looking back, looking forward!

Name: Teoh Shu Woan

Date: 13 November 2009

Expedition: Expedition Borneo 09B as a host country venturer

What are you doing now?

Postgraduate studies. Ecological studies of Irrawaddy dolphins. I estimate their population size through distance sampling method, and observe their behaviour. Enjoying being the only ‘ah moi’ on an island that is half Sabah, half Indonesia.

What has Raleigh meant to you?

If it wasn’t for Raleigh KL, I wouldn’t be writing this piece. I think I would’ve miss out a lot had I not submit the IW registration form. For me, it was a case of ‘now or never’ as I was reaching the age limit for expedition. Volunteering with the support group, I saw different ways of approaching matters and solving problems. My favourites - being a leader doesn’t mean you have to constantly show a constipated-like face; and a post mortem of any event can be a diplomatic affair, without shouting matches, chairs flying, and people crying.

The 10 week expedition meant a lot to me. A journey of discovery it was. I got to know a different side of my country, fellow Malaysians whom I only know vaguely about, annoying ang moh venturers that turned out to be my best friends, and also myself.

Living in an environment and with communities that were totally different from the one I grew up in, had a huge impact on me. My daily complains and worries became so insignificant when compared to what the villagers faced day in day out, and what some of my fellow venturers have been through. Life has been rather comfortable, without many hiccups. Imagine this; some villages are 4 hours a way from the main road, only assessable by a 4WD. Not having water supply for a prolong period that people have no choice but to move from their homes to another village.

Throughout the 10 weeks, I reflected on my past, gained some self belief, and figured out the kind of life I want to live. Being in the middle of two very different cultures, I learn that diversity adds strength to a group’s dynamics. A lot of little things inspired me. My guide spending tine with his son early in the morning; a South African who-thinks-he’s-a-Malaysian helping four villages in Batu Puteh to establish eco tourism and telling youths to be proud of their culture.

It is impossible for me to summarise the whole experience into one article. All I can say is volunteering for the environment and community will always be in my blood.