1. Are university researchers eligible to apply? Yes, if there is a significant element of practical biodiversity conservation in your work and not just research, and if money can be paid to you via a registered non-profit entity, which could be your university.

 

2. What type of organisation set up is acceptable? We accept applications from individuals working with: NGOs, other registered entities which are non-profit in intent; universities; using a registered conduit which is non-profit in intent.

 

3. What are my chances of getting through if my project/organisation set up and turnover are very small? The main determinant of whether you are likely to get through to the shortlist is the quality and importance of your work. We like our funds to be able to make an impact but we also want to make sure that you are able to handle the award funds and that your organisation/project is resilient going forward. If you meet all those criteria, you stand a great chance.

 

4. What are my chances if my organisation turnover is very large? We would prefer it if our award prize money amounted to more than 2.5% of your turnover, so as to be able to make more of a difference. However that is just a preference and depending on the field of applicants, this may or may not preclude you from getting through to the final round.

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5. How do you judge whether I am a ‘star’ conservationist if I work within a large organisation? In this case, isolating your contribution to the work from that of your organisation is more of an art than a science and we won’t pretend it’s easy. We ask that you hold at least a significant leadership role within your organisation. We will look at the area where you say you have influence and try to judge what you have achieved. We also understand that working within a large organisation requires you to be more collaborative than within a small organisation where it is easier to show leadership qualities. You will have some flexibility during the interview to tell us more about what you are capable of and about your individual aspirations but should also try to highlight this on the application form.

 

6. Which parts of the application form are the most important? It’s all important but it is essential to upload three pieces of documentation- your IC (to prove you are Malaysian), your chosen organisation’s registration document (unless it is a university), your organisation’s/project’s financial statement/management accounts as evidence of your turnover and financial documentation.

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7. What are you trying to assess with all the questions about my background, achievements and aspirations? Please see the section on ‘What we are looking for”

 

8. Can I submit my form in Bahasa Malaysia? Yes, though it would be helpful for assessors if you could also put in an English translation in each section (Google translate is fine). Please also let us know how comfortable you would be making a speech and talking to our donors in English.

 

9. What do you mean by mid-career? There are no hard and fast rules but as a rough guide, we feel that 5 years doing practical conservation or after you have had a few projects under your belt could be used as a rough benchmark. On the other end, we would prefer it if you felt you could still be contributing to Malaysian conservation for at least 5 years afterwards. So if you are thinking of retiring or changing your career in the next few years, then this award is not for you. We do not have an age limit. 

 

10.What do you mean by conservationist? We mean anyone who is working to conserve biodiversity, marine or terrestrial, using any of the IUCN conservation actions. You do not need to be formally educated but do need to be able to demonstrate a science based approach and doing practical conservation, and to show your impact in an evidence based manner. We welcome people from all backgrounds.

 

11.Do I have to champion a particular species, animal or plant? We support those who protect both species or habitats but if the latter, you must be able to document the impact of your work on a specific species or a range of species, animal or plant, in a science and evidence based manner.

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12. How long will I have to spend the award money? We require a six month and a full year report by the end of which we would have expected you to spend most of the money but we are happy to discuss flexibility for another year after that, depending on your project. If you need an extension beyond two years, you can discuss this with us.

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13. Can I use the funds to contribute to an ongoing project as matching funds? Yes, but please let us know how much the award funds will specifically contribute to the project.

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14. What does the judging process consist of? There will be an initial screening and scoring stage where the internal Bij Alam team may ask you more questions. If you are shortlisted, then your information will be passed to the panel of judges who will conduct an on video interview with you lasting for about half an hour.

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15. What happens if I win? It should be fun from now on and all you have to do is to prepare for the award ceremony! This takes place in the evening in a venue in KL and will be attended by about 60 people, donors, conservationists and media. You will be expected to attend and make an acceptance speech. We will send a film crew to make a short film of your work as soon as possible after informing you which we will show on the night. It's a fun, supportive evening celebrating the winners and you will enjoy it.

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16. What should I do if I’m not sure how to answer a question?

Please email us on bijialamorg@gmail.com, Subject: Application question