Institut Biologi Tropika dan Pemuliharaan

22/10/2026

WHEN SCIENCE EMPOWERS COMMUNITIES, KNOWLEDGE BECOMES A FORCE FOR CHANGE!

From 12–14 October 2026, the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), in collaboration with the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC), successfully conducted a Community Capacity Building Programme, bringing together local communities and traditional knowledge practitioners from across Sabah.

🌱 BRIDGING SCIENCE, TRADITION AND COMMUNITY ACTION

Through hands-on training in plant identification, scientific documentation, specimen preparation and digital biodiversity management, participants gained practical skills to document traditional medicinal plants and contribute to biodiversity research.

🌏 At ITBC, we believe science creates its greatest impact when it reaches beyond laboratories, strengthens community capabilities, and connects scientific expertise with local wisdom.

This initiative reflects our commitment to making science more inclusive, accessible and relevant, while recognising local communities as valued partners in shaping a sustainable future for Sabah.

👏 Our sincere appreciation to SaBC, all participating communities, facilitators and organisers for making this meaningful initiative a success!

Because lasting impact is not measured by what we know alone, but by what we enable others to achieve.

🌿 Empowering People. Bridging Knowledge. Creating Lasting Impact.

21/10/2026

STRENGTHENING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: ITBC WELCOMES THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, USA! 🇲🇾🇺🇸

The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), was honoured to welcome a nine-member delegation from the University of Wyoming, USA, on 19 October 2026.

Led by Dr. Isadora A. Helfgott, Vice Provost for Global Engagement, the visit brought together university leaders, scientists and researchers from diverse fields, including biodiversity, environmental sciences, botany, zoology, pharmacy and conservation.

🌿 A NEW CHAPTER OF COLLABORATION

A key highlight was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI), reflecting a shared commitment to future collaboration in research, academic exchange, capacity building and biodiversity conservation.

The visit also featured an inspiring public lecture by Dr. John L. Koprowski, Dean and Wyoming Excellence Chair, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, entitled:

“How Do We Make a Difference? The Importance of Partnership in Conservation and Finding the Purple Bike.”

Drawing on conservation experiences from around the world, the lecture emphasised that lasting conservation success depends not only on science, but also on partnerships, community engagement and shared responsibility.

🔬 SHOWCASING BORNEO’S BIODIVERSITY

The delegation also visited the BORNEENSIS Gallery and Scientific Collection Rooms, where they explored ITBC’s biodiversity research, scientific collections and conservation initiatives. The visit provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge and identify areas for future collaboration.

🌏 LOCAL BIODIVERSITY, GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS, SHARED IMPACT!

As ITBC celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, this engagement strengthens our commitment to advancing tropical biodiversity research and conservation in Sabah, Borneo and beyond.

Together, we can advance science, empower communities and create a lasting impact for biodiversity and future generations.

19/10/2026

HOW DO WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE? THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP IN CONSERVATION!

Can a simple purple bicycle teach us something extraordinary about conservation, collaboration, and transforming communities?

The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), warmly invites everyone to an inspiring PUBLIC LECTURE featuring a distinguished international scholar and conservation leader from the University of Wyoming, USA!

🎤 PUBLIC LECTURE:
“How Do We Make a Difference? The Importance of Partnership in Conservation and Finding the Purple Bike”

👨‍🏫 Distinguished Speaker:
Professor John L. Koprowski
Dean & Wyoming Excellence Chair
Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
University of Wyoming, USA

📅 Date: 19 October 2026 (Monday)
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Venue: Seminar Room 2 & 3, ITBC, UMS

🌿 CONSERVATION • PARTNERSHIP • LOCAL PROSPERITY

From the USA, Mexico, Colombia, and South Africa to Nepal and India, this lecture will take us on a journey across continents, exploring how meaningful partnerships with local communities can create lasting impacts on wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and local prosperity.

And at the heart of this inspiring journey lies an unexpected story — a purple bicycle in a remote Nepalese village, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest conservation impacts begin with the simplest acts of understanding, collaboration, and shared purpose.

💚 Because conservation is not just about protecting nature. It is about connecting people, empowering communities, and creating a future where both people and biodiversity thrive.

✨ We warmly welcome researchers, academics, students, conservation practitioners, government agencies, NGOs, and everyone passionate about biodiversity, sustainability, and community development to join us!

Come, be inspired, exchange ideas, and discover how together, we can make a difference!

🌏 Great conservation begins with great partnerships. Together, we can create lasting change!

15/10/2026

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION & ACHIEVEMENT AT ITBC!

Heartiest congratulations to our outstanding researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for their remarkable achievements at the Pertandingan Rekacipta (PEREKA) UMS 2026!

🥇 GOLD AWARD
Dr. Mohamad Syahrul Nizam Ibrahim

🥇 GOLD AWARD
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim & the late Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan

🥇 GOLD AWARD
The late Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim

🥈 SILVER AWARD
Dr. Nur Athirah Abdullah

👏 A huge congratulations to all award recipients, research team members and collaborators! These achievements reflect your dedication, creativity, perseverance and commitment to transforming research into meaningful innovations.

❤️ These celebrations are especially meaningful as two Gold Awards honour the research contributions of our beloved late Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan. His passion for science and innovation continues to inspire us, reminding us that a remarkable legacy lives on through the work we carry forward.

As ITBC celebrates 30 years of research and discovery, these achievements further strengthen our determination to advance scientific excellence, foster innovation and create meaningful impact for society and the environment.

To all our winners, we are incredibly proud of you! Keep pushing boundaries, inspiring others and making ITBC shine! 🌏✨

🤝 LET’S ADVANCE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION TOGETHER!

We welcome research collaborations and strategic partnerships with institutions, industries and organisations worldwide.

📩 [email protected]

12/10/2026

THE FOREST NOMAD AND KDM HERITAGE: PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY, PRESERVING CULTURAL IDENTITY!

When a species disappears, we risk losing more than wildlife. We risk losing generations of knowledge, traditions, and cultural heritage.

The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), is proud to highlight the research insights of our Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim, exploring the profound relationship between the Bearded Pig (Sus barbatus) and the cultural heritage of Sabah's Kadazandusun-Murut (KDM) communities.

🐗 MORE THAN A SPECIES. A SYMBOL OF HERITAGE, IDENTITY, AND BELONGING.

For generations, the Bearded Pig has been deeply woven into the traditions, livelihoods, and cultural identity of local communities in Sabah. Yet, as forests transform and environmental pressures intensify, both this remarkable species and the traditions associated with it face an uncertain future.

This research carries a powerful message: biodiversity conservation cannot be separated from the people, cultures, and traditional knowledge that have coexisted with nature for generations.

💚 AT ITBC, WE BELIEVE CONSERVATION IS NOT ONLY ABOUT PROTECTING WHAT REMAINS, BUT ALSO ABOUT PRESERVING WHAT MUST NEVER BE LOST.

Our commitment extends beyond scientific discovery. We strive to bridge science, indigenous knowledge, and community perspectives to inspire meaningful conservation action and safeguard Borneo's extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.

🌏 Because protecting biodiversity means protecting our heritage. And protecting our heritage means protecting the future of Borneo.

🤝 LET'S ADVANCE BIODIVERSITY SCIENCE AND BIOCULTURAL CONSERVATION TOGETHER!

ITBC welcomes collaborations with researchers, universities, conservation organisations, indigenous communities, policymakers, and international partners to strengthen biodiversity research, cultural heritage preservation, and community-based conservation.

📩 For research collaborations and partnerships: [email protected]

From Borneo's forests to the global scientific community, we are advancing science, conservation, and sustainability beyond borders.


https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PoS7tZAkx/

09/10/2026

WHEN SCIENCE MEETS TECHNOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION REACHES NEW HEIGHTS!
FROM BORNEO TO THE GLOBAL STAGE: ADVANCING SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY!

