Delaney Eng
About yourself
I am a conservation ecologist at Mandai Nature, the conservation arm of Mandai Wildlife Group which operates the wildlife parks in Singapore. I collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate considerations for biodiversity in our daily operations and advance ecological stewardship of our local environment. I also work with partners in the region, supporting their field conservation effort as a grant manager, particularly contributing to the conservation of the Southern River Terrapin and Siamese Crocodile in Cambodia, and various other ASAP species supported by Mandai Nature.
What inspired you to work in conservation?
The idea of working in conservation did not occur spontaneously for me. It was a process of discovery starting from my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies that led me to securing my first job in environmental management for a development project, before specialising in a Masters degree in Wild Animal Biology. What began as a more generalist scope gave me exposure to the intricate human-wildlife interface, which allowed me to find my niche role in mainstreaming biodiversity protection into organisational practices and grow into it. This would not have been possible had I not grasped the opportunities that came my way and carved out a path towards what felt important, meaningful and fulfilling.
What does being part of the ASAP Network of Women mean to you and what do you hope to achieve?
To me, joining the ASAP Network of Women is a pivotal moment not just in my conservation career, but also my personal life, where I now feel like I have an additional support system. I see each of us being an integral thread in the tapestry that is the NOW collective, creating that conducive learning environment while providing the support and safety net for us women in conservation. I hope to be able to translate the inspiration I’ve gleaned from NOW Leaders and exercise the courage that I’ve picked up in the process to become a stronger woman leader in conservation.
What is your biggest takeaway from the in-person retreat sessions?
Although the importance of ‘wellbeing’ has often been reiterated, I could never really visualise how it could translate to being an effective leader in conservation. It hit me during the retreat, when I got to truly experience in-person how being in control of our wellbeing really makes a difference in our outlook and approach. Just like how the retreat sessions took us through a bit of an emotional roller-coaster ride, it has made me appreciate that learning and growth is not linear and allowed me to accept ourselves as we seek to become stronger and more courageous. It has opened my eyes to the possibilities of learning, growth and impact that I am capable of, as we journey together with the NOW Leaders.