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Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Daily Express
Sun bear centre draws 79,362 visitors
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Liew, accompanied by Dr Wong, viewing the sun bears from an observation platform. SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment has nurtured the growth and development of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) since its inception in 2008. Its Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), an agency under the Ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. 'Last year, we allocated RM228,420 for the construction of Phase 1 of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of Phase 2 of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year,' Liew told reporters after a recent visit to the centre here. The Minister noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. 'I was informed by its Founder and CEO Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te that the Centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6613 visitors per month. That year, there were international visitors from 115 countries with the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy being the top three international nationalities that visited the Centre. 'The peak season is from July to October generating the most number of visitors. In fact, we have more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays,' she said. Educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers, and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-Year State Sun Bear Action Plan, Liew said. The main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. 'Sometimes visitors can see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees. Random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well,' said Dr Wong. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC have been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) has rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, he disclosed. Liew commended Dr Wong for his unwavering commitment, patience and perseverance in keeping the BSBCC afloat, despite the multiple challenges that came his way. In a guided tour, he drew the Minister's attention to sun bears kept in Pen B, C, and D, where visitors can view and learn about them. 'We regard them as ambassadors for their species to raise awareness among the general public, apart from being subjects of our research projects,' said the wildlife conservationist. Sharing his multitasking role as the founder and owner of BSBCC, Dr Wong said: 'Since founding the Centre 17 years ago, I have been running the place at all levels, from designing the facility, taking care of the bears, and conducting education and research programs to development of the Centre and fund-raising efforts. Everything that you can think of, even gardening and cleaning the toilets. 'We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' program.' Acknowledging the Ministry's contribution, Dr Wong said KePKAS has helped BSBCC a lot for the past 17 years. 'The Ministry even helped us to raise funds for the Centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave us a grant for our operational cost in 2013. I hope the Ministry will continue to support our work in the future.' He said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under KePKAS, has assisted him in many ways to promote the Centre to the local tourism market and internationally, too. 'On our part, our promotional efforts are through social media platforms (FB, Tiktok, X, YouTube) and websites.' In retrospect, Dr Wong said in the infant years (from 2008 to 2013), BSBCC survived on public donations and grants from various funders across the world, adding 'Since opening to the public on January 16, 2014, we have been depending heavily on ticketing fees and souvenir purchase revenue to run the centre. ' Admittedly, his greatest challenge in operating the Centre is the need to seek sufficient funds, not only to maintain the facility but also to expand it wherever necessary. 'Yes, finding competent staff to help me manage the Centre is also a big challenge.' On his future plans, the farsighted Founder and CEO envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'For BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. I have an undying passion and boundless energy to work for another 30 years. By that time, I am sure I have a lot of successors who can take over my life mission,' Dr Wong quipped. He added that he still needs to raise RM1,000,000 to build the Field Office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Express
UMS Sandakan students get taste of sun bear conservation
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Student volunteers from UMS Sandakan pose during the preparation and design of enrichment items for the sun bears. SANDAKAN: A group of students from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sandakan recently spent their morning contributing to wildlife conservation efforts by volunteering at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Sepilok, Mile 14, here. The initiative, titled Hands for Paws, was organised by the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture Students' Association. It brought together 19 undergraduate students from various Agricultural Science majors, along with their accompanying lecturer, Dr Sharif Azmi Abdurahman. Throughout the half-day programme, the students were involved in a series of conservation activities under the guidance of Boniface Joss, Bear Care Coordinator, and Kelson Kuangon, Bear Keeper at BSBCC. These included cleaning sun bear enclosures, carrying out fence maintenance, and enhancing the natural surroundings of the centre. They also planted native tree saplings such as Belian, Kapur Paji, and Laran Putih, which were contributed by the Sabah Forestry Department. In a more creative and engaging task, the students designed and prepared enrichment items for the bears, such as puzzle logs filled with hidden treats. These items stimulate natural behaviours like foraging and exploring, while also supporting the bears' mental well-being. After placing them inside the enclosures, the students observed the bears' responses from the observation platform. 'Organising Hands for Paws has been an eye-opening journey,' said Jeff Winter Joseph, the programme director. 