Born amidst the dense rainforests and rich biodiversity of Sarawak, Malaysia, Heng Li Seng was raised in a world where nature was not only a presence but a way of life. His early years were shaped by the rhythms of rural living, in a tight-knit village where the harmony between people and the environment was vital. The son of a schoolteacher and a rubber tapper, Heng was taught to value education, resilience, and the land that sustained his community. From childhood, he witnessed firsthand how environmental degradation, including logging, pollution, and climate change, was slowly unraveling the fabric of life around him. These experiences planted the seed for what would become a lifelong mission.
During his formative years, Heng’s natural curiosity led him to explore the interconnectedness between ecosystems and communities. After earning a degree in Environmental Science and Policy, he quickly made waves in Malaysia’s sustainability scene. A major turning point came in his early twenties when he led a youth-driven reforestation project that restored over 2,000 hectares of degraded rainforest. His approach, which integrated indigenous wisdom with modern environmental practices, garnered national and international acclaim.
But Heng’s path was far from smooth. He faced resistance from corporations, red tape from policymakers, and skepticism from those who saw environmental activism as idealistic or impractical. Despite these challenges, he remained unwavering. He collaborated with indigenous tribes, launched climate education programs in schools, and became a trusted voice in ASEAN’s environmental policy discussions. His work earned him prestigious honors, including the ASEAN Youth Eco-Leader Award and a feature on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in the Social Impact category.
Today, Heng Li Seng is more than an environmentalist. He is a visionary, a mentor, and a symbol of what is possible when passion meets purpose. His legacy continues to inspire a growing movement of youth across Southeast Asia who believe in sustainability not just as a concept but as a way of living. Through his efforts, Heng has shown that even the smallest voices, when rooted in truth and love for the Earth, can echo across the world.