Seven years ago, I first heard of the prestigious World Congress of Herpetology where experts and established scientists from the field of herpetology meet, once in 3-4 years, to share their current research, recent findings and new knowledge in the field.

Back then, being a student (I know I am still a student now!) pretty much meant that the chances of attending one such conference was very tiny. I was only a graduate student, and I had just started learning the ropes of conducting research and presenting my results in a way that is accepted by the scientific community. Naturally, the opportunity did not arise for me to attend the conference. Nor the next one in 2008.

Good things come to those who wait.

When I found out that the 7th World Congress of Herpetology will be held in August this year, I started looking into the possibilities of attending it. Luckily for me, CIMB Foundation, which also provides me a scholarship to pursue my Ph.D. in UKM, has agreed to sponsor my return air tickets to Vancouver for the conference, my Canadian visa, as well as my conference registration fees. Prof. Z. from UKM has also generously agreed to sponsor my accommodation during the conference.

I will be presenting a talk on the population structure and growth of the painted terrapins in the Setiu River, through our 3-year mark-and-recapture project. I will also be presenting a poster on the community participation in the river terrapin conservation project in Kemaman.

I would like to record my sincere gratitude to CIMB Foundation and Prof. Z. Without their trust and financial support, I would never be able to attend the 7th World Congress of Herpetology in Vancouver. Thank you for making one of my dreams a reality! <3

I would also like to acknowledge our past and current sponsors and collaborators for awarding us the much needed research/seed grants to conduct the various related projects. Without such related projects, we would not be able to carry out the mark-and-recapture study in Setiu. These sponsors are, in alphabetical order, Aquaria KLCC; Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan); fishermen and local villagers in Setiu, Terengganu; Malaysian Nature Society; Turtle Conservation Fund; Turtle Survival Alliance and US Fish and Wildlife Service.

A big shout out to Flexiroam for sponsoring me unlimited roaming calls home from Canada! You guys rock! :D

And lots of love to my sister for lending me her super comfortable windbreaker and jacket and her touchpad! <3