'It gave us first-hand insight into conservation work and reminded us how even small efforts can contribute to something much larger. We hope this initiative inspires more students to get involved in volunteerism and conservation.' He added. He said the experience taught them not only about wildlife care, but also about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of doing something meaningful beyond academic life. A highlight of the visit was a special session with Dr Wong Siew Te, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BSBCC, who praised the group for their efforts. 'I deeply thank the students from UMS Sandakan for their contributions today.' 'Everyone did a great job even though but what matters most is the spirit and commitment from the students,' Wong said. Wong has worked with sun bears for over 27 years. He also reminded the students that the sun bear is the world's least-known bear species. He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and youth involvement in ensuring their survival. Wong also welcomed the opportunity for more collaborations between students and the centre in the future. The programme left a lasting impact on the students, many of whom were visiting BSBCC for the first time. They described the experience as unforgettable, particularly the rare opportunity to enter the sun bear enclosures, which are usually off-limits to the public. Several shared how working alongside BSBCC staff gave them a deeper understanding of the vital conservation work carried out at the centre. One student summed up the experience by saying, 'It's one thing to learn about conservation in class. But seeing it up close, getting your hands dirty and being a part of it is something we'll carry with us long after we graduate.' The students left the centre not only with muddy boots and tired arms, but also with a renewed appreciation for environmental efforts and a stronger motivation to take part in future community and volunteer initiatives. The student organisers aim to carry out similar efforts in the near future, continuing the same spirit of service, learning, and environmental engagement. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
27-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Sun Bear Sanctuary thrives, welcomes 79,000 tourists last year
Dr Wong (left) taking Liew and her entourage on a guided tour of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. SANDAKAN (June 27): The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has nurtured the growth and development of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) since its inception in 2008. Its minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), an agency under the ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. 'Last year, we (KePKAS) allocated RM228,420 for the construction of phase one of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of phase two of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year,' Liew told reporters after a recent visit to the centre here. The minister noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. 'I was informed by its founder and CEO, Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te, that the centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6613 visitors per month. That year, there were international visitors from 115 countries with the nationalities from United Kingdom, Australia and Italy being the top three who visited the centre. 'The peak season is from July to October generating the most number of visitors. In fact, we have more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays,' she said. Educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-Year State Sun Bear Action Plan, Liew said. The main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. 'Sometimes visitors can see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees. Random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well,' said Dr Wong. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC have been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) has rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, he disclosed. Liew commended Dr Wong for his unwavering commitment, patience and perseverance in keeping the BSBCC afloat, despite the multiple challenges that came his way. In a guided tour, he drew the minister's attention to sun bears kept in Pen B, C and D where visitors can view and learn about them. 'We regard them as ambassadors for their species to raise awareness among the general public, apart from being subjects of our research projects,' said the wildlife conservationist. Sharing his multitasking role as the founder and owner of BSBCC, Dr Wong said: 'Since founding the centre 17 years ago, I have been running the place at all levels, from designing the facility, taking care of the bears, and conducting education and research programs to development of the centre and fund-raising efforts. Everything that you can think of, even gardening and cleaning the toilets. 'We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' program.' Acknowledging the ministry's contribution, Dr Wong said KePKAS has helped BSBCC a lot for the past 17 years. 'The ministry even helped us to raise funds for the centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave us a grant for our operational cost in 2013. I hope the ministry will continue to support our work in the future.' He said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under KePKAS, has assisted him in many ways to promote the centre to the local tourism market and internationally, too. 'On our part, our promotional efforts are through social media platforms (FB, Tiktok, X, YouTube) and websites.' In retrospect, Dr Wong said in the infant years (from 2008 to 2013), BSBCC survived on public donations and grants from various funders across the world, adding 'Since opening to the public on January 16, 2014, we have been depending heavily on ticketing fees and souvenir purchase revenue to run the centre. ' Admittedly, his greatest challenge in operating the centre is the need to seek sufficient funds, not only to maintain the facility but also to expand it wherever necessary. 'Yes, finding competent staff to help me manage the centre is also a big challenge.' On his future plans, the farsighted founder and CEO envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'For BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. I have an undying passion and boundless energy to work for another 30 years. By that time, I am sure I have a lot of successors who can take over my life mission,' Dr Wong quipped. He added that he still needs to raise RM1,000,000 to build the field office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project.
