Dato' Seri Tengku Dr. Zainal Adlin Bin Tengku Mahamood

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health 2017

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A Pilot's Legacy in Environmental Stewardship

In the late 50s and early 60s, Tengku Adlin was a pilot performing short flying stints, who then went on to hold senior posts at district and sState levels in the Kelantan Civil Service, and Malaysian Home and Diplomatic Service from 1962 to 1967.

Tengku Adlin spearheaded the conservation of Sabah's Danum Valley and Maliau Basin, establishing key research centers and environmental sanctuaries, including the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary and the Heart of Borneo initiative.

He has led many expeditions to unexplored natural historical sites in remote interiors of Sabah since 1968, and a species of Rafflesia discovered on Mount Trusmadi is named after him - the Rafflesia tengku-adlinii (1988).

Contributions of Tengku Adlin in Sabah's Development

Despite being born in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Tengku Adlin's career was dedicated to making significant contributions to the development of Sabah.

He was the first CEO of the Sabah State Housing Commission, introducing low-cost housing initiatives across Sabah. Meanwhile, as the first Deputy Director of the Sabah Foundation from 1974 to 1996, he contributed significantly to various projects such as the Sabah Foundation Tower, Sports Complex Likas, and Coastal Road Likas Bay Recreational Leisure Belt.

His efforts extended to initiatives like the Flying Doctor Service, Hostels for Rural Students, and the establishment of UiTM and UKM Branch Campuses in 1974.

Conservation and Environmental Initiative

Tengku Adlin played a pivotal role in the conservation of Danum Valley and Maliau Basin, establishing the Danum Valley Field Research Centre in 1984 and the Borneo Rain Forest Lodge in 1994.

He chaired WWF Malaysia, contributing to the creation of the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary in 2000 and the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society in 2007.

His involvement in the Heart of Borneo initiative, from its conceptual stage in 2001 to its realisation in 2007, showcased his commitment to conservation on an international level.

Honouring a notable legacy

For his contributions, Tengku Adlin received numerous honors including an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the University Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1995, the Langkawi Award, Malaysia's highest recognition for conservation in 1999, and the WWF Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Gold Medal in the same year.

He was also conferred Datukships by the Sabah Head of State in 1975 and the Sultan of Kelantan in 1985, followed by Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak by the Sultan of Perak in 2006.

Tengku Adlin's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements as he initiated impactful conservation projects, received international recognition, and left a mark on Malaysia's environmental landscape.

With Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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