Mark Liao Jun

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

Our work in environmental education spans from school programmes to collaborations with young adults and even corporate engagement and team development. We believe that to be truly inclusive and sustainable, everyone should have the chance to learn together. By bringing people of different ages and backgrounds into shared experiences, we help them see how their actions connect to the wider natural world.

The work we do follows the belief that if you do not understand nature, how can you appreciate it, and if you do not appreciate it, how can you protect it. This idea reminds us that understanding comes before action, and that real change begins with awareness and connection. When people feel that sense of connection, they begin to see themselves as part of nature, not separate from it.

My team and I continue to find new ways to make environmental learning relevant and meaningful. We connect global goals to local realities so people understand not only what needs to be done but why it matters to their communities. Our focus is simple to help people experience and fall in love with nature, to empower youth to lead their first projects, and to build a support system that keeps them inspired.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

This journey has always been close to my heart. Coming from Sarawak, a land rich in natural resources and cultural diversity, I have always wanted to do something meaningful for my community and to protect the place we call home. When I founded Sarawak Eco Warriors, I began to understand what it takes to create real change and how important it is to bring people together.

I did not come from a conservation background. I studied business at university, and that experience shaped how I see conservation today. It taught me that to move forward, we need to make conservation more inclusive. It cannot just belong to scientists or educators. Everyone has a role to play, because real change happens when different kinds of knowledge and experience come together.

As someone who has always been more of an introvert, I learned to step forward, connect with people, and create opportunities for others to grow. Through this, I have seen how strong communities can be when people work side by side. Change does not happen alone, but together, it becomes something lasting.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

You can always find us on Instagram, where we are most active and share updates about our work and upcoming programmes. We love it when people join our activities, as each programme is a chance to learn and grow together. Beyond giving, we believe there is so much we can learn from one another.

We hope that by joining our efforts, people will be inspired to start their own projects, initiatives, and movements, or simply begin with small actions at home. These small steps often grow into something bigger over time and help build stronger, more connected communities. Having this sense of community and support is vital in conservation, because protecting nature is not only about science, it is also about people. Science gives us knowledge, but people give meaning to it.

We are also passionate about training more people to become environmental educators. This aligns closely with the goals of NAAEE’s 30 Under 30 network, which encourages more voices to share and strengthen the message of living in harmony with nature. Through collaboration, learning, and action, we believe everyone can play a part in protecting the world we all depend on.

A Little More About Me

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?
No matter how dark and difficult things can get, never give up on hope and always be willing to open up to possibilities.

What makes you most excited to be an EE30U30 awardee?
I feel proud to be recognised as an EE 30 Under 30 awardee, as it affirms that our work creates real impact and strengthens our ability to collaborate meaningfully with others.

What are your hobbies?
I love plants, although I do not have a green thumb. Fun fact—I opened a plant retail business to supplement our environmental conservation efforts.

Do you prefer sunrise, sunset, midday, or midnight?
Midnight, because its nice and cooling.