Sandakan Baptist Church Kindergarten Visit

Thank you Sandakan Baptist Church Kindergarten for visiting us this morning!

A total of 31 students aged 6 years old, accompanied by 6 teachers came to visit and get to see the sun bears foraging and climbing trees in the enclosures.

The students also participate in the "spot the animals" activity around the observation platform area. We hope the kids had a great fun learning about sun bears and the animals in our forest!

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐨

Text by Tomomi Sakairi (APE Malaysia Volunteer)

I had always been interested in learning about the behaviors animals display in the wild, as my previous research experience had focused mainly on animals in laboratory settings. When I discovered BSBCC and APE Malaysia and learned about their work in sun bear rehabilitation and conservation, I knew I wanted to become involved in wildlife conservation. This motivated me to join the programme as a volunteer from Japan.

My favorite activity at BSBCC was feeding the sun bears outdoors. I learned that every bear has its own way of eating, and that their food preferences can vary as well. Observing these individual differences made me even more interested in understanding their behavior.

I particularly enjoyed observing how the bears interacted with their environment. Some bears climbed trees to rest or sleep during the hot daytime, while others did not. I wondered why. One of the bear keepers explained that some of the sun bears at BSBCC had been separated from their mothers when they were still cubs. As a result, they may have missed important opportunities to learn natural survival skills from their mothers, such as climbing trees, foraging for food, and responding to competition from other animals.

Through my volunteer experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in rehabilitating sun bears. Although many efforts have been made to prepare them for a return to the wild, successful rehabilitation and release remain challenging. There is still so much we do not know about sun bears and their natural behavior.

This experience made me think about what I can do for sun bears as a human being. Perhaps the first step is simply to learn, understand, and share what happens to sun bears as a result of human activities—something that everyone can contribute to.

One of the challenges I faced was feeding the bears outdoors. At first, I found it physically demanding to carry the food while walking along the slopes. However, I gradually became more accustomed to it day by day. I also learned why it is important to place food in different locations: doing so encourages the bears to explore their surroundings and search for their food, allowing them to express more natural behaviours. Eventually, what was once challenging became my favorite activity.

I feel honored to have had the opportunity to volunteer with BSBCC and APE Malaysia and to learn from the people working to protect sun bears. This experience has given me a new perspective on wildlife conservation and the importance of understanding animal behaviour. I hope that, together, we can continue to make a difference for sun bears and their future.

A little bear pose with the staff.

Who knew a few sticks could be so interesting? “Stick Paradox” gives the bears something to figure out, explore, and interact with — keeping their minds active even when they’re in the Bear House

A handsome Fulung who is always ready for food. Give him some fruit, and suddenly, the whole world becomes his buffet!

This is Romolina.

If I could introduce one sun bear to the world, I’d introduce her.

She enjoys climbing trees every day — doing what comes naturally to a sun bear. From exploring the branches to moving through the trees with confidence, Romolina gives us a glimpse of what life looks like when a sun bear is given the space to express its natural behaviours.

I’d love to share more of these moments with you — the real behaviours, curiosity, and little adventures that make sun bears so special.

This is Romolina, just being a sun bear.

Sandakan Baptist Church Kindergarten Visit

This morning (26 Aug 2026), we had the pleasure of visiting Sandakan Baptist Church Kindergarten for an awareness programme, where our Environmental Education Officer, gave a short talk about sun bears and the importance of protecting them and their natural habitat.

The students were excited and enthusiastic throughout the session, and had the opportunity to explore our exhibition and learn more about sun bear.

We hope today’s programme has helped the children discover more about sun bears, understand why they matter, and inspire them to care for wildlife and nature from a young age.

Tadika KEMAS Taman Gum-Gum Visit

We were visited today by a group of kindergarten students from Tadika KEMAS Taman Gum-Gum. The group was initially briefed on safety precautions, and they were ‘tasked’ to identify wildlife observed around. A few bears showed up, and the kids became overjoyed, especially when one of them, Romolina, climbed up a nearby tree. The visit wrapped up with a session of group photos with the kids. Indeed, it was really nice to meet up with them. Thank you for the visit, and see you again!

