Meet Our Crew

The BSBCC has 28 dedicated full-time staff who run and assist in the centre's operation. They rise to the challenge of taking care of the welfare of 43 sun bears and 1 captive born, have a lot of fun too!

Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te, D. J. N
​CEO and Founder of BSBCC

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Dr. (Hon) Wong Siew Te, founded the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in 2008 and is the drive behind the project. Wong, one of the few Malaysian wildlife biologists who was trained in Taiwan and U.S.A., has been studying and working on the ecological conservation of the sun bear since 1998. His pioneer studies of sun bears in the Bornean rainforest have taken him into the most threatened wildlife habitat on Earth, where field work is exceedingly difficult.  

Witness to many captive bears - cubs and adults - kept in small cages, unhygienic and often disgusting conditions in zoos, farms, private menageries, and private homes - almost all of them suffering from serious stereotypic behaviours:  relentless pacing and circling, obsessive licking and other disturbing behaviours. 

Seeing sun bears in these dreadful captive conditions combined with his 'animal welfare and veterinary' education and his love for sun bears, Wong was inspired to set up the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in 2008.

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​"I am determined to help Bornean sun bears. The challenge is huge, and I cannot do this alone. I need help, support and allies. Every voice counts and together we can make a difference."   
Dr. Wong Siew Te, CEO & Founder of BSBCC

Wong's Profile

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wong_Siew_Te

Email: wongsiew@hotmail.com

Profession: 
Wildlife Biologist, Tropical Forest Ecologist & Sun Bear Expert; CEO & Founder, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Nationality: Malaysian

Born: 1969 

Raised: Penang, northern Peninsular Malaysia.  

Education: 
  • Primary School: Kin Sen Primary School, Bukit Mertakam, Penang, Malaysia (1976-1981)
  • Secondary School: Jit Sin High School, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia (1982-1987)
  • Diploma, Animal Science & Veterinary, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pintung County, Taiwan, R.O.C. (1989-1992)
  • Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Biology, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, U.S.A.  (1994-1997)
  • Master of Science, Wildlife Biology, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, U.S.A.   (1998-2002)
  • Philosophy of Doctor (Incomplete). Fish and Wildlife Biology, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, U.S.A.   (2002-2011).
  • Honorary Doctor of the University. University of Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.  

Awards and Recognition

2017    Wira Negaraku, recognized as “My Country Hero”; Prime Minister Office, Federal Government of          
            Malaysia.
2016    Honorary Award of Doctor of the University. University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
2016    Nominee, Merdeka Award (Environment Category)
2015    Nature World Heroes, November 2015. 
            http://www.naturalworldsafaris.com/inspiration/natural-world-heroes/wong-siew-te.aspx.
2014    Nominee, Merdeka Award (Environment Category)
2014    2014 Outstanding Alumni Award, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung,Taiwan.
2014    Conferred “Darjah Johan Negeri” (DJN) (Member, Order of the Defender of State) by the Governor of Penang.
2014    Nominee, Merdeka Award (Environment Category)
2013    Nominee, Merdeka Award (Environment Category)
2013    Guang Ming Hero Award -1st Runner Up (RM3,000)
2012    Recognized as a wildlife hero featured in the book Wildlife Heroes: 40 Leading Conservationists and the Animals They Are Committed to Saving.
2012    Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre was nominated for Merdeka Award (Environment Category)
2009    Bertha Morton Scholarship, University of Montana. US$2,000.
            The University of Montana Graduate Student Travel Award.
2006    Best Student Project Award in Training Course on Advanced Techniques in Frugivory and Seed Dispersal, Yunnan, China.
2006    17th International Bear Association Conference in Japan Travel Award;
2006    Flying Elephant Foundation Fellowship, US$25,000
2006    Sea World Busch Gardens Conservation Award, US$10,000;
2006    Annual Meeting of the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation Travel Grant $500;
2005    The 9th International Mammalogical Congress Travel Award, $1,000;
2004    The University of Montana Graduate Student Travel Award, $1,270;
2001    Minnesota Zoo Conservation Advisory Team Awards, $1000;
1997    James C. Salinas Scholarship, University of Montana.
1997    Forestry Dean’s Award-Wildlife Biology;
1997    M. Papich Scholarship/FAO Award, U of Montana
1995    Vaughan Family Estate Scholarship/FAO Award, University of Montana

The Team

Let's meet them!

Bear Care Unit

Dr. Yeoh Boon Nie
​​Veterinarian​ 
Role                                       : Provide veterinary care for the captive sun bears and other wildlife. Advice on bears' husbandry management. 

Hometown                           : Penang

Date join with BSBCC         : 1st January 2019

What do I think of BSBCC  : Proud to be part of this passionate team working for sun bear conservation. Everyone plays a role in conservation. A healthy ecosystem comes from healthy wildlife population in a healthy nature. ​
Pradeep A/L Gunasegaran
​Bear Care Officer

Role                                       : Assist in bear care, assist in Research and Rehabilitation. Dealing with bear medical problems and in-charge in volunteering programme.

