Cover image via Tinesh Sritharan (Provided to SAYS) & SAYS
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National Geographic has refuted a Malaysian photographer's claim that he was selected for its prestigious Explorer programme
The National Geographic Society's Explorer programme supports individuals working on projects related to science, exploration, conservation, education, and storytelling.
In an earlier interview with SAYS, Tinesh Sritharan said the organisation selected him as an Explorer to document wildlife stories from the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
His achievement made headlines and gained national attention, with many Malaysians congratulating him and sharing their pride.
Tinesh was scheduled to leave for the assignment in Kenya on 10 August.
However, after noticing his name could not be found in National Geographic's Explorer directory, SAYS contacted the organisation to verify his selection
In an email to SAYS, Natasha Daly, a senior manager and editor at National Geographic, stated, "Tinesh Sritharan is not an Explorer. The letter you've attached is a fraudulent letter that is not genuine."
This is the acceptance letter Tinesh claimed to have received from National Geographic:
In response to SAYS' follow-up questions, the Malaysian photographer said he was confused by the situation
According to Tinesh, he had initially pitched an independent photography assignment for potential publication with National Geographic.
He sent his proposal on the Great Migration and wildlife conservation to National Geographic's senior director of storytelling, Sadie Quarrier, on 4 November 2024. He claimed to have sent it to Quarrier's official National Geographic email address.
After not receiving a reply, he deleted the email.
On 16 April 2025, he received an email titled 'National Geographic Assignment Approval – Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservation Project', informing him that his pitch had been approved, with the acceptance letter attached.
Below is the email he received:
However, the email came from a different address than Quarrier's official one, and used a Gmail domain instead of National Geographic's.
"This was the only thing that I received. I'm lost for words," he told SAYS.
He added that he did not receive the "briefing packet containing logistical details, safety protocols, and the official terms of engagement" stated in the acceptance letter.
While Tinesh did not directly address National Geographic's denial of his claim, he said, "I just don't understand what is going on at the moment. Did someone play a prank on me or something? I would not have troubled anyone and myself to come down here to Africa."
SAYS has reached out to National Geographic to verify the authenticity of the email but has yet to receive a response.
In earlier statements, Tinesh claimed his project was backed by several sponsors, including MIC, Wedding Professionals Alliance Malaysia (WPAM), Sony Malaysia, and Affinity Realty
According to an FMT article, Tinesh had received a cheque of RM15,000 from MIC to help carry out his project in Kenya.
When contacted by SAYS, MIC confirmed that Tinesh had met with the party to receive the contributions.
SAYS has reached out to the other named sponsors for verification.
