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National Geographic Explorers are exceptional individuals chosen by the renowned organisation to share stories that highlight science and conservation with the world
According to its website, since 1890, National Geographic has supported the work of more than 14,000 individuals — including scientists, educators, researchers, conservationists, and technologists — from around the world.
The organisation says that, besides funding, recipients will gain access to professional development, leadership opportunities, cutting-edge tools, and a global network of peers, to advance their projects in science, exploration, and education.
Explorers often work across these six key focus areas: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human Histories & Cultures, Planetary Health, and Space.
Malaysian National Geographic Explorer Elisa Panjang, a pangolin conservation officer in Sabah.
Image via SciDev.NetApplications are highly competitive, with candidates expected to demonstrate expertise in their field and, ideally, a strong connection to the local context of their work
National Geographic states that applicants must show the expertise, skills, and passion needed to successfully carry out their project, which typically spans two years.
Earning the title of Explorer is a prestigious achievement: recipients receive not only grant funding, but also access to the international organisation's training courses, software tools, equipment loans, and other resources.
National Geographic's website even hosts a directory showcasing current and past Explorers.
Each year, only a small number of Explorers are selected — and in recent years, several Malaysians have earned the honour
Max Han Kai Ding (2025)
Co-founder of Youths United for Earth (YUFE), Han is a climate justice advocate and nonprofit leader from Kuala Lumpur. His organisation mobilises youth for climate action through advocacy, storytelling, and campaigns, having reached over 50,000 people.
A Rhodes Scholar currently studying environmental justice and public policy at Oxford University, Max was selected for National Geographic's 2025 Young Explorer programme.
Ian Teh (2023)
A documentary photographer, Teh has worked on environmental issues for over two decades, published three books, and even had his work featured in publications such as The New York Times.
He was chosen for a storytelling project titled The Line of Least Resistance, which examines hyper-urbanisation in Greater Kuala Lumpur and its destructive impact on forests in Malaysia.
Elisa Panjang (2023)
A conservation biologist from Sabah, Elisa has dedicated her career to pangolin conservation. Her National Geographic-backed project uses whole genome sequencing of wild Sunda pangolins to study their population viability and address ecological threats they face.
Harris Heng Wei Kang (2023)
A marine ecologist, Heng specialises in coastal science and conservation. His master's research at Universiti Malaya focused on the feeding ecology of endangered dugongs in Malaysia's seagrass habitats.
Now pursuing a PhD at the University of Queensland in Australia, he received National Geographic funding to continue his dugong connectivity research in Southeast Peninsular Malaysia.
Through their diverse work, these Malaysians are contributing to National Geographic's mission — using science, conservation, and storytelling to protect and celebrate the world's natural heritage
Here are the Explorer grants currently available on the National Geographic website.
