADANI Government under the Belanjawan 2025, TRCRC celebrated the achievements of 16 bold and passionate youth, now ready to join Malaysia’s growing green workforce.
“As we close this chapter, I believe we leave here not just as graduates—but as caretakers and storytellers for the rainforest,” said Azri Hasbullah, one of the graduating trainees.
The graduation ceremony was officiated by key partners and guests, including Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin (CEO, Yayasan Sime Darby), Azyatul Nurhani Azmi (Treasury, Ministry of Finance), David Dzulkifli (TRCRC Board of Trustees), and Dr. Dzaeman Dzulkifli (Executive Director, Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre – TRCRC).
“This is more than just a training programme—it is a gateway to opportunity, and a spark for transformation. Through YCTP, we are not only nurturing conservation leaders but also creating pathways for B40 youth to thrive in Malaysia’s green economy,” said Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby. “We are proud to support this collaboration with TRCRC and the Ministry of Finance, which reflects our long-standing commitment to both environmental conservation and youth empowerment.”
The YCTP, newly rebranded from the long-running G-Team Programme initiated in 2012, is a structured training pathway that bridges academic learning with workplace readiness, with special attention to youth from B40 communities. The programme provides equitable access to conservation careers and begins with theoretical learning at the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC), followed by technical fieldwork and Indigenous knowledge exchange at the Tropical Rainforest Living Collection (TRLC-Banun) in Royal Belum, Gerik, Perak. Trainees also participated in field trips and workshops led by experienced conservation professionals.
“Conservation was never something we saw advertised as a job,” said Dzaeman Dzulkifli in his closing speech. “But today, it’s one of the most in-demand professions—aligned with Malaysia’s biodiversity goals, ESG priorities, and global climate targets. YCTP gives you the tools, the network, and the experience to thrive in this space.” 
Trainees shared powerful reflections from their field experiences.
“As an educator, I will pass on what I’ve learned from the wisdom of time spent with the indigenous community planting trees in Amanjaya Forest Reserve,” said Vaani, one of the graduates. “Working alongside the field team, I’ve seen what superhumans look like.”
“This programme didn’t just give me knowledge—it gave me purpose. Just like my favourite quote from Jane Goodall says: ‘What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.’” shared Pei Ying.
Angela Moris, Programme Coordinator at TRCRC, noted the programme’s unique integration of scientific knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills.
“This year, YCTP reached new milestones with more field trips, stronger engagement with strategic partners, and wider coverage of ecological topics. This programme is about building confidence, leadership, and science communication,” she said.
The curriculum includes certified modules in biodiversity, restoration ecology, soil science, and forest management, delivered in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and experts from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Tropical Rainforest Centre (UMK-TRaCe), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). It also includes AI career readiness training in partnership with Mereka.io, helping participants boost their digital competencies and confidence in navigating modern workplace tools.
The programme’s final phase included career preparation, where trainees completed mock interviews with conservation employers. Nine out of the sixteen graduates have applied for job opportunities with TRCRC, with others expressing strong interest in working with conservation NGOs across Malaysia.
“Malaysia’s forests need champions like you—individuals who understand the science and care deeply for the land and its people,” said Dr Hajah Yatela to the graduates.
