Empowering Young Ocean Leaders Through Turtle Conservation in Malaysia

At SeaKeepers Asia, we believe that meaningful conservation begins with meaningful experiences. Through the International Junior SeaKeepers Programme (IJSP) 2026, we were proud to provide Michelle Khoo and Kanishka Selvakumar, co-founders of Project Seawing, on a 16-day volunteer placement with Kapas Turtles on Kapas Island, Terengganu, Malaysia.

From 5–20 June 2026, Michelle and Kanishka immersed themselves in the daily realities of sea turtle conservation, working alongside the dedicated Kapas Turtles team to protect endangered green sea turtles while gaining invaluable hands-on field experience. Their placement exemplifies SeaKeepers Asia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of ocean stewards through experiential learning and community-driven conservation.
Kapas Turtles is a grassroots organisation dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their nesting habitats through practical conservation, research, and education. Working closely with local communities, researchers, and volunteers, the organisation safeguards 50–70 turtle nests annually, contributing significantly to hatchling survival and long-term conservation efforts.

Throughout the placement, Michelle and Kanishka took part in a wide range of activities, including morning and night beach patrols, nest monitoring, hatchery management, hatchling releases, beach clean-ups, data collection, visitor engagement, and site maintenance. These responsibilities offered first-hand insight into the challenges and rewards of protecting one of the world’s most iconic marine species.

Over the course of the programme, the pair conducted seven morning patrols and eight night patrols, helped locate and relocate seven turtle nests containing 728 eggs to protected hatchery facilities, and assisted in the release of 269 hatchlings into the sea. They also participated in two beach clean-ups, removing 15 kilograms of marine debris, while engaging approximately 50 visitors through conservation outreach and education.

Beyond these measurable conservation outcomes, the experience highlighted the importance of collaboration. Michelle and Kanishka had the opportunity to connect with researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), experienced conservation practitioners, mentors, and members of the local community, reinforcing the idea that successful conservation depends on strong partnerships and shared knowledge.
For Michelle, the experience was filled with unforgettable personal milestones—from learning to swim and seeing sea turtles for the first time to releasing hatchlings into the ocean. Witnessing the beauty and fragility of Kapas Island strengthened her resolve to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems and reinforced the urgency of conservation action.

Kanishka reflected on the value of building new partnerships and expanding Project Seawing’s regional network. Conversations with conservation experts opened opportunities for future collaborations, including educational exchanges, fundraising initiatives, and support for Project Seawing’s Turtle Explorer Programme. The experience also sparked ideas for future projects, including developing a digital data collection application to support Kapas Turtles’ conservation efforts.

Living and working on a remote island also fostered resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and independence—qualities that are essential for future conservation leaders. The placement demonstrated that conservation extends beyond scientific knowledge; it is equally about personal growth, community engagement, and the willingness to take meaningful action.

SeaKeepers Asia is proud to have supported Michelle and Kanishka on this transformative journey. Their experience on Kapas Island reflects the power of investing in young conservation leaders and demonstrates how immersive, field-based learning can inspire lifelong commitment to protecting our oceans. As they continue their work through Project Seawing, they carry with them new skills, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed passion to create lasting positive impact for marine conservation across the region.