Hometown                           : Malacca

Date join with BSBCC         : 1st October 2019

What do I think of BSBCC  : Blessed to joined with the Sun bear at BSBCC. Hoping that the conservation of 1 species and its habitat would also consequently help the other inhabitants in the wild as well. Looking forward to discovering and growing together for the sake of our little known bear.
David Tahir
​Senior Bear Keeper

Role                                       : Involve in husbandry routines, medicating, enrichment set up, bear reintroduce, maintaining the centre and reporting.
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Hometown                           : Sandakan, Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 1st April 2009

What do I think of BSBCC  : At BSBCC, I can learn a lot on the sun bear, the smallest bear in the world, and I want to continue understanding more about their lives.
Ronny Jumahat
Senior Maintenance

Role                                       : Keep the centre clean and safe, this includes general cleaning, repairing and maintaining everything in the centre.

Hometown                           : Born in Kota Kinabalu, raised in Sepilok, Sabah.

Date join with BSBCC         : 2nd May 2013

What do I think of BSBCC  : BSBCC is close to my home and I like working there near the forest and looking at the beautiful bears.
​Mohd Syahrul Nizam
​Bin Mohamad Salleh
​Maintenance

Role                                       : Keep the center clean and safe, this includes general cleaning, repairing and maintaining everything in the centre.

Hometown                           : Sandakan

Date join with BSBCC         : 12th June 2017 

What do I think of BSBCC  : A great platform where I can learn more about wildlife.

Environmental Education Unit
Gloria Ganang
​Environmental Education Executive

Role                                       : Organise educational activities, writing reports and developing educational displays.

Hometown                           : Born in Kota Kinabalu, raised in Sipitang, Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 7th April 2012

What do I think of BSBCC  : I have always wanted to work with animals since very young.  Every day at the centre is a learning process for me and through these years I have learnt so much about wildlife and the rainforest. I have always felt lucky to have the opportunity to work here.
Risnayati Lammu
​ Environmental Education Officer

Role                                       : Assists Gloria, the Environmental Education Executive in planning education programme, writing  newsletters, managing adoption programme and also facilitating visitors.

Hometown                           : Born in Kunak- Tawau, raised in Sandakan

Date join with BSBCC         : 6th May 2014

What do I think of BSBCC  : Coming to BSBCC, I can enjoy working with nature, learn about sun bears up close and the most interesting part for me is talking /conversing with visitors and telling them all about sun bears.
Yvonne Chong
Environmental Education Officer
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​The UPROAR Fund
​Sun Bear Ambassador

Role                                      : In charge of managing social media, translating English and Malay to Chinese, coordinate visits for special interest groups and VIPs, handling visitors queries and promoting awareness, besides assisting in planning and conducting environmental education programmes as well as outreach programmes.

Hometown                           : Lahad Datu, Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 1st November 2017

What do I think of BSBCC  : ​Animals have the rights to be protected and respected, that's why I'm here!
Mohd Haniff bin Mohd Busrah
​Environmental Education Officer

Role                                      : Coordinate visits for special interest groups and VIPs, handling visitors queries and promoting awareness, besides assisting in planning and conducting environmental education programmes as well as outreach programmes.

Hometown                           : Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 

What do I think of BSBCC  : ​

Finance, Human Resource, Sales and Administration Unit
Audrey Wong
Finance and Human Resource Executive​

Role                                       : Handling company financial, accounting matters and payroll.

Hometown                           : Keningau, Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 5th January 2016

What do I think of BSBCC  : Love to work in nature environment and friendly colleagues, that's why I am here - BSBCC.
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Faironytha Pius 
Sales and Admin Officer
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Role                                       : Assisting the HR and Finance Officer in doing human resources and financial related works besides of handling visitors enquiries on the Centre and viewing platforms.

Hometown                           : Born in Sandakan, raised in Sepilok, Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 3rd January 2014

​What do I think of BSBCC  : I love the bears!
Max Tan Hong Siang
Ticketing cum Shopkeeper

Role                                       : Providing information on the bears and centre at the reception and on the platform, selling entry tickets and merchandise and stock taking.

Hometown                           : Sandakan, Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 16th November 2019

What do I think of BSBCC  : It is a great platform for me to learn more about the sun bears and to develop social awareness on why is it so important to protect them.
Nurul Haslinda Binti Abdul Kahar
Ticketing cum Shopkeeper

Role                                       : Providing information on the bears and centre at the reception and on the platform, selling entry tickets and merchandise and stock taking.

Hometown                           : Sandakan, Sabah

Date join with BSBCC         : 20th November 2019
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What do I think of BSBCC  : It is my first time working in a very nature, calm environment yet a very friendly workmates and officers. It is an opportunity to learn more about sun bear and nature.