2019 Fall INRM Fellows

Laila Sari ANDHIKA (Indonesia)

Creator of Aksi Peduli Wisata Bahara, also known as siPari, which is a community group that engages in marine tourism and natural resources management
Since it began in November 2016, siPari has empowered more than fifty housewives to participate in waste product training, educated children about marine waste, and conducted several research projects and coastal recoveries in Madura Island
siPari is just one example of how the many different tasks Ms. Andhika has undertaken where she has partnered with universities to turn issues into research, trained a community on environmental preservation, lead workshops, and increased awareness on natural resource management
She is an honors cum laude graduate of Trunojoyo University of Madura where she received a Bachelor's degree in Marine Science
In learning about natural resource management in the United States, Ms. Andhika hopes to gain skills which will better enable her to build a mutual understanding among the community of Madura and the students of Trunojoyo University concerning environmental issues

Mohd Al-Amin Afiq Safwat BIN ABARAHAN (Brunei)

Aspires to create a platform for creative arts and to promote culture and heritage in his country
Stems from his passion for and experience in film, fashion retail, graphic design, illustration, and teaching
Has created designs from upcycled material while ensuring aspects of environmental sustainability
Been part of a local environment advocacy group
Actively involved with youth projects on advancing cinema and creative arts
Has an aim of creating a close knit community that is rich in culture which connects volunteers, local entrepreneurs, and artists within Brunei
Through the East-West Center fellowship Mr. Bin Abarahan wants to use his platform to further promote local artists and social responsibility
Mr. Bin Abarahan is a lecturer teaching Product Design to pre-university students
Freelance actor and art director
He has a Master’s degree in Teaching and Product Design & Manufacture from the University of Brunei Darussalam

Jerica Marie CAWALO (Philippines)

Biologist with the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
Project Manager for Save Philippine Seas
Co-founder of Project SEAyasat, stemming from the Filipino word ‘siyasat’ meaning ‘inquisition’ or ‘scrutiny’
- The name of this project falls in line with its goal, which is to assess the degree of compliance of existing environmental laws and municipal ordinances, and to encourage establishments to improve their compliance by providing recommendations post-assessment.
- In working with Save Philippines Seas, Ms. Cawalo was a facilitator during SEA Camp Subic where she guided some campers in the implementation of Project SEAyasat

Ms. Cawalo’s main advocacy is the protection of marine resources
Has a future plan to create a campaign and conduct a mandatory environmental orientation for government employees to educate them on micro-plastics so they can better publicly communicate environmental programs of the government
At the East-Center, Ms. Cawalo anticipates being guided by her peers’ and their experiences with implementing projects and apply that knowledge towards the development of her own current and future advocacy endeavors
Currently is a post-graduate student at the University of the Philippines Open University working towards a Master's degree in Environment and Natural Resource Management

Van Tha CEU (Burma)

Junior Agronomist for the Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID)
Most interested in the pan-ASEAN aspect of the East-West Center academic fellowship where multiple perspectives and experiences of other young leaders are brought together and everyone can learn from one another
Being from Myanmar, a place home to large forest reserves, species-rich coastal ecosystems, and an abundant amount of water resources, Mr. Ceu has seen how unsustainable commercial practices made by businesses has contributed to environmental degradation
Mr. Ceu would like to lead a business which focuses on sustainable agriculture and is aligned with green economic policies
He is a graduate of Yezin Agricultural University with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science specializing in Agricultural Microbiology

Pawattapum CHAROENSUK (Thailand)

Interested in environmental policy and climate change, which is evident in his participation in the International Conference on Public Organization (ICONPO) in 2016, the Sector Network Conference of Sector Network Natural Resources and Rural Development (SNRD Asia), and the Sector Network Transport, Energy, Environment, and Water in Asia (TUEWAS) in 2018
Anticipates being able to broaden his perspective and develop a more inclusive and insightful view toward significant issues regarding the environment and natural resource management as an East West-Center fellow
Following the program, Mr. Charoensuk will be an engaged alumni and aspires to be a future environmental leaders of Thailand
He has a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Thammasat University

Kai Syin “Lyvia” CHONG (Malaysia)

