By Rachel Leong (Sabah Landscapes Programme Communications Assistant), based on an interview with Masturah. Reviewed and edited by Fadlin Linsai and Cherlanne Patrick.

Meet Masturah, though most of us know her as Rara, a final-year International Relations student at Universiti Malaysia Sabah who decided to take a leap into the world of conservation as an intern at WWF-Malaysia. 

Growing up in Putatan, Masturah originally wanted to pursue her studies in visual arts. But when that wasn’t an option, she decided on an International Relations degree simply because “it sounded cool and challenging.” What she didn’t expect was how much it would shape her mindset about making a positive impact. 

Masturah believes that to change the world, you start by changing yourself. That’s why she has been involved in various projects through her roles in the International Relations and Malaysian Drug Prevention Association clubs at the university. Her motto? “You should learn until your last breath.” 

An anti-drug use film produced by Masturah and her team.
© Mohd Fahim Daniel 

Driven by her love for learning, Masturah applied to WWF-Malaysia, her dream organisation. She’s passionate about animals, so she was eager to understand how conservation really works. She imagined trekking through forests, spotting wildlife, and perhaps even rescuing animals. She was immediately immersed in the field, learning on the go. Reality turned out to be different from her expectations, but just as exciting and eye-opening. 

During her internship, Masturah joined the Social Development Team (SDT) under the Sabah Landscapes Programme. The scope of the team is guided by WWF's global Statements of Principles and informed by the Environmental & Social Safeguards Framework, where they support local communities in becoming stewards of their land, while safeguarding their rights and wellbeing are respected. This is where Masturah witnessed how WWF works with local communities and indigenous people in their conservation efforts through trust-building and strengthening partnerships to ensure conservation work benefits both people and nature. 

Masturah supported the exhibition booth during Sabah Banteng Day 2025.
© Sheelasheena Damian / WWF-Malaysia 

During the first week of her internship, she was faced with a big assignment: the Sabah Banteng Day Exhibition. Fun fact: she didn’t even know what a Bornean banteng was! But soon, she was immersed in learning how WWF-Malaysia collaborates with communities and partners to address environmental concerns. Introverted by nature, she worried about fitting in. But Masturah quickly found her rhythm and breezed through her first task without any hiccups. 

Throughout her three months with WWF, Masturah managed databases, worked together with the team to prepare socialisation materials, supported community engagement, attended workshops and trainings, and helped with the Borneo’s Green Heart Exhibition. These tasks were part of a larger effort to strengthen relationships with communities and stakeholders. She saw firsthand how tight-knit the bond between WWF-Malaysia and local communities is, with smiles and laughter all around during every visit. For Masturah, it was clear that real progress in protecting nature begins when communities are part of the solution. 

Masturah at a workshop on the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in the Malaysian educational curriculum.
© Ministry of Education Malaysia 

Masturah used to see communication as her biggest hurdle. Anxiety sometimes made her go blank, especially around new people. But during her internship with WWF, she had the chance to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds in open and genuine conversations. Every challenge became a stepping stone, and by the time she joined an outstation trip to Tawau, she was confidently sharing ideas with stakeholders and growers. 

Beyond technical tasks, Masturah grew in adaptability, confidence, and networking. Her International Relations background came in handy, providing a strong foundation in global issues and diplomacy that aligned well with WWF-Malaysia’s collaborative approach to sustainability and stakeholder engagement. Most importantly, she learned that conservation is deeply human as it thrives on collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility. 

Masturah presented her group’s findings on issues faced by children in oil palm plantations during a training workshop.
© Cherlanne Patrick / WWF-Malaysia

When asked what she’ll miss most, Masturah didn’t hesitate: “The people.” From colleagues who made her feel included, to the new friends she met along the way; these connections made her internship unforgettable. She loved exchanging knowledge and laughter because it made work truly meaningful. 

As her internship wrapped up, Masturah felt bittersweet. Excited for what’s next, but sad to leave behind a team that felt like home. “I was scared of a toxic work environment,” she admits, “but everyone here was so welcoming. They treated me like an old friend.” 

Masturah and the Social Development Team in Tawau.
© WWF-Malaysia 

Masturah at the Borneo’s Green Heart exhibition with her supervisor, Fadlin (centre), and teammate, Elelia.
© Maryell Irisha Hillarian / WWF-Malaysia 

Masturah’s time with WWF-Malaysia was a journey of growth, discovery, and connection. She stepped into the world of conservation with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn, embracing every moment of her internship with courage and enthusiasm. Her story shows us how empowering communities and safeguarding their rights are essential to sustaining landscapes. Every database she managed, every event she helped organise, and every conversation she engaged in became a learning opportunity, with each one deepening her understanding of what it takes to build trust and foster collaboration.  

These experiences revealed that conservation isn’t just about protecting nature and wildlife; it is also about safeguarding the wellbeing of people.  Inclusive conservation means recognising that lasting environmental protection depends on working with the communities who live closest to nature, ensuring their voices, rights, and knowledge are central to the process. For Masturah, conservation was no longer just about protecting wildlife or planting trees; it was something that truly impacted the lives of everyone. Real change begins with us. 

Learn more about the work of the Sabah Landscapes Programme. Looking for an internship? Contact us at contactslp@wwf.org.my.