At Genting Nature Adventures (GNA), science isn’t an afterthought. It’s the backbone of the organisation.

From crafting biodiversity-led visitor experiences to ensuring every trail is more than just a stroll in the woods, scientists play a crucial role in shaping GNA’s vision: creating bio-knowledgeable vacationers.

Mr. Eddie Chan, Department Manager of Genting Nature Adventures, said, “In our endeavour to pioneer the growth of biodiversity knowledge-based tourism in Genting Highlands, Genting Nature Adventures hires a team of young full-time scientists to build credibility and depth across the spectrum of its scope of work and activities in preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant biodiversity assets found in Genting Highlands.

GNA also collaborates with various authorities, academia and field experts to support this giant effort to maintain and sustain the ecological balance between responsible development, enjoying a shared landscape with wildlife, and promoting nature-related tourism activities for our large base of tourists.”

“Here at GNA, we want to lead with science,” shares Ipohite Lim Wing Yun (Wing), a 26-year-old environmental studies graduate from Universiti Malaya. She joined GNA first as an intern and is now a full-time scientist with the team.

“Conservation is more than saving one species. It’s about understanding entire ecosystems. And that takes science,” she said.

Wing’s work is rooted in education and engagement. She helps guests connect deeply with Genting Highlands’ rich biodiversity, weaving in stories of flora and fauna alongside GNA’s environmental initiatives.

scientist Wing shares a fun fact with guests about drunken butterflies – have you ever seen them fly straight?

Scientists like her also ensure the organisation’s efforts are grounded in evidence-based practices. “With a scientific team onboard, our decision-making prioritises the well-being of the environment. We don’t just offer activities. Instead, we offer understanding,” she added.

This holistic approach taken by GNA requires a team of scientists with the right expertise. With their scientific backgrounds, Wing and her fellow scientist colleague Nur Najmin ensure that environmental well-being always comes first in every decision made. This commitment, they believe, directly enhances the visitor experience.

“When scientists guide activities, guests gain far more than just fun facts. They walk away with deeper, more meaningful insights into the ecosystem and their role in protecting it,” Wing stressed.

Nur, who joined GNA as a scientist a year ago, focuses on applying scientific knowledge to real-world conservation and education. Her role involves conducting biodiversity surveys, analysing ecological data, supporting species monitoring efforts, and developing science-based educational content.

scientist Nur Najmin demonstrates the real-world use of the SmartForest mobile app to her customers

“As scientists, we ensure the knowledge shared is not only accurate but relevant to Genting Highlands’ unique ecosystem,” she says.

For Nur, it all comes back to connecting people with nature. “We want our guests to leave with more than just good photos. We want them to gain awareness, appreciation, and a lasting connection to the biodiversity around them.”

Life at GNA is not just about trail walks. GNA’s scientists develop ESG training modules, collaborate with local universities, and turn technical research into compelling narratives for visitors. Their ability to blend rigorous science with public-friendly storytelling is what transforms GNA into more than an eco-tourism centre. GNA is a living, growing, knowledge-based biodiversity academy.

Naturalists Bridge Science and the Public

If scientists build the framework, graduate resident naturalists bring it to life. Resident Naturalist Executives at GNA are young conservationists who apply their academic backgrounds in hands-on ways. They work the trails, engage with guests, manage habitats, and bring a personal touch to every nature walk.

Resident Naturalist Executive Chris transplants chilli seedlings into bigger pots

Chris Low Hui Jie from Selangor calls herself more of a hands-on learner than a paperwork person. “I love collecting and preserving insect and plant specimens. That’s how I contribute to GNA, by making our biodiversity inventory richer and more accessible.”

Resident Naturalist Executive Yen explains about the Serow (Mountain Goat) that lives in the forest near Chin Swee Temple

Boey Yen Li, originally from Sabah, brings visual storytelling into the fold. “I guide guests, but I also create magazines and posters. With my skills in Canva, I support our conservation messages visually, because some people learn best through images.”

Resident Naturalist Executive Min (R) during a trail walk at Awana Trail

Meanwhile, Mohamad Muhaymin Bin Mohammad Zakri, from Pahang, maintains the trails, ensures the safety of guests, and manages contract workers. For him, what sets GNA apart is ownership. “We manage our own land. That gives us the freedom to apply our ideas and test conservation strategies that we studied in university.”

In a world where environmental issues can seem far away or hard to grasp, these naturalists make it real through every walk, every conversation, and every visitor they meet. They are proof that conservation isn’t just a research-based discipline. It’s also about adaptability, people skills, and passion.

Interns: Learning While Contributing

At GNA, interns are far more than observers. They are woven into the very fabric of day-to-day operations. Coming from conservation and biodiversity backgrounds, they arrive eager to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a living, breathing rainforest.

GNA’s 3rd batch of interns (L-R) Iman, Afiqah, Shah Danial, Venisha & Misha

Whether guiding guests along interpretative trails, assisting with ecological fieldwork, or supporting the creation of educational materials, interns also play a vital role at GNA.

intern Afiqah (in mask taking photo) and her colleagues learn about plants from GNA Department Manager Mr. Eddie Chan

Besides helping to maintain GNA’s facilities, they participate in planting and habitat restoration activities and support guest engagement during corporate green bonding programmes or other events. This hands-on exposure builds both confidence and competence, offering a rare chance to experience conservation work in a real-world setting.

intern Shah Danial (L) assists birders during an organised birdwatching activity

The internship programme also encourages critical thinking and creativity. Interns contribute ideas for biodiversity-education activities, help design infographics, and even support digital outreach, all while deepening their understanding of Genting Highlands’ unique montane ecosystem.

intern Iman narrates the story of a black panther captured in camera trap inside Awana Biopark

The five interns from the third batch – Afiqah, Iman, Shah Danial, Mysha, and Venisha – express a strong sense of purpose, recognising that their efforts contribute to a greater mission. It’s not just about learning; it’s about being part of something bigger. In return, GNA provides mentorship, structure, and a collaborative environment that empowers young minds to grow into future conservation leaders.

nature meets creativity: Misha (R) makes pitcher plant resin art with Afiqah

intern Venisha ties up wild orchids from the forest on a rod for Ex-situ conservation

As stated in their group reflection: “We’re not just learning, we’re contributing. We support the team, help streamline activities and offer new perspectives.”

A Science-Driven Future

Everything at GNA is anchored by one belief: conservation must be proactive, not reactive. That’s why GNA’s motto of S.A.V.E. for See, Appreciate, Value, Educate, resonates through every trail, programme, and poster.

scientist Wing shares with guests about the amphibians and reptiles that can be found in the Genting Highlands forest and some facts of their diet and lifestyle

GNA aims to expand its scientific team, collaborate with institutions such as PERHILITAN (Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia) and FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), and establish satellite basecamps throughout the Resorts World network. These centres will offer research opportunities, eco-education, and deeper engagement with local biodiversity.

It’s exciting to envision how scientists, graduate naturalists and interns with science-related studies at GNA are laying the groundwork for a biodiversity-led tourism model, one that could influence similar efforts within Genting Highlands, ripple across Malaysia, and eventually shape conservation-driven tourism throughout Southeast Asia.