In-House Researcher of Turtle Lab at the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort and a Graduate Research Assistant of the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU)
Identifies as a natural-born leader
- Managed the Malaysia Sea Turtle Photo-ID Network, a collaborative effort between several sea turtle projects to build a sea turtle photographic identification database
- Wrote an article on responsible snorkeling and diving practices as a volunteer with the Turtle Conservation Society
- Involved with an online kickstarter course for Early Career Conservationists
She is enthusiastic about all opportunities to learn, especially when it comes to enhancing her skills to help advance her conservation work
Coming to the East-West Center, Ms. Chong is eager to improve her engagement with policy makers, industry operators, and local communities, while also keeping economic and social issues surrounding conservation in consideration in order to develop proper solutions
She is working towards a Master of Science degree in Zoology from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and plans to graduate next year

Ying Xuan CHUA (Singapore)

Co-Founder of Accommodate, an education initiative and fictitious game which uses role-play and simulation to raise awareness about land redevelopment issues in Singapore, where she leads a team of fifteen
Has an extensive amount of experience in translating her awareness of environmental issues into action, including being
- A sustainability intern for Marina Bay Sands
- President for the Asian School of Environment Club (ASEC)
- Recycling Director for Earthlink NTU where she led a committee of ten to organize recycling initiatives at the university such as recycling drives, promoting e-waste, and learning journeys to waste treatment facilities

Ms. Chua looks forward to the experiential learning aspect of the YSEALI program at the East-West Center, and she is eager to learn from and interact with her fellow cohorts
She currently is an undergraduate student of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) majoring in Environmental Earth Systems Sciences and anticipates graduation in 2020

Inci Muhammad DARMAWAN (Indonesia)

Founder of Mata Bugis, a project he created in 2017 after observing the use of a traditional fishing tool used by some regents in Sulawesi called the Bagan Tancap
- Mata Bugis focuses on solving marine environmental issues through improving and developing Bagan Tancap, a device which helps reduce plastic waste production

Speaker in the Managing Environmental Workshop held by the International Office of Hasanuuddin University
Politics and Economics speaker with Ikatan Mahasiswa Manajemen where he talked about marine economy
During his time at the East-West Center, Mr. Darmawan anticipates being able to bring his experience, knowledge, and guidance gained about the environmental issues in the United States, specifically about marine biota, and apply that to Mata Bugis to help the overall development of his community at home
He is an undergraduate student of Hasanuddin University where recently completed his third year majoring in Management

Agustinho Pinteus Vianci DE CARVALHO (Timor-Leste)

Works Full Time at USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project, an organization which aims to accelerate sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the horticulture sector. At the end of the project, USAID anticipates more than 5,500 households will be earning higher incomes, increasing household savings and eating more nutritious foods.
Part of the English Conversation Club, where he teaches English and assists in organizing events
Interested in promoting naturally grown herbs and food products from Timor-Leste
Anticipates collaborating with other empowered and passionate youths to conquer environmental problems to help the globe prosper
Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture at TAFE North Queensland in Australia

Eka Meynia HELENDRI (Indonesia)

Creator of Vlogreenesia, a project which aims to influence others to stop using plastic through social media.
- Vlogreenesia has caused 6,000 people on Instagram, 15 communities, 5 cafes, and 1 hotel to stop using single use plastic

Lead Convenor of Environmentrip, a project with an aim to strengthen the younger local community in plastic usage awareness
- Environmentrip has successfully engaged 400 participants

In recognition of her passionate efforts to bring awareness to sustainability, Ms. Helendri has received multiple honors including the, Environment and Forest Ambassador award by the Koalisi Pemuda Hijau Indonesia Regional Sumatera Utara (KOPHI SUMUT, and the Top 10 National Climate Vlogger award by Friedrich Naumann Stiftung Indonesia (FNF Indonesia)
Believes her participation at the East-West Center will help further expand her network, enable her to work on her environmental and sustainability advocacy, and also aid her in becoming a future leader to broaden the movement scopes in her home country
She is currently a student of Candradimuka University working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and intends on graduating next year

Trang Minh HOANG (Vietnam)

Junior Project Officer for the World Wide Fund for Nature Vietnam
Active volunteer with Phu Quoc Clean & Green.
Worked for a local NGO as a communicator ro raise awareness on sustainability upon graduating university, where she
- Led and organized a national youth summit which brought together sixty youth to learn about environmental issues and different approaches to reach solutions at a grassroots level

