4/30/12

In the dark over sun bears - General - New Straits Times

In the dark over sun bears - General - New Straits Times

By KRISTY INUS | kristy@nst.com.my0 comments




CONSERVATION CENTRE: Lack of awareness and data on species hampering efforts

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A sun bear at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu. Pic by Malai Romah Tuah
KOTA KINABALU: IT has been more than three years but not many know about the existence of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sandakan.
The facility located near the existing Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC) is an effort to provide care, rehabilitation and eventual release of orphaned and captive sun bears.
With on-going work to develop the 2.5ha park continuing, the facility hopes to address the lack of knowledge and awareness about this little-known species, said chief executive officer Wong Siew Te.
Wong, 43, who had conducted research on the species of bear at Danum Valley (Lahad Datu) for six years, said despite the knowledge that the bear population in the peninsula and Sabah was declining, there was no data on the exact number of the sun bears remaining in the wild.
According to the website dedicated to the centre at http://sunbears.wildlifedirect.org, the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) found only in south-east Asia, is the world's smallest bear species.
The Bornean sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus) is known to be the only sub-species of sun bear, and is distinctly smaller.
"While they are facing extinction due to habitat destruction following deforestation and humans taking their cubs as pets, there is also the issue of lack of exposure and very little study done on these bears.
"There is also the threat of bear-poaching for commercial exploitation. The fact that sun bears have a slow reproductive life -- a female bear which can produce five cubs in her lifetime would be considered very productive -- also contributes towards its low population density," he added.
There are currently 25 bears at the centre, all seized by the Wildlife Department from people who kept them as pets.
As for funding, he said the centre had received RM5 million. He said RM2 million came from the government and the rest from the private sector

4/26/12

Day 1 April 21st: Kick start of the “Sun Bear Rock!” – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Day 1 April 21st: Kick start of the “Sun Bear Rock!” – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre


Text and photos by Siew Te Wong

Rockin’4 the Environment festival brings together musicians to perform in order to raise awareness and funds for the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and also the Environmental Education Alliance of SEA.

The weeklong festival was kicked start on last Saturday April 21st at Central Market down town Kuala Lumpur. Four groups of musicians, The Impatient Sisters, Rafique Rashid, Rustic Rose, and Ten Thousand Talents were performing their beautiful voices and rock music at the main stage of the Central Market. The event started at noon and ended at 3:30pm.

Thank you all for your performances and thank you all for showing up and support the SUN BEAR ROCK!




Kenny Peavy from the Environmental Education Alliance of SEA and Jasmine Low the co-organiser introducing Sun Bear Rock!


Wong gives a speech on sun bears and BSBCC and thanks the organizer and performers!



The Impatient sisters rock the audience with their beautiful voices!


Rafique Rashid wins the heart of the audience with his song "Bear Necessities"



The young Rustic Rose surely rock the car park of Central Market with their rock songs!


The Ten Thousand Talents' rock songs wraps up the event of the day!

4/25/12

BFM: The Business Radio Station

BFM: The Business Radio Station

http://www.bfm.my/sun-bear-conservation-rockin-environment.html

Sun Bear Conservation & the Rockin' 4 the Environment: Sun Bear Rock event
25-Apr-12 15:31
[ Programme Segment: Earth Matters ]

The Malayan sun bear, the world's smallest bear species, is classified as 'vulnerable' to extinction on the IUCN red list.
We find out more about the Malayan Sun Bear from Wong Siew Te of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Kenny Peavy of the Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia, who are also behind the Rockin' 4 the Environment: Sun Bear Rock, an event which hopes to raise awareness on sun bears among the masses.
Duration: 28m 28s Filesize: 19.56 Mb

4/23/12

A visit from University of Toronto (UoFT) – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

A visit from University of Toronto (UoFT) – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text and photo by Gloria Ganang

Today the BSBCC welcomed a group of students from the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto. The group comprises of Professor Sean Thomas and 24 master’s students. Besides telling them about the history and operation of the centre, we get to share information about sun bears as well. We were pleased to see them so keen to know more about the sun bear and there were many good questions from the conservationist group.

BSBCC would like to thank the students and Professor Sean Thomas of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto for visiting us and also for their donation towards the centre. We really appreciate your support and it would definitely make a difference especially towards the sun bears. We wish you all of the best and success in your studies!

Trying to catch a glimpse of the sun bears at the forest enclosure

Professor Sean Thomas and Roshan (BSBCC volunteer) observing sun bears from the observation platform.

Group photo before leaving Sepilok.
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Second part of Malaysian Journey premieres this weekend – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Second part of Malaysian Journey premieres this weekend – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/355388


Posted on 20 April 2012 – 11:00am
Last updated on 20 April 2012 – 11:06am
Indra
NATIONAL Geographic Channel (NGC), FOX International Channels’ (FIC) flagship channel in the factual genre, has again been selected as a major platform to help Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) promote Malaysia as a top travel destination in Asia. Five years after the first installment of the eco-travel documentary, Malaysian Journey, was broadcast on National Geographic Channel, MTPB signed up for another installment, which will focus on the country’s beautiful rainforests.
Called Malaysian Journey: Rainforest, the new installment will be presented by Hollywood star and martial artist Jason Scott Lee, and will start airing on April 21 on NGC’s global network.
“FOX International Channels’ work with Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board has again led to a fantastic program that will appeal to viewers of National Geographic Channel around the world and in Malaysia,” said Basil Chua, Director and Territory Head of Malaysia at FOX International Channels, “Malaysia has captivating natural wonders and this new installment of Malaysian Journey will help entertain and educate audiences across a wide range of audience demographics. We are proud to partner with our PayTV partner, Astro to premiere the documentary exclusively on National Geographic Channel, Astro Channel 553.”
This year’s installment of Malaysian Journey will focus primarily on Malaysia’s famous rainforest regions. Hutan, a one-hour special, will feature the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Taman Negara National Park, Tasik Kenyir Lake, Kuching, Gunung Mulu National Park and the Bornean Sun Bear Conversation Center in Sabah. The programs will be presented and hosted by Hollywood star and martial artist Jason Scott Lee, who also presented the first installment of Malaysian Journey in 2007. In the first installment of the program, Lee documented his hunts with the Semelais of Pahang, Silat sessions from a local master, life with the Rungus tribe in Sabah as well as life with fishermen on the Langkawi archipelago.
“Malaysia’s flora and fauna is mesmerizing,” said Lee. “I’m honored and thankful to National Geographic Channel for selecting me again for this second installment of Malaysian Journey. Viewers around the world will be able to see the beauty that Malaysia has to offer and the hospitality of the people from this country.”
Lee, who is keenly remembered for his lead role in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, is a fervent environmentalist and conservationist. He shunned the lights of Hollywood and now resides on a 25-acre taro farm in Hawaii. There, he lives out his environmental beliefs of responsible farming and eating what he grows.–National Geographic Channel

Malaysian Journey with Jason Scott Lee – Rainforests (Episode 2) premieres exclusively on National Geographic Channel (Astro CH 553) on April 21, 2012. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
Read more about this program at: http://natgeotv.com/asia/malaysian-journ…
The program will be repeated again on
Thursday 26 April 2012 at 20:00 – National Geographic Channel
Thursday 3 May 2012 at 14:20 – National Geographic Channel
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Sun bears in the spotlight – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Sun bears in the spotlight – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre


Monday April 16, 2012


Sun bears in the spotlight


By LIM CHIA YING
metro@thestar.com.my


HOW many of us actually know about sun bears and that these creatures inhabit the jungles of Sabah?

It is true. The East Malaysian state is considered to be the last flourishing habitat for these mammals. However, focus on their diminishing numbers often takes a back seat compared to the attention given to species such as the orang utan and proboscis monkey.

The Environmental Education Alliance of South-East Asia (Eeasea) founder Kenny Peavy definitely thinks the level of awareness can be increased among people here.

“A lot of Malaysians don’t realise that there are sun bears in this country, or even bears in Asia for that matter.

