Book Talk: The Natural World Universiti Malaya

The Natural World Universiti Malaya book, published in 2023, took center stage during the Book Talk series at Central Library UM on 25th June 2025. The author, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Yong Hoi-Sen, began his illustrious academic career as a tutor in 1965 and retired in 1998 as the Professor holding the Chair of Zoology. In 2007, he was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus in Genetics and Zoology.

During the book talk, Prof. Yong revealed that it took him two years to write this book, which draws upon six decades of accumulated knowledge and experience. The book provides a captivating snapshot of his lifelong exploration and encounters with the natural world, starting from 1961, when he first arrived at Universiti Malaya as a student. He reminisced about the campus's pristine condition at the time, noting the presence of many plant and animal species that have since disappeared, often without anyone knowing why. One such species is the Midnight Horror, a plant with eerie, fleshy, night-blooming flowers that attract nocturnal pollinators like bats and moths.

Prof. Yong shared numerous fascinating stories and insights about the natural world at UM. Here are some of the remarkable facts he highlighted:

Fungi are not plants; they are actually more closely related to animals than plants.

Lianas (woody vines) act as "highways" for animals, enabling their movement through the forest canopy.

The Pigeon Orchid blooms in response to temperature drops. The author even suggested experimenting by placing the plant in a fridge and observing if it produces flowers after being removed.

Universiti Malaya is home to around 100 species of birds!

The Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is famously known as the Queen of Fruits.

The Fighting Spider (Thiania bhamoensis) engages in dominance battles between male jumping spiders. As a child, observing these spiders became a favorite pastime activity for Prof. Yong and his friends.

Some insects and spiders exhibit paternal care, a rare and fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom.

What can we do for the natural world of UM? There needs to be more comprehensive studies of various biota and the interactions among different life forms. Additionally, citizen science and nature photography could play a significant role in contributing toward new discoveries and holistic knowledge of the natural world.

How can we protect UM's Natural Heritage? According to the author, through habitat preservation, species protection, research, and education. These efforts can ensure that the richness of UM's natural environment is safeguarded for future generations.

So how can we describe the natural world? In Prof. Yong's words, the natural world can be encapsulated in three terms: magnificent, verdant, and timeless. He concluded the session with a poignant reminder:
"The natural world is a rich resource for learning, inspiration, innovation, and creativity. It is full of wonders waiting to be discovered."

Written by Siti Norasiah Abd. Kadir, a fan of The Natural World of Universiti Malaya.