Symposium for Indonesia–Malaysia BioAcoustics
SIMBA 2025
23–25 May 2025 | University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Malaysia
We hosted SIMBA 2025 in the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), bringing together researchers, conservationists, students, and community leaders from across Southeast Asia to explore the sounds of wildlife and the science behind them.
Over three exciting days, we highlighted the achievements of our BEAT Year 2 mentorship participants. Their work took us from the remote coastal waters of Sulawesi, where fish whisper beneath the waves, to the cool mountain forests where the elusive Bleeding Toad makes its rare vocalizations. Hearing how our mentees captured these moments—and what they learned along the way—was inspiring for everyone in the room.
But the conversations didn’t stop at research findings. Participants also shared how they are taking their new bioacoustics skills back to their communities, supporting local conservation actions and empowering others to listen more closely to the natural world around them.
One of the highlights of the symposium was a field visit to a local-led conservation initiative in Terengganu, where we learnt about the region’s very own “fish listeners”—community members using sound to understand and protect freshwater species. This hands-on experience grounded the science in real-world impact and reminded us of the power of community-led stewardship.
Outside the formal sessions, SIMBA 2025 became a place of connection. New friendships were formed over shared meals, field trips, and long conversations about wildlife, technology, and the future of conservation. These relationships are the heart of SIMBA—and we hope they continue to grow long after the symposium ends.
In total, SIMBA 2025 welcomed 32 presenters and 72 attendees from conservation organizations, universities, and government agencies across the region, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed their voices—both human and wildlife—to this vibrant gathering.
Mantul! SIMBA reminded me that everything starts with listening: learning, connecting, collaborating, and advancing research and conservation.
Bella Risky Tarinda, Yapeka, Indonesia
Here’s to more listening, learning, and growing together for nature in the years ahead.
SIMBA 2023
In November, 2023, we welcomed both cohorts at the Symposium for Indonesia and Malaysia BioAcoustics (SIMBA) at our partner university (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Members of the first cohort, local partners, and Yang Center researchers presented their bioacoustics projects and led the kick-off training for the second cohort. All 17 teams from both cohorts were represented by at least one, many two or more, members. In total, SIMBA was attended by 105 people from 44 different organizations. After a year of online training, it was the first in-person meeting for the BEAT program, and the excitement and enthusiasm were palpable!
