Sun Bear Initiative Program Shines Light on Conservation Efforts

In a significant step towards preserving the delicate ecological balance of our planet, The Red Heroes, MBA students from UKM-GSB, proudly hosted the Sun Bear Initiative Program on August 19, 2023, at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sandakan, Sabah. This initiative, undertaken as part of their MBA project, aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need for sun bear conservation.

With the environment facing numerous challenges, the Sun Bear Initiative Program served as a beacon of hope by bringing together a diverse group of individuals who shared a common goal – safeguarding the unique biodiversity of Sabah. A total of 40 volunteers from FELDA, FGV, and UKM-GSB united their efforts in this noble cause, emphasizing the power of collaboration in tackling complex environmental issues. 

One of the primary objectives of the program was to create widespread awareness about the plight of sun bears, the smallest bear species and a crucial component of the rainforest ecosystem. The participants engaged in hands-on activities, crafting enrichments in the form of toys made from branches, honey, and peanut butter, enhancing the lives of these magnificent creatures while learning about their significance.

The Sun Bear Initiative Program received a significant boost from its generous sponsors, FELDA and FGV, who collectively contributed RM15,000. This sponsorship is earmarked for supporting vital research and educational activities at the BSBCC. Their support not only underscores the private sector's commitment to environmental conservation but also highlights the growing recognition of the importance of corporate social responsibility in preserving our natural heritage.

Beyond FELDA and FGV, additional sponsorship emerged from diverse quarters, including the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), Koperasi Co-opbank Pertama Malaysia Berhad, and enthusiastic members of the community. The collective generosity: both in monetary and non-monetary terms represents the spirit of shared responsibility that underscores such initiatives.

​The Sun Bear Initiative Program aligned its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) Asia Headquarters hosted by Sunway University and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS), amplified the program's reach and impact, symbolizing a unified commitment across various sectors towards sustainable advancement.

Remarkably, FELDA and FGV have demonstrated their unwavering dedication to the cause by pledging to sustain this effort for another several years. This commitment speaks volumes about their dedication to the environment and their belief in the program's potential to effect lasting change. The Sun Bear Initiative Program is not merely a one-time event; it represents an ongoing movement that seeks to inspire others and drive continuous action. 

The success of the Sun Bear Initiative Program showcases how grassroots efforts, boosted by the support of stakeholders, can make a tangible impact on conservation. It serves as a reminder that every individual has a role to play in protecting our planet's biodiversity. As we reflect on the accomplishments of the Sun Bear Initiative Program, let us remember that true transformation begins with awareness and action. The Red Heroes, along with their dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and partners, have ignited a spark of change that has the potential to grow into a wildfire of conservation consciousness. The Sun Bear Initiative Program stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion and purpose converge in the pursuit of a better world. 


Prepared by:
Muhammad Amiruddin Roselan
Project Director
The Red Heroes Team
MBA Students @ UKM- Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB)