Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee (fourth from left) taking a group photograph after the launch ceremony of Suara Hutan 2026. Accompanying him are (from left onwards) Ms Chitra a/p Muthusamy, Associate Dean of FCCI, TAR UMT, Jia Le, Ms Dearna, Ms Mariani, Ms Lim, and Pn Rossilawati binti Rusli, Programme Leader of FCCI, TAR UMT.

On 29 – 31 August 2026, TAR UMT’s public relations students helped raise public awareness on gibbon conservation after organising a three-day public awareness exhibition called Suara Hutan 2026: Keep the Gibbons Singing, held at GMBB Mall, Kuala Lumpur.

The social awareness and fundraising campaign involved 48 Diploma in Public Relations students, who delivered an interactive and fun experience to visitors while teaching them about the threats faced by gibbons and the pressing need to protect the primates and its natural habitats.

Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, officiated the launch ceremony, accompanied by Ms Dearne Kee Jun Chen, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries (FCCI), Ms Mariani Ramli, Founder of Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS), and Ms Lim Ying Xian, Representative of GMBB KL.

“Through Suara Hutan 2026, we hope to encourage the public to understand the challenges faced by gibbons, including habitat loss, wildlife pet trade, and human activities that threaten their survival. By increasing awareness and encouraging responsible action, we can help create a future where gibbons and their natural habitats are better protected,” said Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee.

The campaign featured various display booths, interactive games, and educational programmes for visitors to enjoy and learn about responsible environmental behaviour, the importance of sustaining the natural environment, and protection of natural species under threat like gibbons.

“Gibbons belong in their natural habitats, where they can live with their families and contribute to the balance of the forest ecosystem. Protecting them requires not only effective enforcement and conservation efforts, but also greater public awareness and responsible choices within our communities,” said Lim Jia Le, Chairperson of Suara Hutan 2026 organising committee.

Visitors of the Suara Hutan 2026 campaign participating in an interactive game activity at one of the booths.