Right at home: Peavy loves the outdoors and nature and he hopes to spread that love among more people.

“In the past, sun bears thrived all the way up to Thailand but it is sad how their numbers have diminished greatly to just a few fragmented areas in Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia.

“We hope that this year’s Sun Bear Rock! event will help generate greater interest and understanding about this unique bear species among Malaysians,” said Peavy, 42

Peavy is referring to his brainchild called Rockin’ 4 The Environment project, organised yearly in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations.

This year it takes the theme of Sun Bear Rock! and will be held from April 21 to 28 at the DoPPel Pel Kafe in Central Market Annexe, Kuala Lumpur.

“The theme chosen is in accordance with the festival’s choice of endangered species to highlight for the year,” said Peavy, adding that this was the fifth year the festival was being held.

For its inaugural year, it was Turtle Rock! followed by Tiger Rock!, Orang Utan Rock! and Dugong Rock!

Local support: Band Pop Shuvit rendering their support for the Orang Utan Rock! event.

“It was meant to focus on the plight of the particular animal of that year, and we had talks dispensing information to the public.

“I’d like to think the festival has managed to pique much concern and curiosity which in turn helps to raise vital funds as well as the profile of environmental education-oriented NGOs in Malaysia.

“In the past four years, some RM55,000 were successsfully raised, all of which were channelled to the respective organisations,” he said.

Peavy has pinned high hopes of achieving a further RM35,000 this year.

He added that Rockin’ 4 The Environment was meant to inject a fun take on the word “green” and biodiversity by combining arts, culture and music for the masses.

Activities include performances by school bands on April 21, a university invasion gig and showcase by students on campus, a performance by upcoming musicians called Sun Bear Rock! Open Mic, an acoustic showcase featuring some of Klang Valley’s top musicians and also an educational community outreach project at the International School of Kuala Lumpur and other schools.

There will be a bazaar, free concert and auction segment on April 28 that will bring together some of KL’s biggest names in the independent music scene.

Personal touch: Artiste Yuna singing a number in support of saving the orang utans during the Orang Utan Rock! festival two years back.

For details, visit www.facebook.com

All proceeds go to Eeasea and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is headed by Malayan sun bear researcher and conservationist Wong Siew Te.

Though Eeasea was launched this January at the Global Issues Network Indonesia conference in Jakarta, by its line-up of board members and advisers, Peavy said it still has not quite taken off as actively yet.

“I will only concentrate full-time on the organisation after my teaching job is over by June,” said Peavy, who now works as a science/ecology teacher in school and has been living in Malaysia for over 10 years.

According to him, Eeasea will be a network comprising educators and concerned citizens to empower youths and communities with knowledge, attitude, skills and understanding of nature while also inspiring them into action and stewardship for a sustainable future.

“We accomplish this through professional development and training for community members, as well as an online networking forum.

“It is time for Malaysians to learn about their environment and take charge, than to leave it to the experts (to empower the people).

Well-received: Peavy (centre) with a group of Indonesian students in Yogjakarta while he was there to recce the route for his bike ride.

“It’s a new concept but I think Malaysians are ready. You can see the gradual change in people who nowadays prefer to stay in eco-friendly resorts with sustainable practices. With Eeasea, we hope to make conservation and green movements fun, accessible and interesting,” he said.

Hailing from Georgia, US, Peavy reminisces his growing up days where he was surrounded by farms and villages, and where he could run to forests and streams.

“I was always into outdoor recreational activities when younger.

“Sadly, a lot of things have changed from say, 30 years back, which wasn’t so long ago anyway. This has become an impetus for us to protect the environment even more.

“Even if there are lesser green spaces in the urban city, people in villages have become more technologically-connected and savvy than before. It’s all the more reason to play less outdoors,” he added.

Besides Rockin’ 4 The Environment, another of Eeasea’s project is Green Riders: Southeast Asia, an inter-country cycling event to be held in July.

The idea for this bike ride is to film a series of videos highlighting the natural beauty of South-East Asia while conducting interviews with the locals, teachers and organic farmers on their green efforts.

