Report: An Exciting Gathering Filled with Nature Discoveries @ MNS Selangor Branch AGM

 

Introduction

Here we are again for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch! This year, it was held at the beautiful Commonwealth Eco Forest Park & Resort on July 25 and 26, 2026. The two days were packed with a series of exciting activities, led by passionate nature conservation experts and leaders from various special interest groups (SIGs).

Event Highlights

The morning of the first day kicked off with an engaging talk on fungal discoveries by Ms.Thi Bee Kin, a mycologist from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). The participants were captivated by the incredible diversity of the fungi world. After that, Ms.Wong Ee Lynn, the Chair of the MNS Selangor Branch, delivered an opening speech where she outlined the meeting agenda, which included a message from Ms. Anna Wong, the MNS President.

After the lunch break, the Treasure Hunt and Pop Quiz kicked off. The participants hunted for clues to solve the puzzle and unlock the exciting quiz questions in the games led by the Pathfinder and Green Living SIG Leaders.

The first day wrapped up with some exciting night herping walks, guided by the knowledgeable Herpetofauna and Marine SIG Leaders. Participants strolled along the forest paths, on the lookout for elusive nocturnal creatures. Among the highlights of their discoveries were the stunning painted bronzeback snake, sticky and cinnamon frogs, toads, lizards, slow loris and more.  

The second day started off with a delightful morning of bird watching, led by the enthusiastic Bird SIG Leaders. After that, the Mycology and Flora SIG Leaders teamed up to take everyone on a guided walk focused on the fascinating world of fungi and plants. Participants were captivated by the incredible variety of fungi and their vital roles in maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem. One of the most exciting finds was the ectomycorrhizal fungi, Russula sp., which forms a symbiotic relationship with the Meranti Tembaga tree (Rubroshorea leprosa). 

As the group walked along the river's edge, the Marine SIG Leaders were thrilled to catch sight of some fascinating freshwater wildlife, including a giant tadpole, catfish, betta fish, river prawns, and a whole lot more.

The event offered a truly unique experience that went beyond the usual meeting agenda, thanks to the collective passion of all the nature conservation leaders. Their dedication inspires everyone to slow down, take a closer look, and truly appreciate the delicate life forms that thrive in Malaysia’s beautiful natural environments.

Photo Highlights

The group photo of the MNS Selangor Branch Annual General Meeting, where participants enjoyed their time at the resort park on the second day.
Photo by Wong Wei Fong

Ms.Thi Bee Kin, a mycologist from FRIM and guest speaker of Fungal Discovery.
Left: Loon Yit Hong, Mycology SIG Leader
Right: Wong Ee Lynn, MNS Selangor Branch Chair
Photo by Doreen Owee

The participants were listening to the Fungal Discovery talk.
Photo by Doreen Owee

Nature conservation leaders from FRIM and MNS Selangor Branch.
From Left to Right: Jimmy Chew, Grace Chin, Joseph Lee, Loon Yit Hong, Azamuddeen Nasir, Lim Koon Hup, Thi Bee Kin, Arhwin, Dr.Yao Tze Leong, Ashwin, Wong Ee Lynn, Wong Se-Wei and Wong Wei Fong.
Photo by Wong Wei Fong

Exploring a Tarantula’s burrow with a new camera probe by Azamuddeen Nasir who led the first group of night herping walk.
Photo by Tan Ai Jiunn

One of the leading experts in herpetofauna, AP. Dr. Vincent Teo, along with Marcus Lim, the youngest herpetofauna guide from MNS, led the second group of night herping walk. This was an impromptu decision made after participants expressed their interest!
Photo by Jacqueline Low

A Painted Bronzeback Snake (Dendrelaphis pictus)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

A Bell’s Anglehead Lizard (Gonocephalus bellii)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

A Malayan Dwarf Toad (Ingerophrynus parvus)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

A Dark-sided Chorus Frog (Microhyla heymonsi)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

A Cryptic Tree Frog (Nyctixalus crypticus)
Photo by Jacqueline Low

A Rufous-sided Sticky Frog (Kalophrynus pleurostigma)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

