Kyoto, Japan; May 1, 2026

I am thrilled to share a wonderful and humbling news. The results from the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation: Commemorative Grant Fund for Capacity Building of Young Scientists (CGF Programme) were announced in late April 2026 - and I was among the five out of thirteen applicants whose proposals were approved.

Notably, I am the only recipient under Category B, which supports students enrolled in a university in Japan.

This grant brings me immense relief and a genuine sense of security. It will fund my research in Sabah throughout my three years as a PhD student in Japan, starting from May 2026 through April 2029 - covering travel, fieldwork, and other essential research expenses without financial worry. This news has given me more than financial support. It has strengthen my motivation and strive for positive mindsets, and deepened my commitment to achieving my research goals.

Kyoto, Japan; April 4, 2026

This April marks another milestone - my first manuscript is officially published!

Our study highlights the interplay between group size and habitat disturbance gradients, and how these variables shape the prevalence of endoparasites in proboscis monkeys. It is deeply rewarding to see this work finally out in the world. 

Have a read here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2026.101221 

Special thanks to Prof. Ikki for guiding me tirelessly to the finish line, and to all my co-authors for their invaluable contributions.

Kyoto, Japan; April 1, 2026

I have officially enrolled as a PhD student at the Wildlife Research Center (WRC), continuing my journey at the same center following my Master's graduation.

I am excited to explore deeper into the primates of Sabah, particularly the proboscis monkey, under the continued supervision of Professor Ikki Matsuda. There is still so much to uncover, and I look forward to building upon the foundation we have laid.

Beyond research, I eagerly anticipate another three years of living in Japan - learning not only as an academic but also immersing myself further in the culture that has become a second home.

Kyoto, Japan; April 1, 2026

As I begin my PhD journey this April, I am deeply grateful to have secured the Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (SPRING) Scholarship, awarded by the Division of Graduate Studies at Kyoto University.

This prestigious scholarship not only supports my daily living expenses in Japan but also provides an annual research grant to fund my ongoing work in primate conservation. It is a tremendous vote of confidence in my research direction and a vital foundation as I take this next academic step.

Kyoto, Japan; March 23, 2026

I am honored and proud to share that I have officially received my Master of Science from Kyoto University!

This milestone did not come easily. Over the past years, I have learned far beyond the typical experience of research - I immersed myself in the rich traditions of Japanese culture where I was based, and equally embraced the vibrant Sabahan culture where I collected my data and samples. I grew not just as a field researcher, but gained insights to properly write manuscripts and navigate the world of academia (which includes grant writing!).

This journey has tested me in ways I never anticipated, but I am positive and emerge with renewed strength and commitment to continue pursuing the academic path forward.

This is not an ending - it is just the beginning. Wish me luck!

Tokyo, Japan; February 16, 2026

After three transformative years in Japan—one year as a research student followed by two years in my Master's program—I have officially "graduated" from the Ajinomoto Scholarship Foundation and become one of their alumni!

In a special presentation this February, I had the privilege of sharing my Master's thesis research directly with the foundation. It was deeply meaningful to finally show them the work I have been conducting at Kyoto University with their steadfast support. More than just presenting findings, I could convey my appreciation face-to-face—a moment I will treasure.

I am profoundly grateful to the Ajinomoto Scholarship Foundation for this golden opportunity. They laid the very foundation for my research journey and for building connections in Japan. I leave this chapter committed to continuing my work in this field and expanding upon the progress achieved so far.

Bangkok, Thailand; December 6-7, 2025

I had the privilege of attending the Biodiversity and Wildlife 2025 Symposium at Kasetsart University in Thailand. I am grateful to my supervisor, Prof. Ikki Matsuda, for this opportunity, made possible through a grant dedicated to fostering regional collaboration. It was a meaningful trip for our entire lab, as we traveled together to present our work.

To my profound surprise and honour, I received a poster presentation award at the symposium's conclusion. This marked my second such award in less than a month, a recognition that feels both exhilarating and deeply humbling. Beyond the award, the entire experience—presenting alongside my lab members, engaging with Southeast Asian researchers, and witnessing international partnerships solidify through signing of MOUs—was incredibly fruitful. It reaffirmed the vital importance of sustained collaboration in our shared mission to understand and conserve biodiversity.