A Journey of Unplanned Memory and Unexpected Goodbyes

Hi everyone, my name is Edryana Samantha but most people call me Sam.

If I am being completely honest, I admit that my mindset was purely practical. As a Tourism Management student from Kolej Vokasional Sandakan 2, my primary goal was simply to complete my required industrial training and get over my study requirements. I expected long hours, routine tasks and a standard internship experience that would end with a polite handshake. What I never could have anticipated that step by step and day by day was actually this centre in Sepilok would slowly capture my heart so deeply, turning a simple academic requirement into an emotionally rich and life-changing chapter that makes saying goodbye one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

Taking selfie picture with Romolina as she’s busy searching for breakfast

From my very first day stepping into the centre, the quiet dedication of this centre began to reshape my entire perspective. Until this day, I was assigned to the Environmental Education unit where I spent my days on observation platforms, guiding local and international visitors, interpreting sun bear behaviors and sharing the sobering realities of wildlife threats. I transitioned from a quiet student unsure of her footing into a passionate voice for conservation and diligently spreading awareness on behalf of the sun bears. Every smile from a child discovering sun bears for the first time, every meaningful conversation with a traveler and every quiet moment spent watching the bears climb and forage filled me with a profound sense of purpose I had never felt before.

I capture Fulung’s picture on the tree through the spotting scope 

Behind all of my growth was a team of extraordinary people who quickly became my family away from home. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Mdm. Risnayati, and the Founder and CEO of BSBCC, Dr. Wong Siew Te, for their unwavering trust, wisdom and patience. My heart also goes out to the entire Environmental Education team, the shop staff, the bear care unit and every dedicated individual at BSBCC who embraced me with open arms. You didn't just teach me how to adapt to the professional world but you showed me the purpose of everything we do and the result from the smallest beginning to the biggest impact.

The best Environmental Education Unit team ever

My internship journey was further enriched when I had the opportunity to work directly with the Bear Care Unit. Stepping behind the scenes, I was involved in the essential daily routines of bear conservation from preparing food and feeding, tracking health conditions and assembling enrichment toys for the bears. Though my time at the Bear House was short, the impact it left on me was immense. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the bear keepers and to my buddy, Azwie, who walked alongside me every step of the way. He guided me through every task with so much care, helping me adapt quickly and making my time at the Bear House one of the absolute highlights of my entire 5 months and 2 weeks

Got to touch Kudat on his health check up

The Amazing Bear Care Unit

Looking back, BSBCC gave me far more than just work experience or academic credit, it gave me precious, irreplaceable memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. What started as just a place to complete my studies became the very place that taught me who I want to be. Leaving this sanctuary, the incredible staff and the resilient sun bears feels like leaving a piece of my soul behind in this centre. Thank you, BSBCC, for showing me that conservation is not just a career path, but a lifelong commitment of the heart. This isn't just the end of an internship but instead it is a journey I will cherish forever.

A Journey I Will Always Remember

Hello everyone! My name is Nurul Nafiqah, and I am a Diploma in Tourism Management student from Kolej Vokasional Sandakan 2 (KVS2). I had the opportunity to complete my internship at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). Honestly, I came here to gain work experience, but I never expected to gain so many memories, friendships, laughter, and unforgettable moments along the way.

My First Day at BSBCC

A Memorable Guiding Experience

My favorite Sun Bear “Nano”

During my internship, I mainly worked at the Observation Platform, where I met many local and international visitors. I learned how to communicate with different people, guide visitors, answer questions, observe sun bears and other wildlife, and even use a spotting scope. Some days were busy, some were tiring, but there was always something new and interesting to learn.

Memories from the Observation Platform

Sharing the story of sun bear

One of my most meaningful experiences was spending two weeks at the Bear House. I learned how to prepare food, clean the enclosures, prepare enrichment, and help take care of the sun bears every day. I also joined International Sun Bear Day, outreach programmes, exhibitions, Youth Camp on Climate Change, and my Educational Video Series project. These experiences helped me grow, become more confident, and understand the importance of teamwork.

