Like millions of young people around the world, Hairul lost his job during the pandemic. But with the help of our TEAM programme in Malaysia, he has turned that ending into a new beginning. Hairul has always enjoyed spending time in nature, but now this passion has become his job.

Before the pandemic, Hairul (25) was an engineering technician. After being laid off, he was determined to find a new position and signed up to take part in TEAM, our intensive pre-employment training programme.

Hairul’s favourite part was his two-week work experience placement with Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC). The centre clearly enjoyed hosting Hairul too, because as soon as he completed the programme, they took him on as an assistant researcher.

Now, as a Biodiversity & Restoration Coordinator, Hairul now works in the forest every day, tending native saplings and monitoring wildlife. He is thriving in his role, with a newfound sense of purpose and connection. ‘The work that I’m doing now is more meaningful,’ he explains. ‘I’m not only focusing on myself, but more on what’s around us, like community, nature and the environment.
After completing Team Programme, Hairul was was selected as the 2022 Prince’s Trust Sustainability Award receiver for Asia, an award that recognises outstanding young people on a Prince’s Trust programme across the world.