Kyoto, Japan; November 17-18, 2025

This year, my colleagues and I in the PWS program not only organized our annual symposium but also presented our research. The event felt especially significant due to its strong international focus, with esteemed invited speakers from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia joining us alongside researchers from across Japan—a testament to our lab's initiative to strengthen scientific ties across Southeast Asia.

I presented my research on the current population of proboscis monkeys in the Lower Kinabatangan, and was deeply honoured to receive the symposium's poster presentation award—a first for me, and a moment I will always cherish!

Kelantan, Malaysia; October 12-18, 2025

I presented the initial results of my parasitic research on Sabah’s proboscis monkeys at the ASCM Conference, held at the Grand Riverview Hotel under the theme of Conservation Medicine.

The conference was a profound gathering, uniting wildlife veterinarians and experts from across Asia-Pacific and beyond. This made it the perfect venue to share early findings within a truly applied, health-focused community. I was able to connect with the wildlife veterinarians from Sabah, important figures who will support my ongoing and future research in Sabah. 

Another key highlight was connecting with Dr. Manabu Onuma, the ASCM Chairman, and discovering his own foundational research on proboscis monkeys in Sarawak—an inspiring bridge between our work and Borneo's conservation legacy.

Tokyo, Japan; July 19-21, 2025

I presented our collaborative research on environmental factors and endoparasites in proboscis monkeys at the international EAFES Congress during the poster session, held at the University of Tokyo.

The congress was a vibrant hub, connecting ecological researchers from across East Asia and beyond. Alongside sharing my work, I was captivated by fascinating studies on age estimation on animals via DNA methylation and insights from stable isotope analysis, which opened new avenues of thought for my own research.

Tokyo, Japan; July 12-13, 2025

I attended my first Primate Society of Japan meeting at Waseda University, presenting a poster on preliminary data on sympatric primate population dynamics in Sabah, Malaysia.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share our findings from the Kinabatangan rainforest with a new scientific community and receive insightful feedback. Beyond the poster session, the conference was a great chance to network with researchers across Japan and reconnect with former colleagues from Inuyama.

Kyoto, Japan; April 1, 2025

I am honored to share that, under the supervision of Professor Ikki Matsuda, we secured the Singapore Conservation Impact Grant from Mandai Nature with the total grant amount of 10,000 SGD.

The grant supports our project: "Re-evaluation of the population dynamics and status of the proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) in Sabah, Malaysia." (Grant No.: GA2025041175). This crucial one-year (until 2026) funding will directly fuel the fieldwork and analysis for my Master's thesis, allowing for a comprehensive reassessment of this iconic species' population.

Kyoto, Japan; Oct 30-31, 2024

This October, I stepped onto the academic stage for the first time as both an organizer and a presenter at the 19th PWS Symposium at Kyoto University. I shared my preliminary data on long-term sympatric primate populations in different flooded forest ecosystems of the Lower Kinabatangan Sabah.

In a special full-circle moment, I had the honor of inviting my undergraduate supervisor Dr. Nadine Ruppert from USM, Malaysia to be a keynote speaker, hosting her visit to Japan. This experience powerfully connected my academic past in Malaysia with my present journey as a researcher.

Kyoto, Japan; April 1, 2024

I officially began my journey as a Master's student at Wildlife Research Center (WRC) of Kyoto University this April, immersing myself in the university's world-class and vibrant academic life. 

I am thrilled to be joining the lab of Professor Ikki Matsuda, where I will be focusing my research on the sympatric primate populations and behaviors inhabiting the floodplain ecosystems of Sabah, Malaysia. I look forward to contributing to this important work and building upon the strong foundation of field research in Borneo.

Tokyo, Japan; April 13, 2023

In April 2023, I arrived in Japan to begin a new academic chapter. This journey was made possible by receiving the prestigious Ajinomoto Scholarship Foundation Award, which supports my studies for three years (one year as a research student followed by two years in a Master's program).

I was honored to be selected as one of only five ASEAN+ONE International Student Scholars from an open, competitive call. At a formal ceremony, the Chairman (now retired) of the foundation, Mr. Suzuki, personally presented our certificates and gave a congratulatory address. I was proud to be the sole Malaysian recipient for the 2023 cohort, a role that fills me with a deep sense of responsibility as I represent my country.