The Star
27-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Big plans to expand sun bear conservation centre, but funding, manpower remain challenges, says CEO
KOTA KINABALU: There are big plans to see the expansion of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) which currently houses 42 rescued sun bears, but funding and manpower continues to be their biggest challenge. BSBCC founder and chief executive officer Dr Wong Siew Te said that since its inception in 2008, the centre had come from a small sanctuary depending on public funding, government assistance to sales of tickets and souvenirs to sustain operations. Among their biggest supporters were the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, he said, adding that the ministry even helped them raise funds for the Centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave them a grant for operational costs in 2013. On his future plans, he envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'I hope the ministry will continue to support our work in the future,' Wong said, adding that for the BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. Separately, they also need to raise RM1mil to build the Field Office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project, he stated. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC had been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) had rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, Wong disclosed. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Other than the ministry, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under the ministry, has also assisted BSBCC in many ways to promote the Centre to local and international tourism markets as well. Earlier, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the ministry has nurtured the growth and development of BSBCC since its inception in 2008. She said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), an agency under the ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. "Last year, we (allocated RM228,420 for the construction of Phase 1 of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. 'This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of Phase 2 of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year," Liew said. She noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. "I was informed by Wong that the Centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6,613 visitors per month. 'That year, international visitors from 115 countries visited, with the top three coming from United Kingdom, Australia and Italy,' Liew said. She said the peak season is from July to October, generating the most number of visitors with more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays. She said educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers, and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. 'Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-year State Sun Bear Action Plan,' Liew said. According to Wong, the main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. He said visitors can sometimes see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees while random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well. "We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild so far,' he said. 'In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' programme,' Wong said.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
UMS Sandakan students get hands-on with sun bear conservation
A group photo with Dr Wong Siew Te at the end of the programme. SANDAKAN (June 26): A group of students from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently spent their morning contributing to wildlife conservation efforts by volunteering at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sandakan. The initiative, titled Hands for Paws, was organised by the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture Students' Association. It brought together 19 undergraduate students from various Agricultural Science majors, along with their accompanying lecturer, Dr Sharif Azmi Abdurahman. Throughout the half-day programme, the students were involved in a series of conservation activities under the guidance of Boniface Joss, Bear Care Coordinator, and Kelson Kuangon, Bear Keeper at BSBCC. These included cleaning sun bear enclosures, carrying out fence maintenance, and enhancing the natural surroundings of the centre. They also planted native tree saplings such as Belian, Kapur Paji and Laran Putih, which were contributed by the Sabah Forestry Department. In a more creative and engaging task, the students designed and prepared enrichment items for the bears, such as puzzle logs filled with hidden treats. These items stimulate natural behaviours like foraging and exploring, while also supporting the bears' mental well-being. After placing them inside the enclosures, the students observed the bears' responses from the observation platform. 'Organising Hands for Paws has been an eye-opening journey,' said Jeff Winter Joseph, the programme director. 'It gave us firsthand insight into conservation work and reminded us how even small efforts can contribute to something much larger. We hope this initiative inspires more students to get involved in volunteerism and conservation.' He added that the experience taught them not only about wildlife care, but also about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of doing something meaningful beyond academic life. A highlight of the visit was a special session with Dr Wong Siew Te, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BSBCC, who praised the group for their efforts. 'I deeply thank the students from UMS Sandakan for their contributions today. Everyone did a great job. Even though it was just for a few hours, sikit-sikit lama-lama jadi bukit. What matters most is the spirit and commitment from the students,' said Dr Wong, who has worked with sun bears for over 27 years. He also reminded the students that the sun bear is the world's least-known bear species. He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and youth involvement in ensuring their survival. Dr Wong welcomed the opportunity for more collaborations between students and the centre in the future. The programme left a lasting impact on the students, many of whom were visiting BSBCC for the first time. They described the experience as unforgettable, particularly the rare opportunity to enter the sun bear enclosures, which are usually off-limits to the public. Several shared how working alongside BSBCC staff gave them a deeper understanding of the vital conservation work carried out at the centre. One student summed up the experience by saying, 'It's one thing to learn about conservation in class. But seeing it up close, getting your hands dirty and being a part of it is something we'll carry with us long after we graduate.' The students left the centre not only with muddy boots and tired arms, but also with a renewed appreciation for environmental efforts and a stronger motivation to take part in future community and volunteer initiatives. The student organisers aim to carry out similar efforts in the near future, continuing the same spirit of service, learning, and environmental engagement.