A Collection of Memories I Will Always Treasure

But honestly, the best part of my internship was the people. Throughout my time at BSBCC, I realised that the staff are not only hardworking but also very friendly, kind, funny, and welcoming. Everyone made me feel comfortable, even when I was still new. There were stressful days, tiring days, and “I need a break” days HAHAHAH, but somehow there was always someone to make me laugh. (GONNA MISS YOU ALLZZZ>>)

Special Memories with the BSBCC Team

A special thank you to Dr. Wong Siew Te, Founder and CEO of BSBCC, for sharing his knowledge and experiences with us. His passion for sun bear conservation inspired me to understand more about wildlife and the importance of protecting nature.

A Meaningful Knowledge-Sharing Session with Dr. Wong Siew Te

A big thank you to my supervisor, Pn. Risnayati Lammu, for her guidance, patience, and support throughout my internship. Thank you for always teaching me and giving me the opportunity to learn and improve. I am also very thankful to everyone in the Environmental Education Unit for all the guidance, advice, help, and fun moments. Thank you for making my internship a memorable one.

Appreciation to My Supervisor and Team

To all the BSBCC staff from different units, thank you for being so friendly, kind, and always making the workplace more enjoyable. Especially the Maintenance team, who were always full of jokes, and the Ticketing staff, who loved teasing me just to make me laugh! HAHAHAHAHA. Thank you for all the funny moments, random jokes, and memories that made my internship even more fun.

To Jennifer Andrew, Nurul Haslinda, and Noryusriani, thank you for always making me laugh, sharing jokes, and supporting me during stressful and difficult days. You made my internship more fun and full of happy memories. I also want to thank Aunty Rospinah, who always kept me company and made me feel comfortable during my time at BSBCC. Last but not least, a very special thank you to Haniff who I see as an older brother during my internship. Thank you for always helping, supporting, and making my days more enjoyable. Really appreciate all the memories and good times!

And of course, Neallll, my Bear House buddy, thank you for all the help and guidance! Even though you were on leave quite a lot during my time at the Bear House, you were still the BEST BUDDYYY EVVERRR! ! ! !  HAHHAHAHHHAHA

And lastly, to my internship buddies, Sam and Nana thank you for being there through the tired days, stressful moments, and endless laughter. You both made this journey so much easier and more meaningful. We came as interns, but we leave as friends with memories I will always treasure. I will truly miss you both. Until we meet again, my partners in crime! LOVE BOTH OF UUU>>>>

Memories with My Internship Buddies, Sam and Nana.

Leaving BSBCC is honestly bittersweet. I am happy to move forward, but at the same time, I know I will miss the people, the bears, the platform, the random conversations, the laughter, and all the little moments that made this place special.I came here as an intern, but I am leaving with new skills, unforgettable memories, and people I will always remember.

Thank you, BSBCC, for the memories, the lessons, the laughter, and for making these five months and two weeks so special. LOVE BSBCC! ! !

“The internship may be over, but the memories will always be part of my story. Until we meet again, BSBCC!”

My Journey Among the Sun Bears

Hello, everyone! My name is Nadzirah, but everyone calls me Nana. I’m an intern from Kolej Vokasional Sandakan 2, currently pursuing a Diploma in Tourism Management. It’s been 22 weeks since I started my internship at BSBCC, and honestly, so many days, so many stories, and so many memories….I never expected this internship to become such a special part of my life.

Throughout my internship, I had the chance to meet so many amazing people… the wonderful staff, fellow interns, volunteers, and of course, visitors from different places. I got to interact with visitors, guide them around the centre, learn how to care for the sun bears, and spend so much time observing and spotting different wildlife. Every day brought something new. Sometimes it was exciting, sometimes tiring, sometimes completely unexpected, but somehow, every experience gave me something to remember. Along the way, I gained new knowledge, made new friends, became more confident, and experienced things I never thought I would. Most importantly, I was genuinely happy and enjoyed coming to work every day. Looking back, I’m really grateful that I got the opportunity to experience all of this.

