Founder of Planters, Sadruddin (Dean)
Author | Carmelle Wilkinson
Growing up in the tropical climate of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sadruddin (Dean) was fortunate to live within minutes of lush dense forest.
However, over the years he noticed a rapid decline of canopy cover in his home country and decided to take action.
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Acc & Fin) at our Perth campus in 2006, he returned to Kuala Lumpur and founded Planters – a conservation program which now being incorporated as a public company whose main goal is to preserve biodiversity through strategic reforestation.
Starting in his own backyard of Malaysia, Dean and his team hope their innovative technology will one day provide a fail-safe method of reforestation that can be used in different locations around the world.
“Billions of hectares of land on our planet have fallen victim to the consequences of human activities, such as deforestation, abandoned agricultural efforts, pollution, the burning fossil fuels, exponential population growth and urbanisation,’’ he said.
“By restoring forest landscapes, we can help to lower carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere as well as support a whole ecosystem of plant and animals by increasing their habitat.”
Since its inception in 2008, Planters has restored thousands of hectares of forest throughout Malaysia forest landscape which includes some notable sites such as in Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam (National Botanic Gardens Shah Alam – which is home to 31 species of flora that are endemic to the Peninsula of Malaysia) and HSK Relai Permanent Forest Reserve (where traces of honey bear and elephant footprints have been found).
In a pioneering leap for environmental conservation, the Planters team recently unveiled its successful digitisation of a portion of the Cerakah Forest Reserve using cutting-edge Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology.
SLAM technology gives an in depth look of the forest floor.
“This technological marvel represents a significant advancement in our mission to safeguard Malaysia’s invaluable forests and biodiversity,’’ Dean said.
“SLAM allows us to capture up to date, high resolution 3D data of the forest landscape. With detailed topographic and vegetative data, we can design better conservation strategies, understand the exact layout and composition of the forest and target specific areas that need attention.
“It also allows for greater transparency with stakeholders as they are now able to access maps and data and track the progress of our initiatives.”
Since its inception, Planters have been laying down its roots and working hard to deliver a program that also works harmoniously in collaboration with local communities through employment and training opportunities.
“The company has evolved significantly over the years, and we have formed partnerships with international conservation organisations and local communities, which has allowed us to scale our operations and impact,’’ he said.
Through the integration of innovative techniques, particularly in digital forest management, Dean and the team are continually enhancing their conservation efforts to ensure the preservation of forests for generations to come.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this conservation space? Were you always fascinated by nature growing up?
Growing up in a family that valued the natural world, my fascination with nature was ignited at a young age. Weekend trips to national parks and forest reserves were a common occurrence, where I developed a deep appreciation for the intricate ecosystems and the importance of preserving them. This early exposure instilled a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Later, witnessing the alarming rates of deforestation and its impact on biodiversity and climate change, propelled me to take an active role in conservation. I wanted to create a tangible impact, preserving the very ecosystems that had inspired me as a child.
What has been the biggest challenge starting your own business?
Dean and his team.
Starting Planters came with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was securing funding and convincing stakeholders of the long-term benefits of reforestation. There were moments of doubt, especially during the initial phases when the impact was not immediately visible. Overcoming these thoughts required a steadfast commitment to our mission and continuous engagement with the community to build trust and support. Establishing a transparent and data-driven approach helped in showcasing the tangible benefits of our projects, gradually turning sceptics into advocates.
Do you have any advice for someone contemplating a career in conservation? Is working in the conservation space rewarding?
For those contemplating a career in conservation, my advice is to stay passionate and patient. The impact of conservation work is often seen over long periods, but the rewards are profound. Seeing a barren land transform into a thriving ecosystem is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, continuous learning and staying abreast of new technologies and methodologies can significantly enhance your effectiveness. Networking with like-minded individuals and organizations can provide support and amplify your impact.
What does the future look like for you and the team? Are there any goals Planters hope to achieve in the coming years?
Planters are on a mission to preserve Malaysia’s natural heritage for years to come.
The future for Planters is bright and ambitious. We aim to expand our conservation efforts to cover more critical areas both within Malaysia and internationally. Our goals include increasing the use of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning for better forest management and monitoring and enhancing community involvement in our projects. We are also focused on developing educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of conservation among the younger generation. Ultimately, we envision a future where sustainable practices are ingrained in every aspect of society, ensuring the preservation of our natural heritage for generations to come.
Author | Carmelle Wilkinson
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