A high-spirited STEM graduate, Attleth Don Peris, emerged as an environmental science communicator after being crowned the Champion of the FameLab Malaysia Competition 2020. Being a thalassophile (ocean lover), he enjoys his current role to the core as a Programme Manager for sustainable tourism at Reef Check Malaysia in Mersing, Johor. His job is to strike a balance between the tourism industry and environmental conservation.
He found the marine industry, specifically nautical science, very appealing after being inspired by his English teacher back in high school.
“Her husband was a ship captain who travelled around the world. I was fascinated by the line of work and travelling lifestyle”, said Don.
Unfortunately, after his matriculation, he mistakenly applied for marine science instead of nautical science, assuming that both courses were similar.
“I was determined to change my course initially, but ended up falling in love with this field where I still get to travel, and also do research to understand our ocean better”, said the enthusiastic environmentalist.
Here is a short interview with him.
What was the turning point in your career?
Don: My curiosity towards the ocean guided me to further my Master’s in Oceanography at University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), and the turning point of my career path took place at UMT. I spent almost four years on my research, doing my lab work, going on field trips, and getting into the mud to collect data. While working on my thesis, my inner voice asked me who would read it, how much limelight my research would get, and what the significance of my discovery was. That was when I felt called to communicate my work to a wider audience. This led me to take part in FameLab 2020, the longest-running science communication competition globally, and I became the national champion.
What was your topic for FameLab?
Don: Contestants have to win over the audience and judges within three minutes by presenting any topic in science. I chose the mangrove forest titled ‘Save our Homes by Saving our Mangroves’. Mangrove forests form a dense barrier along our coasts and serve as our first line of defence against natural disasters such as tsunamis, as they absorb and reduce their impact, saving lives and homes. I firmly believe that everyone can play a role in the conservation of mangrove swamps.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Don: My interests and experiences have changed so much in the past 10 years. Initially interested in marine research, then environmental research, the tourism industry, and now sustainable conservation and tourism. However, I always loved interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement. In 10 years, I see myself building public presence through science communication and raising awareness regarding environmental issues and how we could all do our part to help. I also see myself providing my expertise to organisations seeking more environmentally sustainable policy and management change.
What is your message to youth?
Don: When I was in high school, my teacher told me that we are the leaders of the future. But I tell the youth now that you are all the leaders of the present. There is no better time to be a leader than right now, especially as technology makes information more accessible and brings people closer together to learn from one another. So, keep enriching your knowledge and choose your passion and a cause to champion.