Taking a picture with the staff on Sari and Calvin's last day

Selfie with Dr. Wong Siew Te also with the interns and volunteers after having a session

Picture with Sakurako before she returned to Japan

And then… I MET OLIOZZZ!! NO TUHAU, NO POWER! HAHAHA! This was definitely one of the most unexpected and unforgettable moments of my internship. Oli was visiting Sandakan for a four-day trip, and of course, he came to Sepilok to visit the orangutans and our beloved Bornean sun bears. When we realised he was there, my friend Calvin and I were honestly SO shy to ask him for a selfie. We were basically standing there trying to convince ourselves to just go and ask. But somehow, we finally gathered the courage and WE MADE IT HAPPEN! HAHAHAHA. It was such a small moment, but definitely one that made my internship story a whole lot more fun and memorable.

Selfie with Oliozzz

Another huge highlight of my internship was my mini project. Seeing the project that I worked on finally completed and successfully used was honestly such a rewarding feeling. But this achievement wasn’t mine alone. Throughout the whole process, I received so much help, guidance, ideas, advice, and encouragement from the staff. Whenever I was stuck or unsure about something, there was always someone willing to help me. So, to everyone who contributed to my mini project in one way or another, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I truly appreciate every bit of help and support you gave me. Seeing the final result made all the effort, stress, and time spent on it completely worth it.

My mini project: Sun Bear Life Cycle Wheel

Looking back, this internship was never just about completing my On-the-Job-Training or collecting experience for my studies. It became a journey filled with people, laughter, challenges, learning, unexpected moments, wildlife encounters, and memories that I know I’ll carry with me for a very long time. I came here as an intern, but I’m leaving with new knowledge, new friendships, new experiences, and a heart full of memories.

Picture with Bear House staff

Picture with staffs and friends during the Pre-International Sun Bear Day

Picture during health check of Kudat

To everyone at BSBCC, the staff, interns, volunteers, and everyone who crossed paths with me during these 22 weeks…Thank you for being part of my journey. Thank you for teaching me, helping me, supporting me, laughing with me, and making my internship experience so much more meaningful than I ever expected.

Picture of me after stamping my fingerprint on the board

Picture with my Buddy, Izlan after successfully setting up the enrichment for Chin

My favourite sun bear, Fulung

Thank you, BSBCC, for everything. This may be the end of my internship, but the memories I made here will always be a special chapter in my life.

Rest In Peace, Soo. We will miss you dearly!

Soo arrived at the BSBCC on the 8th September 2017 after being rescued from captivity. She had been sold for just RM350 at the Sook market in Karamatoi village when she was only a cub. For two years, she was kept as a house pet in Nambayan village, Tambunan. Soo was one of the lucky ones. She was rescued and given a second chance, but like many of the bears in our care, she was deprived of what every young sun bear deserves - the opportunity to grow up alongside her mother.

The effects of her early life in captivity were evident in her behavior. Even the slightest stress, such as a loud noise, could trigger anxious pacing. Progress was slow, but over time, Soo began to adapt. To support her rehabilitation, she was gradually introduced to three other young bears: Sika, Kina, and BJ. Although she remained wary of her keepers, the companionship of other bears helped her become more relaxed and confident. The once-anxious bear slowly transformed into one who eagerly explored the forest enclosures and enjoyed spending time with Kina, her companion.

Sadly, Soo's story came to an unexpected end. One evening, she did not return to her cage from the forest enclosure. While this was not unusual for her, as she occasionally chose to spend the night outside, her keepers became concerned when they were unable to locate her. The following morning, during a routine fence inspection, they discovered her body.

A post-mortem examination revealed blunt trauma to the cervical and thoracic regions. Based on these findings, it is believed that Soo may have suffered a fall that resulted in her passing. Although her time with us was cut short, we take comfort in knowing that she spent her final years surrounded by the forest, with the freedom to climb, explore, and experience life as a sun bear once again.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, donors, volunteers, and everyone who has stood by us throughout our journey. Your continued support allows us to provide rescued sun bears like Soo with a second chance at life and the opportunity to experience the forest once more.

Thank you for loving Soo and for being part of her story.

Rest in peace, Soo. We will miss you dearly.

𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬: 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

Text by Calista Myra Mathew (UNIMAS Intern)

One of the bears who left a lasting impression on me was Logan. He’s curious, adventurous, and has a personality all his own. After a difficult start in life, Logan found a new home at BSBCC, where he continues to explore his surroundings and do things in his own way. Life hasn’t always been easy for him, but he never stops trying.

I joined this volunteer programme because I’ve always loved wildlife and wanted to do more than just learn about conservation in class. I wanted to experience it firsthand, get my hands dirty, and play a part in caring for the sun bears.

One of my favorite moments was seeing the bears enjoy the enrichment I made. Watching them play, explore, and interact with something I had worked on was incredibly rewarding.

Of course, there were challenges, especially getting used to the physical work and daily routine. But I learned to stay positive, ask for help when I needed it, and work together with the team. Eventually, it all became part of the adventure.

Throughout the programme, I learned so much about sun bears — their behavior, individual personalities, and the challenges they face in the wild. It made me realise how much effort goes into conservation and giving these bears a second chance.

This experience has changed me in many good ways. I feel more confident, responsible, and even more passionate about protecting wildlife. I’m leaving BSBCC with great memories, new friends, and an even stronger love for sun bears.

A coconut to keep curious Logan busy.

Putting together a little birthday-style surprise for one of the bears.

When you find a branch that looks like it belongs in an action movie but a great find for bear enrichment!

A little rain didn’t stop us from getting the work done.

Making sure there’s something for all 40+ bears to enjoy.

A meaningful sharing session with Dr. Wong Siew Te and plenty of new things to learn about sun bears and conservation.

13th International Malaysia Spine Society Scientific Congress 2026

We were honoured to represent the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) at the 13th International Malaysia Spine Society Scientific Congress 2026!

It was a great opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals and organisations, share our conservation work, and raise awareness about sun bears and the importance of protecting our forests.

Thank you to the Malaysia Spine Society for having us, and to everyone who stopped by our booth!

Mr. David H. Gamble, Jr., Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur visit

We were honoured to welcome Mr. David H. Gamble, Jr., Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre today.

Guided by our Founder and CEO, Dr Wong Siew Te, the visit provided an opportunity to learn more about our work in sun bear conservation, rehabilitation and education, as well as the importance of protecting the wider ecosystem and the rich biodiversity of Borneo.

Thank you for visiting us, Mr. Gamble, we hope to welcome you back again in the future!

H.E. Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh, New Zealand High Commissioner, and H.E. Julian Tollestrup, Deputy High Commissioner Visit

We were honoured to welcome H.E. Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh, New Zealand High Commissioner, and H.E. Julian Tollestrup, Deputy High Commissioner, to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Guided by our Founder and CEO, Dr Wong Siew Te, the visit offered an opportunity to learn more about our efforts in sun bear conservation and rehabilitation, as well as our commitment to protecting the wider ecosystem and the interconnectedness of nature.

Thank you for visiting us. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share our journey and our conservation efforts!

SMK Kanibungan, Pitas Visit

We were happy to welcome the students and teachers of SMK Kanibungan, Pitas for a day of learning, exploring, and getting to know more about our rescued sun bears.

Thank you for spending your day with us!

Minister of Home Affairs Visit

Today, we welcomed the Minister of Home Affairs, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, together with a delegation of foreign representatives.

The delegation was personally guided by Dr. Wong Siew Te, who shared stories about our sun bears while taking them through some of our infographic boards. The visit continued to the observation platforms, where they had the opportunity to see our sun bears in their forested surroundings.They even got a chance to spot Romolina, peacefully sleeping on a tree.

Thank you for visiting us! We truly appreciate your time and interest in our sun bear conservation efforts.

Minister of Home Affairs Visit

Today, we welcomed the Minister of Home Affairs, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, together with a delegation of foreign representatives.

The delegation was personally guided by Dr. Wong Siew Te, who shared stories about our sun bears while taking them through some of our infographic boards. The visit continued to the observation platforms, where they had the opportunity to see our sun bears in their forested surroundings.They even got a chance to spot Romolina, peacefully sleeping on a tree.

Thank you for visiting us! We truly appreciate your time and interest in our sun bear conservation efforts.