Participant in Earthrights School in Thailand, a 7-month training program on environmental issues in Southeast Asia analyzing topics such as climate justice, sustainable development, trans-boundary water resource management, legal and economic approaches to development projects, and advocacy and campaigning
With the opportunity of the YSEALI fellowship at the East-West Center ahead of her, Ms. Hoang looks forward to sharing her knowledge and experience with addressing environmental issues while also learning from her cohorts
She is a graduate of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam where she received a Bachelor’s degree in International Communications

China KIM (Cambodia)

Aims to enhance his horizon on environmental knowledge and natural resource management by interacting with multiple perspectives of his peers through his fellowship with the East-West Center.
Interned with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs working on the Gender and Climate Change project
Interned with Wetland Work where he studied water quality in Cambodia
Has been a research assistant for different public and private sectors looking issues such as
- Public participation in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process
- Research on non-timber forest products
Beginning his major at university has helped Mr. Kim to realize that his dream career focuses on environmental issues and development
He is a senior undergraduate student at Pannasastra University of Cambodia where he is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science
A current member of the student senate at Pannasastra University
From 2016-2018 he was a member of the United States Ambassadors Youth Council

Setthawut KONGTEN (Thailand)

An advocate for global cooperation with the purpose of building a sustainable environment for everyone in the globe.
Spends a significant amount of his time dedicating himself to embettering his community environment through a variety of volunteer projects.
- Volunteer experience includes: school beautification projects, rural development camps, fixing/renovating infrastructure, as well as educating students about waste segregation and the importance of recycling.
- Was part of the Rakkaew Volunteer Club in his university
- Was involved with the GMS-ASEAN Conference 2016 China and Southeast Asia: Transnational Nexus of Politics, Economics, and Cultures, where he served to facilitate participants.
Believes that the YSEALI program will enable him to further enhance his skills and academic abilities to be able to influence his country and accomplish the objective of reaching sustainable development goals for his country.
Earned his Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from Chiang Mai University

Khac Quyen LE (Vietnam)

The co-founder of the Nature Exploration project, which has been well known as the first initiative for a practical educational project for students in the forest in Viet Nam.
Engages in a variety of wildlife environmental activities including:
- Protecting Rhino Project in the Southern provinces
- ‘I love the Green Forest’ Program
- Youth Wildlife Conservation
- Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Field Skill training course.
Currently the Program Manager at the New Nature Foundation, a Program Officer at Denver Zoo, as well as a Teacher for GreenEdu Program.
Earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Vietnam National University and is honing his knowledge by pursuing a master’s degree in Biology, with a concentration on primates.
Plans to promote nature education among young children in Vietnam to gradually improve people’s awareness of wildlife conservation.
Anticipates participating in the YSEALI fellowship as he sees it as a great opportunity to enhance his knowledge on wildlife by learning from others and spark ideas that can be initiated for the preservation of nature and all its beings.

Romina Therese Sison LIM (Philippines)

Marine Biologist and founder of Project AlaGALAan, a campaign geared towards the protection of the natural environment and ecosystems through responsible eco-tourism.
Co-chairperson of the WWF Philippines' National Youth Council, an avenue she uses to educate youth on environmental issues.
Research Associate for the ‘Protect West Philippines Sea Project’
Member of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network
Volunteer of Save the Philippines Sea, as well as the Wildlife Rescue Center.
Passionate about restoring marine biodiversity and leaning towards sustainable tourism.
Eager to participate in the YSEALI fellowship and strives to raise awareness towards sustainability and eco-tourism as an influential youth for environment networks in the Philippines.
Determined to use the knowledge and skills she gains from the fellowship to attain the sustainability goals of the Philippines and for other nations.

