AS the door swings open, the hitherto tranquil cafe located on the ground floor of Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Johor, is suddenly pierced by a burst of hearty laughter, cutting through the serene ambiance like a ray of sunlight through a cloudy sky.
I glance up from my phone which I'd been scrolling, catching sight of a jovial figure striding towards me. With a jaunty cap perched atop his head and a grin that could easily light up a room, he exudes an infectious energy that commands attention.
"Am I late?" the man exclaims in mock horror as he approaches, extending his hand in a warm greeting. I can't help but smile at his theatrics. "No, I'm just early," I reply in jest, momentarily forgetting that the gentleman before me had risen at the crack of dawn for an expedition into the depths of the Panti Forest Reserve, Desaru's renowned birding paradise, which covers nearly 25 sq km of lowland dipterocarp rainforest.
A man whose vibrant personality mirrors the kaleidoscope of his diverse passions, Peter Ong, is one of the founding members of Roots & Shoots Malaysia — an organisation under the Jane Goodall Institute dedicated to empowering youth to create positive change for people, animals and the environment by providing them with tools to initiate and lead projects and campaigns that make a difference. He is a multifaceted individual, whose journey seamlessly intertwines the worlds of stage performance, photography and conservation.
And I had definitely been looking forward to meeting him for years!
UNCONVENTIONAL PATH
The affable Taurean's narrative begins on the stage, where he orchestrates his talents with the finesse of a seasoned maestro. Heralded as one of the region's most versatile performers, Ong has graced prestigious venues across Asia, Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom.
His repertoire spans operas, lieder recitals, orchestral concerts and musical theatre productions, where he has captivated audiences with his performances. From the enchanting notes of Don Giovanni to the poignant drama of Madama Butterfly, his artistic prowess knows no bounds.
"I've always loved music, and as a kid, I was part of a children's choir," confesses Ong, whose father is a lawyer and mum a housewife. Adding, he shares: "I sang and attended dance classes. My parents supported my artistic inclinations when they realised sports was just not for their son. I tried tennis you know, but struggled due to poor hand-eye coordination!"
His journey to the stage was unconventional, shaped by a winding path of exploration and self-discovery.
After completing his law studies in the UK — he was in Bristol for three years, reading law before doing his Masters in International Business Law at the London School of Economics — Ong found himself drawn to the world of advertising and enjoyed a three-year stint with McCann-Erikson, an American global advertising agency network. "I had a knack for creative communication," he explains, "but the corporate world left me yearning for something more".
In 2002, the genial Penangite took a leap of faith and ventured into the performing arts full-time. Alongside two friends, he co-founded Pan Productions, a theatre company dedicated to producing musicals in Malaysia and beyond. "It was a risk," he admits, "but I've always believed in following my passions."
A LENS TO THE WILD
Beyond the realms of theatres and concert halls, Ong's heart finds solace in the embrace of nature's splendour. A fervent wildlife photographer and advocate, his lens has captured moments of raw beauty and untamed grace, immortalising the wonders of Malaysia's biodiverse landscapes.
As a child, his fondness for animals was evident from the start. Chuckling, he recounts a childhood escapade involving a feathered friend and an act of defiance. "I've always had a soft spot for animals and nature," reflects the award-winning photographer, eyes glinting as he adds: "I remember vividly one incident from my childhood at a family friend's orchard."
He was in Year One then. "I stumbled upon a chick that captured my heart," continues Ong, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "I was determined to make it my pet, much to my parents' dismay. So, I took matters into my own hands, smuggling the chick under my shirt and sneaking it into the car."
However, his grand plan hit a snag when he dozed off during the journey home. Mirth lacing his tone, he recalls: "The next morning, I woke up in a panic when I realised that I'd left my feathered companion behind in the car. To my dismay, the chick had defecated all over the seat. I was scolded and received a beating because of that! But I was just happy to find it unharmed."
Reflecting on his school days, Ong, the eldest of three siblings, shares another tale of his affinity for animals. "I refused to go to biology class because I couldn't bear the thought of dissecting anything for experiments. So, you know what I did? I'd save all my money so I could, every two weeks, buy the hamsters destined for our experiments from the school canteen. Before long, my home became a sanctuary for over 30 of these furry critters."
Asked to recall his childhood aspirations, his eyes under his dark-rimmed glasses blaze with enthusiasm. "When I was just a kindergartener, I dreamt of becoming a zoologist," he confesses, adding: "I just wanted to work with animals. Of course, I didn't know what being a zoologist entailed, and neither did my parents."
