Christian Simon Jonathan (he/him) has been captivated by the ocean, sports, and conservation from an early age. Growing up near Malaysia’s coasts, he developed a profound connection with the sea, which sparked a lifelong passion for marine biology and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Christian’s commitment to marine conservation became clear from his first visit to Tioman Island as a student, further cemented when he began volunteering with Reef Check Malaysia on the island. There, he worked on coral restoration projects, including grafting coral fragments onto underwater structures to regenerate coral reefs. This hands-on experience was an essential part of his journey, allowing him to directly contribute to the protection of Malaysia’s fragile marine ecosystems.
While in Tioman, Christian was also actively involved in a campaign to prevent the development of a proposed international airport that would have threatened the local environment. His advocacy, along with his role in raising awareness among local communities, demonstrated his belief that conservation should be driven by both grassroots efforts and local participation. His short documentary, *Environmental Stewardship and the Rise of Conservation in Tioman*, explores these issues in depth. The film includes interviews with locals, environmental advocates, and YB Nik Nazmi, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources, focusing on the environmental and social impacts of large-scale development projects.
Academically, Christian has always aligned his studies with his passion for marine conservation. While completing his A-levels, he produced the documentary as part of his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), allowing him to apply his research and storytelling skills toward environmental advocacy. His work on the film showcased his ability to engage with complex environmental issues, while also offering practical solutions.
Christian’s love for the ocean is not only academic; he’s an avid open water swimmer and diver. He and his team won the Perhentian 16 km Open Water Swim Challenge, a remarkable achievement that highlights his endurance and dedication to the sea. His diving experience continues to fuel his curiosity about marine life, and his goal is to become a master diver, enabling him to explore and protect the underwater world even further.
In addition to his work in conservation, Christian aims to collaborate with the Sea Monkey Project, a social enterprise that converts ocean plastic waste into useful products. He is working on a plan to integrate this initiative into his family farm, transforming plastic trash collected from Malaysian coasts into sustainable materials.
Christian’s broad range of interests, from coral conservation and plastic waste reduction to competitive swimming and filmmaking, reflects his deep commitment to marine conservation. His goal is to build a culture of environmental stewardship that will be passed down through generations, starting with local communities and extending globally. Christian’s passion for the ocean, combined with his drive for meaningful change, makes him a promising young advocate for the future of marine conservation.