Reflecting on the Inspiring Moments from the IPS-MPS Joint Meeting 2023 

Attending this conference in person, my very first, was an incredible journey, made possible by the generous travel grant from the Malaysian Primatological Society and The Habitat Foundation. Meeting colleagues face-to-face for the first time, after three years of virtual collaboration, was surreal and immensely rewarding. 

   Numerous milestones were celebrated throughout the event, from engaging conversations with primatologists worldwide to discovering remarkable efforts in primate conservation. I am deeply honoured to have received the Best Poster Presentation award. In light of this, I wish to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to the mentors who have been unwavering pillars of support throughout my research journey. Dr. Nadine Ruppert’s words of encouragement before my first presentation provided me with the confidence to step onto that stage. I extend heartfelt thanks to the International Primatological Society (IPS) for its outstanding mentorship program, spearheaded by Prof. Anindya “Rana” Sinha. His guidance during the poster presentation was invaluable.

    During the conference, I seized the opportunity to deliver a lightning talk at the “Weaving the MacaqueNet 2.0” workshop, titled “You are what you eat – Of Humans, Macaques, and Pathogens in a Shared Landscape.” In a concise three-minute presentation, I illuminated the rising human-macaque feeding interactions that have influenced the gut microbiome and the prevalence of pathogens at human-wildlife interfaces.

My takeaway message resonated with all in attendance: “Biodiversity conservation is not a matter of competing interests; we must work collaboratively.” This message underscores the critical importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in pursuit of our shared goal: safeguarding planetary health.

Another conference highlight was my participation as a panellist in the Roundtable discussion on “The Future of Primates in Malaysia,” where my focus was on “Understanding the Significance of ‘One Health’ Approaches at Human-Primate Interfaces in Malaysia.” This session fostered dialogues on sound practices for conserving primate diversity, effective strategies for addressing human-macaque interactions and conflicts, challenges faced by young researchers in the field of conservation, and more. Before concluding my presentation, I had the privilege of conveying a brief message to my fellow primatologists in Malaysia Sign Language (MYSL). To provide context, I had completed a MYSL course with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Penang before attending the conference. Initially, my intent was to emphasize inclusivity in conservation. Little did I know how profoundly impactful this decision would be. As the conference drew to a close, I was deeply moved when one of the attendees signed “thank you” to me on the final day. This unexpected gesture has inspired me to explore more inclusive approaches to environmental education for the deaf community. It is remarkable how a simple action can kindle new ideas and fortify our commitment to inclusivity.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all for yet another enriching experience and for keeping the flame of hope alive in the field of conservation. Together, we can create change!

To all aspiring young researchers, I leave you with this: surround yourself with kindred spirits. Their diverse experiences have the power to propel your personal and professional growth. Research and conservation may be challenging paths, but remember, you are never alone. Seek knowledge, maintain resilience, and embrace the opportunities within every challenge.