A Rhinoceros Frog (Limnonectes plicatellus)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

A Spotted Litter Frog (Leptobrachium hendricksoni)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

Birdwatching fans in full actions.
Left: Grace Chin, MNS Selangor Branch Vice Chair
Right: Joseph Lee, Pathfinder SIG Leader
Photo by Wong Wei Fong

Botanist and Flora experts were observing trees across the river.
Left: Lim Koon Hup, Senior Botanist
Middle: Dr.Yao Tze Leong, Flora SIG Leader
Photo by Tan Ai Jiunn

Fungi guided walk led by Loon Yit Hong, Mycology SIG Leader & Thi Bee Kin, Mycologist from FRIM.
Photo by Doreen Owee

Fungi photography technique shared by mycology members.
Right: Jacqueline Low, Mycology SIG Committee Member.
Photo by Doreen Owee

Fan-shaped Jelly Fungus (Dacrymyces sp.)
Photo by Jacqueline Low

Rustygills mushrooms (Gymnopilus sp.)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

Baby Hairy Oyster mushrooms (Panus lecomtei)
Photo by Loon Yit Hong

Cup Fungus, Coral Fungus and Pinwheel mushrooms growing on decaying wood.
Photo by Jacqueline Low

A group of Birdnest Fungus (Cyathus sp.) growing on a dead tree branch.
Photo by Jacqueline Low

A group of White Coral Fungus growing on a dead tree branch.
Photo by Kent Leong

A group of Brittlegills mushrooms (Russula sp.) forming mycorrhizal symbiosis with the Meranti Tembaga Tree (Rubroshorea leprosula).
Photo by Jacqueline Low

A group of common Slime Mold (Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa) growing on decaying wood.
Photo by Tan Ai Jiunn

A group of fluffy Puffball mushrooms (Calvatia sp.) growing on the ground.
Photo by Kent Leong

An unknown tree seed revealing pinky flesh upon removal of its outer shell.
Photo by Tan Ai Jiunn

A freshwater catfish was catched and released for the participants’ observation purpose.
Photo by Wong Wei Fong

Giant tadpoles were catched and released for the participants' observation purpose.
Photo by Wong Wei Fong

Betta fishes were catched and released for the participants' observation purpose.
Photo by Wong Wei Fong

Acknowledgement

MNS Selangor Branch Chair & Green Living SIG Leader - Wong Ee Lynn

MNS Selangor Branch Leaders & Committee Members - Grace Chin, Bernadette Chin, Wong Wei Fong, AP. Dr. Vincent Teoh, Leong Hon Yuen, Jimmy Chew, Arhwin Kalai Chelvan, Ashwin Kalai Chelvan, Tan Kwong Kiat & Joseph Lee Hwan King.

MNS Bird SIG Leaders - Wong Shea Hong & Bryan Wee Yan Jun

MNS Flora SIG Leader & Committee Members - Dr.Yao Tze Leong, Julian Ding, Karen Tan, Wong Wei Fong, Rosli Omar, Yee Chun Wah & Khadijah Rambe Weber.

MNS Herp SIG Leaders - Michael Tee & Marcus Lim

MNS Marine SIG Leaders - Wong Se-Wei & Muhammad Azamuddeen Mohammad Nasir  

MNS Mycology SIG Leaders & Committee Members - Loon Yit Hong, Joseph Pallante, Luca Pilia, Jacqueline Low, Alexia Ng, Lenny Wong & Tan Kim Hock.

MNS Pathfinder SIG Leaders - Joseph Lee Hwan King & Chan Cheng Wee

MNS Photo Group SIG Leader - Alex SC Foong

FRIM Mycologist - Thi Bee Kin

Volunteers: Doreen Owee,  Kho Vui Keong, Tan Ai Jiunn, Yee Chun Wah, Allie Cheong, Kent Leong and families.

 

Sponsors

Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch (MNS Selangor Branch)

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Commonwealth Eco Forest Park & Resort