Peavy said there are several efforts of individuals and communities who are quietly carrying out their own preservation work.

However, as many of them work in isolation, their work and ideas often go unnoticed.

“My friend Jamie Raskin and I hence thought of this novel way to shed light on these inspiring people and their creative work.

“The videos will be filmed as educational documentaries and posted them up on YouTube,” he added.

It will take about six weeks for them to complete their journey that starts from Phuket, Thailand, and through Malaysia and Singapore before finishing in Bali.

“We want to invite local cycling clubs to join us as active participants along parts of our route,” he said.

The recce was carried out in December but they are still looking to improve the route.

He aims to cover between 30km and 100km a day, depending on the weather and difficulty of terrain.

“We’ll probably be on our bikes about 80% of the time, as it is not conducive to cycle to traffic-congested cities like Jakarta. That would mean using folding bikes and public transportation,” he added.

While they have found several sponsors for their meals and accommodation. Peavy hopes to raise funds through their bike ride to help cover their costs with remaining funds will go to EEASEA. (Universiti Putra Malaysia has offered to guide and sponsor the entire leg of the trip in Malaysia).

“More than just building networks, we are looking into designing a series of lessons to accompany the videos, which can be used by teachers and students as reference for their own conservation and social responsibility programmes,” concluded Peavy.

An enhanced version of this article was published on The Star iPad app on March 16.
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Sun Bear Rock! this Saturday 21 April 2012! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Sun Bear Rock! this Saturday 21 April 2012! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Event Announcement


This Saturday 21 April 2012 marks a significant date for the Sun Bears in Malaysia. Over 35 musicians including singer songwriters Rafique Rashid who has penned a song specially about the bears, and Amir Yussof, Jerome Kugan as well as upcoming acts like Tashya’s Ink, The Impatient Sisters, Ryota Katayama, bands from International School of Kuala Lumpur come together to perform at Rockin’ 4 the Environment’s Sun Bear Rock! 2012 in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur.


The musicians supporting the cause are instrumental in generating public awareness on the Sun Bears species – one of the smallest and the least known of the eight bear species in the world. Until today, Sun Bears are still being hunted and poached from their natural habitat. So the weeklong festival seeks to raise awareness about the plight of the species as well as the importance of continuous environmental education: read press release.


We INVITE YOU to attend the official launch of Rockin’ 4 the Environment: Sun Bear Rocks! this Saturday, 21 April 2012 from 12.00pm-4.00pm.





The programme is as follows:
21 April 2012 @ Central Market Main Carpark Stage
(Free)
12:00 Welcome speech by Kenny Peavy of Environmental Education Alliance of Southeast Asia
12:30 Introduction to Sun Bears by Wong Siew Te of Bornean Sun Bears Conservation Centre in Sepilok, Sabah
12:45 Musicians rock for the Sun Bears!
13:00 The Impatient Sisters
13:30 Rafique Rashid
14:00 Rustic Rose
14:30 Tak Nak
15:00 Ten Thousand Talents
15:30 Shazet beatbox
16:00 Close
22 April 2012, 2-5pm, Universiti Invasion! @ Panggung Eksperimen, Universiti Malaya (RM3)
25 April 2012, 8.30-11.00pm, Jazz, Blues, Country gig @ Doppel Kafe, Central Market Annexe (RM15)
26 April 2012, 8.30-11.00pm, Acoustic open mic gig @ Doppel Kafe, Central Market Annexe (RM5)
27 April 2012, 4.00-11.00pm, Bazaar & Finale Concert @ Central Market Main Carpark Stage (Free) / Central Market Annexe Gallery (RM40 by donation)