Chuckling, Ong continues: "In those days, only five careers were considered 'legitimate': Lawyer, medic, engineer, accountant and architect. Anything else, you might as well be a prostitute on the corner street!"
ACCIDENTAL JOURNEY
His journey into wildlife photography could be viewed as rather serendipitous, born from a chance encounter with English primatologist and anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall in 2017. Inspired by her quest to understand Malaysia's primate populations, Ong embarked on a mission to document the country's rich tapestry of wildlife.
Continuing, he elaborates: "In 2017, during Jane's return visit to Malaysia, she asked me about the primate situation in our country. I remember being flummoxed. My immediate response was a feeble attempt to deflect the inquiry with a casual, 'surely we can find that information on Google'."
He was wrong. "I was so surprised to discover that there was a glaring void in our understanding of Malaysia's primate population, a shocking dearth of comprehensive species lists and a scarcity of available photos," laments Ong, brows furrowing in dismay at the recollection.
Determined to fill this void, he embarked on a quest for knowledge. "I pondered how I could educate myself," recalls Ong, adding: "So, I went to talk to researchers, told them about my limitations in graph and DNA analysis, but that I could still be of some use somehow. They asked me what could I do, so I told them that maybe I could take photos for them and that they were welcomed to use whatever I got. And that's how it all started."
With those words, Ong's foray into wildlife photography was born, a journey fuelled by curiosity and a desire to shine a light on the plight of Malaysia's primates. Softly, he confides: "I learnt by myself about Malaysia's primates, the different species, the challenges and issues facing them, why they're critically endangered, and the policies shaping their conservation status etc."
Suddenly, guffawing loudly, he exclaims mischievously: "I guess the great thing about having done a law degree is that you're not afraid to read. Nothing can be thicker or drier than my law of Torts!" From textbooks to scientific journals, he navigated the labyrinth of conservation literature with the same precision and determination that defined his legal pursuits.
Through his photographs, Ong became not only a storyteller, but a voice for the voiceless, advocating for the protection and preservation of the country's rich biodiversity. Reflecting on the challenges of wildlife photography in Malaysia, Ong muses: "Many assume it's like photographing wildlife in Africa. But our terrain is vastly different. There's no sitting comfortably on cushions in a jeep, sipping wine and shooting. Most of the time it's just me, my camera, and a 10 kilo lens. It's definitely more a test of patience and perseverance."
His passion for wildlife and the environment eventually led him on a career of wildlife photography and environmental advocacy. He subsequently launched Project Monyet in 2019 to photograph and document all of Malaysia's 26 primate species, many of which are endangered and data deficient.
His photography and advocacy work has since led him to develop other projects to promote economic empowerment of local communities living with or next to the jungles to encourage them to become better stewards of the environment, as well as to spread awareness of the incredible biodiversity and natural wealth of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
In the end, what began as a simple question from Goodall evolved into a lifelong commitment to conservation — a commitment rooted in the belief that through knowledge and compassion, it's possible to forge a brighter future for generations to come.
OF PASSION AND PURPOSE
For Ong, photography isn't merely a visual art form; it's a powerful tool for conservation and education. Through his lens, he seeks to bridge the gap between science and storytelling, weaving together captivating imagery with profound insights into Malaysia's ecological heritage.
In his quest to raise awareness about the country's precious biodiversity, Ong has embarked on various initiatives, from exhibitions and panel discussions to educational outreach programmes. His tireless efforts have earned him accolades and recognition, including a coveted spot on the IUCN panel and features in esteemed publications.
Yet, amidst the accolades and achievements, he remains grounded in his conviction that true change begins with individual action. His message is simple yet profound: Peel back the layers of familiarity and discover the untold stories that lie within our midst. For in the embrace of nature's splendour lies the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future.
As Ong sagely puts it: "Life is short. Or rather, life is impermanent. Everything changes. And nature shows you this every day. Leaves grow, fade and fall. Flowers bloom, fade and fall. I see the cycle of life repeated."
Continuing softly, he adds: "Yes, it's sobering and if you've lost loved ones, it's painful. But to know that this cycle has been going on for billions of years before me and will no doubt continue for billions of years more after me. It just affirms (to me) that I should stay in my present moment, enjoy it and be grateful for it… because this too will fade and pass. I think my time in the forest has given me a new appreciation of life."
In a world plagued by apathy and indifference, Ong's words serve as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to cherish and protect the fragile tapestry of life that surrounds us.
Concluding solemnly, the 40-something implores again: "Take a chance on Malaysia. Really discover and dig deep to find what we have here. Make the effort to go and see what we have, and you will be mind-blown."