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Our Founder receives Datukship from the Malaysian Government

Susan Sheward MBE has received an honorary title from the Malaysian government in recognition of her work to protect endangered wildlife.

Orangutan Appeal UK's Founder and Chairwoman Susan Sheward MBE has received an honorary title from the Malaysian government in recognition of her work to protect endangered wildlife. The title was bestowed by Sabah head of state Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at a special ceremony held at the Sabah State Palace, hosted by the Malaysian State of Sabah, Borneo. Susan received the ‘Title of Datuk’ in recognition of her work to conserve critically endangered orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants and the wildlife of Sabah. She was the only non Malaysian to receive the title at the event.

(Image: Susan being presented with her Datukship).

Image: Susan being presented with her Datukship)

Susan became involved with the plight of the orangutans whilst visiting Borneo nearly 20 years ago and has been working closely with Sabah Wildlife Department and raising worldwide awareness of the critically endangered orangutan ever since. OAUK has now invested over £2 million GBP in Sabah, which has included refurbishment of the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, sponsorship of eight local staff to work at the centre and the funding of numerous orangutan rescues, releases and translocations. Recently OAUK completed a pledge to provide Sabah Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) with three fully modified rescue vehicles.

Certificate of Datukship from the Malaysian Government

Susan said: “I am honoured to be bestowed with a Datukship in recognition for the work that both myself and my colleagues at the Orangutan Appeal UK have been involved in over the last two decades. At the same time, we couldn’t have done this without the support of those who donate to the OAUK and those who are part of our adoption programme. This has been essential in continuing to protect Sabah’s critically endangered wildlife, including the iconic orangutan and the Bornean pygmy elephant.”

Image: Datuk Susan pictured with the Assistant Director of Sabah Wildlife Department.

Datuk Susan and Chief Field Veterinarian at Sabah Wildlife Department

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