Jelita the stuffed sun bear won big prize – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Jelita the stuffed sun bear won big prize – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Date: April 19th 2012
By: Siew Te Wong
Text and photos by Maria Collin
I am very happy to announce that my little sun bear, Jelita, made
specially for the next BSBCC fundraiser has won a Golden George Award -
the “Oscar” of the teddy bear world!
I entered her in the competition in the hope that she might engender
more awareness of Sun bears – and she did me proud! I was stunned and
thrilled to bits when she won the “naturbär” category…………and i
have to say that the trophy is quite something – two kilos of solid
bronze, and heavy to hold when you are shaking with emotion and excitement!
The Golden George competition is run in conjunction with the Teddybär
Total show in Münster, Germany – a two day event which attracts
exhibitors from all over the world. And there I was there with my
bears, but wearing sun bear t.shirts – a copy of Forty Wild Life Heroes
open on my table (at the appropriate section) and telling anyone who
would listen about “our ” bears :)
And the nicest thing happened on saturday morning……the show
organiser took the Bürgermeisterin (Mayoress) of Münster around the
show, after she had opened it………….came to my table, introduced
us and then told her that I not only make bears but campaign hard for
REAL bears – how nice was that? Result is that she went off clutching a
flyer inviting her to our fund raiser………YAY!
anyway – Jelita is one of the prizes in our June fundraiser – and she
comes with added allure……..”Oscar – winer”. I hope she raises lots
for the BSBCC………..oh – but I get to keep the trophy !

International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) visit to BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) visit to BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text and photo by Gloria Ganang

It was such a great honor to welcome students and teachers from the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) at our centre yesterday (16th April 2012). There were 13 students and 3 teachers involved. The ISKL students will present a dance performance in the Sun Bear Rock event in Kuala Lumpur to raise awareness on the conservation of Bornean Sun Bear. Wai Pak gave a brief introduction about the centre before leading everyone around. One of the highlights of the visit was when everyone gets to watch the sun bears foraging for food and interacting with each other in the forest enclosure. The bears got very close to the observation platform as the group was so quite, they didn’t scare the bears at all! They also made a visit to the bear house and learn of its operation. The students did a wonderful job preparing various kinds of enrichments out of used paper boxes, fruits, honey, jam, ginger plants and many other materials for the sun bears to play with. It was such a memorable day as we get to share information about the centre and also knowledge on sun bears with the teachers and students. We hope that this will be a visit to remember and we would like to take this opportunity to thank ISKL for their support towards sun bears!

ISKL students observing foraging sun bears




Wai Pak sharing information on the centre and sun bears.



Observing bear scratch mark on tree bark along boardwalk



Experiencing how it is like to be in a small confined cage



Make sure it is difficult for the bears to get the snacks inside



Drilling holes and fill them in with fruit snacks!



Spreading fruits on paper boxes for bear enrichments

ISKL team with the completed sun bear enrichments

35 Malaysian musicians raise awareness about the Bornean Sun Bears! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

35 Malaysian musicians raise awareness about the Bornean Sun Bears! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Date: April 17th 2012
By: Siew Te Wong
Latest update: 14 April 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 March 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) presents Rockin’ 4 the Environment – SUN BEAR ROCK! in conjunction with the Earth Day celebrations from 21-29 April 2012 (Editors, please note date change).

Rockin’ 4 the Environment has so far piqued the interest of animal conservationists around the world and raises vital funds and awareness for conservation and environmental education oriented NGO’s in Malaysia. So far, the program has contributed a total of RM55,000 since 2007 to its non-profit partners.
Adopt a sun bear! Get free festival pass for RM150!
Led by a group of schoolteachers and musicians, and the International School of Kuala Lumpur the weeklong festival takes place at DoPPel Kafe @ Central Market Annexe in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and aims to raise a further RM35,000 for the plight of the endangered Sun Bears in Borneo. EEASEA is working hand-in-hand with NGO partner, Bornean Sun Bears Conservation Centre based in Sandakan, Sabah. Over 35 musicians are participating in this worthy cause-related fest and they include Amir Yussof, Rafique Rashid, Free Desserters, Jerome Kugan, The Impatient Sisters and many more musicians!
Amir Yussof
Rafique Rashid will perform his ‘Sun Bear’ song
 
This year, it has also gained the support of private sector partners like marketing & event solutions company – Go International Group Sdn Bhd, venue sponsor Central Market, environmental education partner – Eco-Knights and many more.
Hall of Fame
  • 2010, DUGONG ROCK! raised RM8000+ for Kelab Alami Malaysia
  • 2009, ORANGUTAN ROCK! raised over RM27,000 for the ORANGUTAN APPEAL UK to help support and raise awareness of the plight of the endangered Orang Utan species.
  • 2008, TIGER ROCK! raised RM11,000+ for MyCat.
  • 2007, TURTLE ROCK! raised RM7000+ for SeaTru (now known as TRRG)
Besides the fundraising efforts in Malaysia by the International School of Kuala Lumpur, there will also be other fundraising activities in neighbouring regions by Jakarta International School, Sinar Mas World Academy- Jakarta, Pasir Ridge International School- Balikpapan, Kalimantan, Indonesia, Singapore American School and United World College SEA in Singapore.
Sun Bear Rocks! looks set to rock the nation this Earth Day. You could purchase a festival pass that includes a Sun Bear Adoption pack for RM150, or contribute a donation at the door for each individual event. Remember, your donation will go a long way towards environmental education! Thank you.

ROCKIN’ 4 THE ENVIRONMENT
Calendar of Events 2012

SUN BEAR ROCKS! OFFICIAL LAUNCH
Official Launch with Performances by school bands
Guest of Honour:
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (TBC)
Date: April 21, 2012
Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Venue:
Main Stage, Central Market (PASAR SENI)
Arts, Music and Fun Festival for conservation awareness co-organised by three parties: Go International Group, The Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCCC) –open to the public (suitable for families with children).
SUN BEAR ROCKS!
University Invasion! Gig & Showcase by students on campus
Date: April 22, 2012
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue:
Universiti Malaya campus & various
Cost: RM3

Awareness via Music – one day showcase event for to raise awareness about the Sun Bears coordinated by Eco-Knights for the Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCCC) –open to university & college students.

EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT
Date: 23-26 April
Time: School hours
Venue:
International School of Kuala Lumpur & various other schools
Educational workshops for conservation awareness and Sun Bear protection co-organised by EEASEA and BSBCC – open to school students.

SUN BEAR ROCK! JAZZ BLUES COUNTRY
Date: April 25, 2012
Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Venue: DoPPel Kafe Central Market Annexe
Entry: RM15 entry


Jazz, blues and country tunes sung for environmental awareness.
SUN BEAR ROCK! OPEN MIC
Date: April 26, 2012
Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Venue: DoPPel Kafe Central Market Annexe
Entry: RM5 entry

Upcoming musicians perform for environmental awareness.
SUN BEAR ROCK! BAZAAR, FREE CONCERT & AUCTION
Date: April 27, 2012
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Venue: Central Market Main Stage

All-day environmental & arts bazaar complete with educational activities, seminars and featuring local NGO’s held at Central Market – the centre of the Arts. Concert features some of KL’s biggest names in the independent music scene like Amir Yussof and Rafique Rashid. And join in the fun as we auction anything and everything! Bring something to contribute to the auction pool! ALL proceeds go to Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
SUN BEAR ROCK! CONCERT
Date: April 27, 2012
Time: 7.30 p.m. – late
Venue: DoPPel Kafe, Central Market Annexe
Cover: RM40

For one night only, this grand finale concert will feature some of the top names in the independent music scene. From rock bands to DJs, expect to rock the night away with your friends! Be sure to book early! ALL proceeds go to Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

