It is with the dedication of the team of nine members based on-site (three of whom are from the local villages) that the work of MERC continues. The enthusiasm of all our staff and belief in what they are doing is apparent in the way they share their experiences with visitors.

The team is guided by Alvin Wong, Project Director of MERC, who wraps up his thoughts about MERC this way - ‘God creates life, conservationists help to preserve it. At MERC, we aim to reintroduce life. Life brings joy. Share our joy by supporting our work’.

Group Picture

Front row (left to right): Kristen, Vienna, Melissa, Vanessa, Alvin, Lionel, Kamal, Bryan
Back row: Asri

Vienna Anastasia Admodisastro - Marine Biologist
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the clam spats (which I call ‘my precious little babies’!) produced in the hatchery and the broken coral fragments planted by the visitors growing and doing so well. I believe each one of us has a significant role to play in protecting the environment, whether directly involved in conservation or not.

Kristen Soong Giun Yee - Jr. Marine Biologist
Culturing plankton may sound like a dull job but remember this - planktons are primary producers in the sea. They form the base of the food chain, affecting the higher levels in the ecological pyramid. Plus, having a work place facing the ocean sparks a question in me - what more could I ask for?

Vanessa Rose Stephens - Jr. Marine Biologist
I find that a lot of people don't realize that corals are actually reef-building animals that provide homes for hundreds of species of fish. They are threatened by fish bombing, sedimentation from land, and pollution from the city as well as from neighboring islands. What we are doing here are just baby steps in a bigger picture, steps we hope will make all the difference to the marine life!

Muhamad Asri Bin Aripin - Asst. Marine Biologist
This is the most exciting job I have had, I never get bored. At MERC I learn new things every day through my work assisting the marine biologists in our conservation programmes. I am proud to be able to contribute towards the marine world as well as the local communities, whether directly or indirectly.

Bechar bin Aliasad – General Worker
I am extremely thankful to be working here – the environment keeps me calm. It is always easy to get out of bed and get ready to go to work.