Preserving people and nature

07 Dec 2024 | The Star

Canvas Art has fostered a meaningful connection with the Ukit/Bhuket ethnic group from Sarawak. This photo was taken during The Rattan Exhibition, an event organised by Canvas Art in conjunction with Malaysia Day at GMBB, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) in 2023. – GMBB

From wildlife and education to human rights, meet the 14 Gamuda Inspiration Award winners who are taking their impact to the next level with RM1.7mil in funds

Since 2016, the Gamuda Inspiration Award by Yayasan Gamuda has been on a mission to honour everyday Malaysians who positively impact people and the planet.

On Nov 22, the annual award celebrated 14 outstanding winners with grant funds totalling RM1.7mil across three categories: the Gamuda Inspiration Award (GIA), Gamuda Impact Fund (GIF) and Gamuda Empowerment Award (GEA).

The ceremony was particularly notable for being graced by world-renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall.

Lim said that this year’s fund allocation was bigger to enable the winners to finance more projects and make an even greater impact.

“These winners have truly inspired us with incredible projects in environment and wildlife, education and community empowerment, and human rights,” said Yayasan Gamuda head Ts Lim Hui Yan.

“They hail from all corners of Malaysia, with diverse backgrounds and causes that align with Gamuda’s sustainability focus.

By providing larger fund grants this year, we’re empowering these changemakers with innovative solutions and tangible, long-term benefits that will impact communities for generations.”

From primate conservation, empowering fishing communities to preserving cultures, three main GIA winners share their plans to take their projects to the next level with a grant fund of RM300,000 each.

Bridge to co-exist

The love of primates inspired the Langur Penang Project (LPP) to devise an innovative solution to tackle habitat fragmentation: safe crossings for urban monkeys.

They made history by setting up Malaysia’s first artificial canopy bridge, Ah Lai’s Crossing, in 2019, which inspired the Bridge To Coexist Project. This was followed by Numi’s Crossing, which was installed in 2024.

However, LPP’s efforts go beyond bridges; they empower communities to become active conservation stewards.

Fashioned out of upcycled fire hoses from the Fire and Rescue Department, the Teluk Bahang Ah Lai’s Crossing spans 12.5m across a road and 12m high. It is the first bridge of its type installed by LPP, followed by Numi’s Crossing in Tanjung Bungah. – LPP

“It will also enhance our citizen science capacity building activities, where Malaysians can learn to observe urban monkeys and help our scientific team collect data for conservation actions,” shared founder and head Dr Yap Jo Leen.

Through programmes like this, LPP ignites awareness about biodiversity and equips Malaysians with the resources to reduce waste and promote responsible wildlife connections.

Winning the Environment and Wildlife category will allow LPP to carry on the installation of its third and fourth bridges, expanding the vital work of community science and environmental education.

Sea of wealth

Traditional fishermen often fall under the B40 category, and their struggles are no stranger to Shalan Jum’at, founder of Kelab Alami, an enterprise that uplifts the socio-economic circumstances of the fishing community, women and youth in Tanjung Kupang, Johor.

To help them generate alternative incomes, Kelab Alami, winner of the Education and Community Empowerment category, runs a fresh seafood market, an eatery, a fishing platform, eco-tourism, and educational and research programmes.

Since 2008, Kelab Alami has utilised citizen science to empower local communities. In 2021, they launched a mangrove education, rescue, and restoration programme to support fishermen’s economic opportunities.

Kelab Alami’s Shalan and Dr Serina will continue training and education activities for youth and volunteers. They aim to expand their research programmes, turning data into academic publications and public education material. – Ethan Pang, Habitat Foundation

“Over the years, the fishermen pooled their resources – scraping together funds without any big funders – to build myKP Pendekar Laut, a river rakit, which has become a fantastic source of alternative income for the fishermen,” said Kelab Alami co-founder Dr Serina Rahman, adding this “rakit” or floating platform, serves as a hub for their activities.

With the grant, Kelab Alami can further expand its impact. “Our biggest dream is to establish a community-led conservation area in the Western Tebrau Strait,” shared Dr Serina.

This ambitious goal highlights their dedication to both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

Art of life

Tales of the rich heritage of Malaysia’s diverse ethnic tribes are memorialised by Canvas Art so that generations will never forget their roots.

The photograph restoration enterprise has revealed hidden cultures through art and storytelling under its ‘Rediscovering Each Other: Connecting Malaysia’s Hidden People and Cultures’ project.

Having won the Human Rights category, Canvas Art is ready to take on its boldest ambition yet – video documentation of 15 ethnic or sub-ethnic groups in Sarawak to capture their daily life and preserve their unique customs.

Canvas Art aims to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to integrate cultural education into the curriculum, specifically focusing on Malaysia’s indigenous peoples.

“This initiative seeks to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of their art, culture, heritage, and identity through engaging and creative learning experiences. We just need to collaborate and develop meaningful solutions together,” said managing director Faye Lim.

They also want to establish a digital archive and leverage social media to make these cultures accessible to all. “With over 250 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups, it’s time for Malaysians to collaborate in understanding one another better, one group at a time.

Watch a video on the GIA 2024 winners and their inspiring work here

MEET THE GIA WINNERS

Beyond the three highlighted winners, five from the Gamuda Impact Fund and six from the Gamuda Empowerment Award collectively represent hope and positive transformation across Malaysia.