How to participate? Attend one of the shows!
We’re also offering our popular ‘CARE FOR A SUN BEAR PACK’… PRICE INCLUDES ALL ACCESS PASS TO THE FESTIVAL, SUN BEAR ADOPTION CERTIFICATE & A LIMITED EDITION T-SHIRT!
Simply sign up by completing a form with your details and a donation of RM150 at any of the events, for your ‘Care for a Sun Bear’ pack. You’ll receive a pack of limited edition postcards of a Sun Bear family and a short story about at BSBCC, a festival pass to ALL events and a limited edition t-shirt. This is a great gift for any occasion – show you care, by helping make a real difference to Sun Bears’ lives!
PLIGHT OF THE SUN BEAR
The BSBCC is a joint project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), which is responsible for the bears, the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), which is responsible for managing forest reserves, LEAP, and spearheaded by Malayan Sun Bear researcher and conservationist Wong Siew Te. An MOU has been signed and SWD and SFD have donated all of the land needed for the BSBCC. SWD has also donated buildings and veterinary expertise. In addition, the Sabah State Government supports this project and has agreed to match all funds raised for construction of the project dollar for dollar. This partnership with the state government is critical to ensure the long-term success of the project.
Rockin’ for the Environment presents an important opportunity to promote and increase awareness of the BORNEAN SUN BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE – which will in turn help raise vital funds for the animals.
For further information visit: www.facebook.com/rockin4theenvironment
Contact:
Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA):
Kenny Peavy
earthmattersinfo@gmail.com
Bornean Sun Bears Conservation Centre (BSBCC):
Siew Te Wong
wongsiew@hotmail.com
Go International Group Sdn Bhd (Go Intl PR & Event management):
Jasmine Low
jasminelow@gointernationalgroup.com
Tel: +603 7727 0093
Mobile: +6017 623 0288

BSBCC welcome new EE officer – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

BSBCC welcome new EE officer – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

By: Siew Te Wong
Wai Pak and I finally got a new helper starting this month at BSBCC office as we welcomes our new staff, Gloria Ganang as our Environmental Education Officer who reported for duty on 9th April 2012!

Originally from Sipitang town of Sabah, Gloria has a bachelor degree in International Tropical Forestry from University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and expecting to obtain her Master’s degree in Forest ecology by the end of this year. MSc thesis is on bird species diversity in the Crocker Range Park. She has carried out various bird research projects in several areas including Klias Forest Reserve, Trusmadi Forest Reserve and Sulu-Sulawesi Islands next to Kudat and Pitas district. As a postgraduate student in the School of International Tropical Forestry of UMS, she also assists in training undergraduate students to carry out bird research in the field using the mist netting method.
Gloria is very new to the conservation of sun bears. However, being passionate about animals she is very enthusiast to learn more about the conservation of sun bears. She is looking forward to spread the words about BSBCC as a centre for the conservation and rehabilitation of sun bears. She aims to give visitors a different perspective of nature, promoting awareness of the urgent need to conserve our remaining forest areas for the continuous survival of sun bears particularly on the island of Borneo.
Welcome to the family of BSBCC. WE are all looking forward to work with you in the future!
Gloria at her desk in BSBCC office.
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4/16/12

A4 Sun Bears........ you gotta' Love em'

A4 Sun Bears........ you gotta' Love em'


For the first time ever Raleigh has been granted behind the scenes access to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Raleigh have been working here for years but have never been able to photograph or video at the secretive centre.



I filmed for 2 days on an all access pass seeing the bears inside their original cages, inside the amazing new 'Bear House' and even entering one of the bear compounds. Alpha 4 is doing amazing work at the centre and is incredibly privileged to work along side these beautiful bears.



A wonderful experience with a wonderful creature.



Video by Ed Gregory
www.thekidtravels.com

4/13/12

Breath taking photos of sun bears at BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Breath taking photos of sun bears at BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text By Siew Te Wong
Photos by Chris Bray
By now you should at least know what a sun bear look like. If not, here is a good chance for you to learn and see how they look like, how pretty they are, and how special these little known bear species are.
Chris Bray http://www.chrisbray.net/) is on assignment to photograph and write about the Bornean’s rarest animals including the sun bears. He visited us yesterday and today, and took the following photos of our rescued sun bears at BSBCC.
Ladies and gentleman, I present you the Bornean sun bears, the forgotten bears!


The Sun Bear – the 'forgotten bear' – the smallest and least known of the 8 bear species – needs our help! One of 25 rescued sun bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre merrily enjoying a taste of life in the outdoors – Sepilok, Sabah,


Thanks Chris! Great job on these photos!