As it becomes increasingly important in Malaysia to focus on conservation and a greener future, the next generation are preparing to take on the challenges of caring for our planet and it's living creatures.

Malaysia is somewhat on the front lines - home to the oldest living rainforests in the world and a massive and very vulnerable variety of flora and fauna.

EcoMalaysias Dan Gibas caught up with a busy vet in training -  Miss Eunice Tan Vern Shing.

Lets dive right in to the interview...

Dan:

How long does it take to become a qualified vet? What kind of studies will you have to go through?

Eunice:

It takes about 5 years to get qualified. Studies? You need to study medicine, surgery, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, farm management and more.

Dan:

What attracted you to become a vet?

Eunice:

Love for animals and to see them healthy.  Mainly I wanted to help the strays.

Dan:

What are your favorite animals and why?

Eunice:

Favorite? I have so many.  Tigers, Pandas, Dogs, Cats.  Mainly mammals.  I won't feel comfortable with lizards or snakes, but if i have to handle them - I have to do it!

Dan:

What important roles can vets play in animal conservation?

Eunice:

Maybe in educating the public. Also in providing treatment and especially in breeding programs for animals in captivity.

Dan:

Are there any situations you particularly feel made a big difference - maybe an endangered species you saved or success in a breeding program?

Eunice:

So far no, but for pet dogs and cats then yes.  I feel happy and satisfied when a very sick animal recovers and the owners are so happy to have them back.

Dan:

What do you think of the conservation efforts in Malaysia?

Eunice:

There is some effort done on conservation of Mouse Deer, Tapirs, Rhino and  Elephants, but the public awareness is still very low.  With the asian trade for Tiger products and exotic meat from animals such as Pangolins, it is rather hard to reach out and tell people that all these endangered animals are not for eating or for use in "medicinal products".  It is quite hard to change the mentality of people especially the Chinese.

Photo Left:  Eunice microchipping a Mouse Deer or Kancil. The Mouse Deer can only be found in Malaysia, parts of Borneo and Indonesia. There are two types of Mouse Deer, the Tragulus javanicus commonly called the Lesser Mouse Deer, and the Tragulus napu known as the Greater Mouse Deer. Locally called Kancil the Mouse Deer are small harmless creatures often preyed on by larger predators including large Snakes and Tigers!

Dan:

What are your plans for the future?

Eunice:

Plans for the future? After i graduate i will work with a vaterinary clinic. When i have a better income i would like to run my own animal shelter for every kind of animal including the usual dogs, cats, chickens, horses and cows!  But turning this dream into reality will need allot of investment.

EcoMalaysia:

Thank you for the interview Eunice!  Best of luck with your future, we wish you every success in achieving your dreams as a vet.

Eunice enjoying some job satisfaction...