Alisa LUANGRATH (Laos)

A YSEALI alumna and has attended the first-ever YSEALI Regional Workshop on Sustainable Ecotourism in 2019
Working in Vang Vieng on a project to recycle plastic waste among tourism operators.
Facilitates sustainable ecotourism workshops, and is also actively volunteering with different organizations such as:
- ‘eMpowering Youths Across Asean Programme’
- ‘SEED’ (Social Environmental Education and Development) volunteering club.
Actively leading change on the intersection of responsible tourism and environmental management.
Passionate about attending the YSEALI fellowship this year to regard her concern for environmental issues and utilize her abilities and experiences to pave a path for effective innovation for the community as well as preserved ecosystem.
Working on Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and prospectively a graduate degree from National University of Laos

Hoang Huu Huy NGUYEN (Vietnam)

Currently working at Vietnam Tuna Association, responsible for training the local fishers on endangered marine species, logbook, bycatch as well as legislation.
A Consultant at Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and Vietnam Directorate of Fisheries.
Inspired to apply his knowledge and ability in protecting the ocean’s endangered animals as well as helping the fishermen community improve their knowledge and raise awareness of preserving the sea habitat.
Looks forward to the YSEALI program in the sense that he feels he has a lot to learn from this program and anticipates to collaborate and build relationships with other individuals who have the potential and power to change and help the world.
Graduated from Nha Trang University where he majored in Fisheries Management
Led the English Club at Institute of Marine Science and Fishing Technology at Nha Trang University and hopes to be a tuna expert in the future.

Hnin Phyu SIN (Burma)

A Regional Ambassador at Eco-generation, where she reports regional environmental issues on a global platform.
Works with the International Centre for Environmental Management, National Water Resources Committee, as well as Myanmar Forest Association.
She has a strong background in water management and degrading watershed areas is one of the biggest concerns she has for her country, Myanmar.
Promotes not only giving the environmental education and extension that local people need but also supporting the best sustainable livelihood business.
Because of her interest and concern for the environment, she identifies the YSEALI program to be a great opportunity for her to expand her knowledge and inspire new solutions to the problems we are currently or are bound to face in the future.
Graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from the University of Forestry and Environmental Science in Burma.

Kai Ren TAN (Malaysia)

Founding Director and Principal Advisor to a student-led sustainability movement called ‘ASTAR Cares.’
Aspires to be a Malaysian exemplar in sustainable living, permaculture practices and is also passionate to work on drafting better environmental policies for the government and private organisations.
Currently working on ‘The Rimba Project’, a living lab that focuses on campus greening and urban biodiversity conservation.
A Core Facilitator and Project Manager for several events which include, but are not limited to:
- the Klang Valley City Nature Challenge
- Environmental Youth Engagement
- Youth Nature Camp.
Was the Malaysian delegate for YSEALI in Brunei, YSEALI Summit 2018 in Singapore, as well as ASEAN Biology Camp in Thailand.
Believes that the YSEALI program at East West Center will give him the tools and knowledge he needs to reach his vision of creating a society that is conscious about the health and balance of the natural ecosystem.

Sasina TANGPHITTHAYAWET (Thailand)

Staff member of ‘Trash Hero,’ a non profit organization that organizes community based projects to remove and reduce waste.
Working on Coral Propagation in Tran inspired by Octo Mission.
Has a strong dedication to community service and has taken a personal interest in addressing the issue of marine plastic debris.
Hopes to scale-up the impact of the environmental projects she is involved with to an international scale.
She feels that the YSEALI fellowship at the East West Center will allow her to collaborate with like-minded individuals that will enable her to fulfill her desire of extending her services globally.
Has demonstrated leadership and active participation in solving Thailand’s most pressing environmental challenges by being active in the Environmental Club at Chulalongkorn University, where she is currently majoring in Thai, Faculty of Arts.

YANTI, Gusti Ayu Isma (Indonesia)

Founder of ‘Chelonimer,’ a startup she made one year ago by recycling used plastic bottles into beautiful handmade earrings. She hopes to expand and increase the production process to be able to raise awareness about recycling and coral health.
Has a strong interest in restoring the coral reef ecosystem and puts in countless hours of service for a variety of organizations.
Ms. Yanti aholds several important roles in her community which includes:
- Head of Community and Social Project Division in Oceanography Student Association
- Head of Regional Facilitator for Singapore-Indonesia Youth Leadership Exchange Program
- Head of Aksi Bumi Project
- Facilitator for different events regarding environmental issues and preservation.
Ms. Yanti is eager to participate in the YSEALI fellowship at the East West Center as she believes it will allow her to meet new people with the same mission as well as gain social-entrepreneurship skills that will allow her to implement solutions to improve the environment.
Currently studying Oceanography at Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia