Organised by the Biji Alam Conservation Society, the Biji Alam Awards for Nature Conservation represent a groundbreaking initiative to honour and empower mid-career Malaysian conservationists who dedicate their lives to protecting nature, often with little recognition or support. Founded by a passionate team of environmentalists and experts, the awards aim to address the challenges faced by these unsung heroes, and by celebrating their efforts and providing both financial aid and visibility, the awards hope to inspire local support and foster confidence in conservation initiatives. We speak to Biji Alam’s co-founders, Natalie Yong, an ex-financier and charity trustee, and Dr Teckwyn Lim, a senior conservationist, natural resource consultant, and part-time lecturer at the University of Nottingham, to find out all about their vision for the award and organisation, and also their hopes for reshaping the narrative around Malaysia’s vital conservation efforts.