At the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), we believe that the future of biodiversity conservation must be driven by science, strengthened by innovation, and translated into meaningful action.

We are proud to highlight Gs. Dr. Stanley Anak Suab, ITBC’s geospatial expert, who delivered a plenary presentation at the International Conference on Sustainability Through Research and Innovation (ICSRI) 2026, held at Batangas State University, Philippines, from 28–30 September 2026.

🛰️ SCIENCE BEYOND BOUNDARIES, TECHNOLOGY BEYOND LIMITS!

Through his presentation, “Science as the Foundation of Biodiversity Assessment, Restoration and Emerging Technologies: A Geospatial and Remote Sensing Framework,” Dr. Stanley demonstrated how cutting-edge technologies, including satellite imagery, drones (UAVs), LiDAR, radar and artificial intelligence-driven analysis, are transforming our ability to assess biodiversity, monitor ecosystem health, restore degraded mangrove habitats and strengthen blue-carbon conservation.

🌱 FROM SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY TO REAL-WORLD IMPACT!

His presentation reinforced a powerful message: Effective conservation is not built on assumptions, but on scientific evidence, technological innovation and informed decisions. By integrating advanced geospatial technologies with field-based ecological research and community engagement, we can move beyond understanding environmental challenges towards developing practical, sustainable solutions for our planet.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Stanley, on representing ITBC and UMS on this international scientific platform! Your contribution reflects our institute’s growing commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research, strengthening international scientific engagement and positioning Borneo’s biodiversity expertise within global sustainability conversations.

🤝 LET'S TURN SCIENCE INTO SOLUTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE INTO CONSERVATION ACTION!

ITBC welcomes collaborations with universities, research institutions, government agencies, conservation organisations and industry partners worldwide in geospatial science, remote sensing, biodiversity assessment, ecosystem restoration and sustainable environmental management.

📩 For research partnerships and collaborations: [email protected]

08/10/2026

ANOTHER SCIENTIFIC MILESTONE FOR ITBC: A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON!

Another remarkable achievement has been recorded by a team of ITBC researchers led by the late Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan, with the discovery of a rare fungi representing the first confirmed record of its species in Malaysia.

This significant finding not only extends the known geographical distribution of the species to northern Borneo but also reinforces Sabah’s position as a treasure trove of biodiversity, holding extraordinary scientific discoveries yet to be uncovered.

More meaningfully, this achievement stands as part of the late Dr. Jaya’s enduring scientific legacy; a legacy of knowledge, dedication, and passion for biodiversity that will continue to inspire future generations.

Heartfelt congratulations to the entire research team! ITBC remains steadfast in advancing scientific excellence, documenting our natural heritage, and championing biodiversity conservation across Sabah, Borneo, and Malaysia.

From the forests of Sabah to the global scientific stage, every discovery reminds us that Borneo’s biodiversity is truly extraordinary.

🤝 LET’S ADVANCE BIODIVERSITY SCIENCE TOGETHER!

We welcome researchers, universities, conservation organisations, industry partners, and institutions worldwide to collaborate with ITBC in biodiversity research, species discovery, scientific exploration, capacity building, and conservation initiatives.

📩 For research collaborations, strategic partnerships, and enquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Together, we discover. Together, we conserve. Together, we create a lasting impact.

https://sabahmedia.com/2026/10/09/kulat-nadir-hutan-sabah-direkodkan-buat-pertama-kali-di-malaysia/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAU1kshleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUP-_OqIwnu5wiTdEZNe2VIYRBZiXAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4zIhZfz38Qbpt6BTS0F7f2Yl4DbmJb8uOJyM6qKILjrDrg9eeNQAfud2ag3g_aem_CznMUCCLehBKK29b2W6Jiw

https://malaysiagazette.com/2026/10/07/pasukan-diketuai-ums-rekod-kulat-nadir-buat-pertama-kali-di-malaysia/

Spesimen Sabah dikumpulkan dari dua landskap pemuliharaan terpenting di negeri ini, iaitu Kawasan Pemuliharaan Lembah Danum dan Kawasan Pemuliharaan Lembangan Maliau, sekali gus menyerlahkan nilai saintifik luar biasa hutan tropika terlindung Sabah.

