Describe the problem that your project aims to address and why it’s important.

Gerik is located adjacent to the Belum–Temengor rainforest complex, one of Malaysia’s richest biodiversity landscapes. However, many local youth—particularly those from underprivileged and rural backgrounds—have limited access to structured scientific exposure, mentorship, and hands-on biodiversity training. While interest in nature and outdoor activities exists, opportunities to learn professional research methods, insect ecology, and environmental science pathways are scarce.

This creates an exposure gap:
Youth live near extraordinary biodiversity, yet they rarely see themselves as future scientists, conservationists, or eco-guides.

Without early access to knowledge, skills, and confidence-building experiences, rural youth may miss opportunities in higher education, environmental careers, and sustainable livelihood pathways. In a region increasingly influenced by environmental pressures and development, empowering local youth to understand and appreciate biodiversity is not only educational—it is strategic for long-term conservation stewardship.

Bridging this gap is essential to ensure that the next generation from Gerik is not merely living beside the forest, but becoming informed custodians of it.
 

Explain the purpose and goals of your project, including how it will benefit the community.

The “Light & Insects: Entomology Camp for Gerik Youth” aims to provide structured, hands-on exposure to professional insect study and biodiversity research techniques for underprivileged rural youth.

The purpose of the project is to:

1. Increase scientific exposure among Gerik youth through theory and practical field training in entomology.

2. Build confidence and environmental awareness by allowing participants to conduct real field sampling and documentation.

3. Inspire future pathways in science, conservation, eco-guiding, and higher education.

Through a 3-day immersive camp guided by professionals, participants will learn insect ecology fundamentals, ethical sampling methods, light-trapping techniques, and basic identification skills. They will also gain experience in recording scientific data and understanding the importance of biodiversity in ecosystem health.

Community benefits include:

• Increased environmental literacy among local youth

• Greater appreciation for the Belum–Temengor ecosystem

• Strengthened youth leadership and teamwork skills

• Creation of a small but meaningful biodiversity documentation output

• Development of a local youth pipeline for future conservation initiatives

By empowering youth with knowledge and exposure, the project contributes to long-term community resilience and environmental stewardship.

Why is it important that My Starfish Foundation and the public to support this project?

Support from My Starfish Foundation and the public is crucial because this initiative addresses an opportunity gap that often goes unnoticed in rural communities: access to professional scientific exposure.

Small grants can create transformational moments for youth who otherwise may never experience structured field research training. With modest funding, the project can provide transportation support, learning materials, field equipment, and mentorship access that remove barriers for underprivileged participants.

Public and foundation support also signals that rural youth potential matters—that curiosity, talent, and interest deserve investment regardless of geographic or socioeconomic background.

By supporting this project, My Starfish Foundation is not only funding a camp; it is investing in:

• Youth confidence

• Environmental awareness

• Community-based conservation

• Equal access to opportunity

Sometimes, it only takes one exposure experience to change how a young person sees their future.

Vision

To inspire and empower a new generation of environmentally conscious youth who actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management in Malaysia.

Mission

1. To increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity conservation among underprivileged youth through experiential learning and environmental education.
2. To provide hands-on exposure to scientific research and conservation practices, particularly in entomology, ecology, and tropical rainforest ecosystems.
3. To cultivate environmental stewardship and leadership skills among participants, enabling them to become advocates for nature conservation within their communities.
4. To bridge the gap between youth and conservation institutions by creating opportunities for interaction with researchers, conservation practitioners, and local stakeholders.
5. To promote appreciation of Malaysia's natural heritage, especially the biodiversity of the Belum-Temengor landscape and surrounding forest ecosystems.

Project Objectives

• Educate at least 30 underprivileged youths aged 15–21 on biodiversity conservation concepts and practices.
• Introduce participants to insect diversity, light trapping techniques, and basic ecological research methods.
• Enhance participants' knowledge of rainforest ecosystems through field-based learning activities.
• Develop teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills through group activities and conservation challenges.
• Encourage long-term youth involvement in environmental and conservation initiatives through mentorship and networking opportunities.

1. Activities at UMK-TRaCe, Pulau Banding (First Night)

• Introduction and Familiarization Session: Participants will be briefed about the UMK-TRaCe research center and undergo an ice-breaking session to get to know each other. 
• Entomological Interpretation: A learning session in the library to learn about insect species and identification methods.
• Insect Assessment and Night Walk: Participants will be exposed to the method of installing light traps and data collection techniques in the field.
• Night Field Survey: Actively carry out insect hunting activities with experts starting at 7:45 pm until the session ends at 3:00 am.

2. Activities at TRCRC, Titiwangsa (Second Night)

• Location Transfer: Participants move from Pulau Banding to the Titiwangsa Range area to explore different ecosystems.
• Light Trap Installation: Install light traps at the TRCRC camping area.
• Insect Monitoring and Herping: Collecting data from light traps and performing herping activities (looking for reptiles/amphibians) at night.
• Collaborative Data Collection: Participants engage in data sharing to strengthen collaboration between the citizen science community and research institutions.

3. Closing Activities and Citizen Science

• Closing Ceremony: Held at the BDC Hall, UMK-TRaCe on the last day before the program ends completely at 12:00 noon.
• Data Integration: Strengthening collaboration through sharing data that has been collected over the two nights of the activity.

Expected Impact on the Community

The “Light & Insects: Entomology Camp for Gerik Youth” aims to create meaningful educational and environmental impact by increasing scientific exposure and environmental awareness among rural youth in Gerik.

The project seeks to:

• Strengthen youth understanding of biodiversity and insect ecology

• Increase confidence in participating in scientific and field-based activities

• Encourage interest in conservation, higher education, and environmental careers

• Build a foundation for long-term youth involvement in biodiversity stewardship

By empowering youth who live near the Belum–Temengor rainforest with practical scientific skills, the project contributes to nurturing informed and confident future custodians of their local ecosystem.