Green Turtles project: the People

More about Rahayu Zulkifli

From corporate lawyer in sprawling Kuala Lumpur to field worker on Ma'Daerah's 1.7-km beach, Rahayu Zulkifli certainly does not have the conventional background of a conservationist.

Her heart however has always told her to do something to protect nature from incessant degradation. In 2003, this ambitious lady traded in her laptop and corporate apparel, and turned her life upside down.

Today, she is fighting a case for turtles and spends most of her time working directly with local communities. From her office or at WWF's turtle sanctuary, Rahayu is launched and nothing, it seems, will stop her from winning suit for the green turtles of the State of Terengganu.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Johor Bahru, brought up in Kelantan, educated in Kuala Lumpur, and then I moved to the UK in 1984 to do my A-levels and then go to University.

What subjects did you like best at school?
My favourites were history and biology.

What did you want to be?
A lawyer, although at the time, I was not quite sure what it entailed. My uncle is a lawyer, as are my two younger sisters. I suppose he kind of set a trend in the family!

What subjects did you study at University?
I studied Law at Liverpool University.

How did you end up working for WWF?
I was fed up of being a lawyer and wanted do something I was really passionate about, so I started asking around. A friend of mine told me about the vacancy at WWF and I applied.

What do you like the most about your job?
Knowing that I am actually doing something to stop turtles going extinct, whilst also helping protect the environment. I also really enjoy working with people and being close to nature.

What do you dislike about the job?
The sun! I have grown many shades of brown darker since working out in the open air.

How would you describe yourself?
A megalomaniac! (giggles) Hmm, I guess I am easy to get along with and also very frank. Oh, and I would also say that I am someone who does not like describing herself!

What are your ambitions for the future?
To continue working for the environment and to see the fruits of my labour. I want to keep doing fieldwork. I have had enough of office work, which is why I left the law firm.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do what you do?
You have to believe in what you do; have passion and conviction. It's a challenging job and if you're not passionate, your interest will wane. You also have to keep yourself up to date. I cannot go round convincing people about the value of turtles if I know little about them myself, so I have to read and keep up with recent developments.