08/10/2026

FROM BORNEO TO THE GLOBAL STAGE: ITBC EXPERT RECOGNISED FOR INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP!

Another proud international milestone for the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)!

We are delighted to celebrate Ts. Dr. Soo Chen Lin, Deputy Director (Academic and Internationalisation) of ITBC, for her second consecutive international appointment at the prestigious International Olympiad on Climate Change and Environmental Issues (IOCE) 2026, held from 20–29 September 2026 in the Sirius Federal Territory, Russian Federation. 🇲🇾🇷🇺

Following her contribution as an International Consultant at IOCE 2025, Dr. Soo was once again invited to serve on this global platform, this time as an International Jury Member, alongside international experts evaluating the next generation of young environmental thinkers and problem-solvers.

This is more than an individual achievement. It is a testament to the growing international recognition of expertise from Sabah and Borneo in addressing some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

Through her continued international engagement, Dr. Soo exemplifies ITBC's commitment to advancing environmental education, strengthening global scientific partnerships, and inspiring young minds to become future champions of climate action and sustainability.

💚 At ITBC, we believe that knowledge knows no borders, expertise creates global impact, and the future of our planet depends on the leaders we inspire today.

👏 Heartiest congratulations, Dr. Soo Chen Lin! Your dedication, international recognition, and contributions continue to make the ITBC family and UMS proud. May this achievement open even greater opportunities for international collaboration and strengthen Borneo's voice on the global sustainability stage!

📸 Photo credit: IOCE 2026 Organizing Committee

08/10/2026

WHAT’S IN A NAME? A STORY OF SCIENCE, HERITAGE AND SABAH’S BIODIVERSITY

Koropungoi, korongkom, lontogi, linggom; names carried through generations of Dusun knowledge, describing millipedes living quietly on Sabah’s forest floor. Today, that indigenous wisdom is finding its place in the global scientific record. Researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), led by Dr. Ng Ting Hui with Sabah Parks and international collaborators, have documented four flat-backed millipedes new to science from the highlands of Kinabalu and Crocker Range Parks. One, Orangutana koropungoi, carries the Dusun name “koropungoi creating a permanent bridge between generations of local knowledge and modern taxonomy.

🔬 This is more than discovering and naming species. It is about recognising that science and indigenous knowledge can strengthen one another, while building local expertise to understand and conserve Borneo’s extraordinary biodiversity. From only seven previously known species of this family in Sabah to 11 today, every discovery adds another piece to our understanding of one of the world’s richest tropical ecosystems. These small forest-floor inhabitants may easily be overlooked, yet as decomposers and nutrient recyclers, they help sustain the very forests upon which countless other species depend.

At ITBC, we believe that every species has a story, every name carries meaning, and every discovery strengthens the case for conservation. From the forests of Sabah to the global scientific community, we continue advancing biodiversity science while ensuring that the knowledge, landscapes and communities of Borneo remain part of that journey.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bmhy5z1rP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🤝 Interested in research collaboration, biodiversity exploration, taxonomy, conservation, training or capacity building with ITBC?
📩 [email protected]

07/10/2026

Selamat Hari Akademia 2026!

Semoga semangat ilmu, teknologi dan inovasi terus menyatukan kita dalam membina kecemerlangan akademik, memperkasa penyelidikan dan mencipta impak yang bermakna kepada masyarakat serta Negara.

Teruskan melangkah dengan ilmu, berani berinovasi dan sentiasa memberi yang terbaik.

Together, let us advance knowledge, inspire innovation and shape a better future.

Selamat Hari Akademia 2026 kepada seluruh warga IBTP!

“Sinergi Ilmu, Teknologi & Inovasi Dalam Akademia”