The Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME) of University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), in partnership with Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and supported by the MADANI Government under the Belanjawan 2025 initiative have launched a new online course on human-elephant conflict and coexistence. Tailored for plantation staff, sustainability teams, and affected communities, the course represents a major step forward in accessible, evidence-based conservation education for Malaysians. Officiated by Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby and Professor Ir Dr Mohd Shahir Liew, Vice Provost of Research and Knowledge Exchange at University of Nottingham Malaysia, the launch event spotlighted MEME’s new digital learning platform; an initiative aimed at empowering affected communities with the knowledge and tools needed to live safely and sustainably alongside wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia.
“This online course represents a major step forward in our efforts to make conservation knowledge more accessible to those living and working alongside elephants,” said Dr Wong Ee Phin, Principal Investigator of MEME and Associate Professor at UNM. “By combining ecological insights with practical safety protocols and conflict mitigation strategies, we’re equipping the communities in plantation and agricultural sectors with the tools they need to respond confidently and compassionately during human-elephant encounters.”
Since MEME’s founding in 2012, YSD has been a steadfast partner, contributing over RM10 million in sponsorship. YSD’s long-term support has also enabled transformative conservation outcomes that would not have been possible otherwise, including:
- GPS-collaring of 54 wild elephants and mapping of movement corridors using drones, camera traps, and AI.
- Development of national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) mitigation and contributions to the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP).
- Formation of the Achieving Coexistence with Elephants (ACE) Coalition, now involving 19 plantation estates across Johor.
- Deployment of bioacoustic devices across forest edges and plantations, and development of 10 field-tested early warning prototypes, some integrated with visual recognition technology.
- Creation of Malaysia’s first online module on elephant coexistence, freely accessible to the public.
- Delivery of 63 CEPA events, reaching over 22,000 individuals through board games, podcasts, and interactive conservation kits.
- Publication of 40 scientific papers and support for seven PhD and nine Master’s students at UNM.
These achievements reflect a shared commitment to evidence-based conservation and the protection of Malaysia’s biodiversity.
“In an era of land-use change, climate pressures, and the urgent need to decarbonise, understanding how humans and wildlife interact is no longer optional, it’s essential,” said Professor Ir Dr Mohd Shahir Liew, Vice Provost of Research and Knowledge Exchange at UNM. “Our collaboration with YSD and MEME is shaped by a shared ambition to address critical institutional, industrial and societal needs. We are confident that partnerships like these will continue to play a key role in advancing Malaysian conservation efforts and shaping a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable Malaysia.”
“Over the years, we’ve made meaningful progress in understanding and addressing human-elephant conflict,” said Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby. “By making conservation knowledge more accessible to everyone, we are laying the groundwork for safer, more sustainable coexistence. The true challenge is not just learning to live alongside elephants, but ensuring that this knowledge is shared widely—so that everyone can discover how to coexist respectfully and sustainably.”
Beyond its conservation focus, the course showcases MEME’s commitment to educational innovation and research-driven impact. As part of the rollout, MEME is conducting a study to examine how the module shapes participants’ understanding, attitudes, and behaviours around human-elephant conflict and coexistence, highlighting the academic rigour behind its design. The full course will comprise three modules, each containing three lessons, and will be delivered online in both Malay and English. The first lesson of Module 1 is now available free of charge and open to public enrolment, made possible through the generous support of the MADANI Government under the Belanjawan Initiative 2025 and the continued collaboration with YSD and UNM. Interested participants can access the lesson via MEME’s website: www.ace-coalition.com.