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Long is the Country Representative of the Frankfurt Zoological Society. He has started working in conservation since 1999, at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam. In 2009, Long finished his PhD in Animal Ecology at the University of Cambridge, England. In 2012, he co-founded GreenViet, a non-profit organization working to conserve important ecosystems and endangered species in the Central and Central Highlands regions. Since 2022, he has participated in the management board of the Vietnam Conservation Fund to support local CSOs to expand their impact in conservation. He joins WildAct’s Board of Governors in 2023 to provide technical and fundraising support for WildAct, especially regarding strategic planning, advocacy, species and habitat conservation.
WILDACT – TURNING HOPE INTO ACTION
Hi, I am Dr. Trang Nguyen, the Founder of WildAct.
When I was eight years old, I accidentally witnessed the brutal reality of bear bile farming in my neighborhood – a bear’s bile was being extracted right before my eyes. That harrowing moment ignited a deep sense of motivation, determination, and courage within me. I made a promise to that bear:
“I MUST DO SOMETHING TO END WILDLIFE EXPLOITATION”
Back in the early 1990s, biodiversity conservation was a relatively unknown concept in Vietnam, which made my journey even more challenging. I faced obstacles – my family’s disapproval, language barriers, and gender inequality. But I refused to give up. I worked hard, and against all odds, I secured a fully funded scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation in the United Kingdom. From there, my passion only grew stronger. I went on to earn two master’s degrees and a doctorate in biodiversity management.
But life had other plans. In 2013, while studying at Cambridge, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fearing I wouldn’t live to fulfill the promise I made to that bear as a child. “If not now, then when?” I asked myself. I knew I couldn’t wait any longer – I had to take action. I founded WildAct, a Vietnamese non-profit organisation dedicated to making wildlife conservation more accessible to everyone. Through WildAct, I’ve created opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to protect nature and be part of something bigger.
Along the way, my work has been recognized on a global scale. I am honored to have received prestigious awards such as the Future for Nature Award in the Netherlands, the Princess of Girona Award in Spain, and most recently, the British Council Study UK Alumni Award for Science and Sustainability. I was also named one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women and included in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30. One of my proudest moments was being featured in BBC’s Planet Earth III, where Sir David Attenborough recognised me as one of his six conservation heroes.
Beyond my conservation efforts, I want to inspire younger generations to connect with nature and wildlife. That’s why I’ve written children’s books like Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear and Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant. These stories carry my message of love for nature, and I’m thrilled that they have been translated into over 10 languages and published worldwide, allowing young readers everywhere to discover the magic of wildlife.
It’s been a long journey, but I’ve never forgotten that eight-year-old girl who just wanted to help a bear.
“AND THE TRUTH IS, I CAN’T DO IT ALONE”
Protecting wildlife is something we all have a part in. So if you’ve ever felt the same way – if you’ve ever looked at nature and thought, “I wish I could do something” – know that you can.
WildAct is here because of people who believe in change. If you’d like to be part of that journey, we’d love to have you with us.
OUR MISSION & VISION
MISSION
Empowering communities, protecting wildlife, saving our planet
VISION
A world where empowered communities and thriving wildlife coexist, ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HA THANG LONG, PhD
Country Representative Frankfurt Zoological Society
MR. JAN PHILIPP HARNISCH
CEO of Air & Ocean
Mr. Jan Philipp Harnisch is a Member of the Management Board of the Rhenus Group and CEO of Air & Ocean. He leads the global strategy for Rhenus Air & Ocean, with a focus on expanding international operations, strengthening organizational agility, and delivering customer-centric logistics solutions. Based in Bangkok, he plays a key role in driving Rhenus’ growth across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and other strategic markets.
JOSH KEMPINSKI, MSc
Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor
Josh has currently worked as the advisor to the Wild & Natural Heritage Department of the Royal Commission for AlUla, in Saudi Arabia. Before that, Josh worked on species conservation and protected area management in Vietnam between 2004 and 2022, mostly with Fauna & Flora International (FFI). During that time, he also worked on climate/nature synergies in protected areas, mangrove systems, REDD+, and energy policy (mainly hydro-dams). He has been involved with various conservation and forest carbon/carbon market analysis projects in Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Australia, England, Tanzania and Mozambique. Josh finished his MSc degree in Ecological Management at Imperial College, London, England in 2004. Josh expects to provide technical support for WildAct in strategic planning, legality, governance, and assist WildAct to expand its influence at the regional and global levels.
HUMANS OF WILDACT
NGUYEN TRONG HOANG
Communications & Fundraising Advisor
With experience advising more than 100 communications and corporate social responsibility campaigns for leading companies including Vingroup, Nestlé, Carlsberg, Viettel, Prudential, MoMo, and Techcombank, Hoang brings strategic communications expertise to WildAct. He supports the organisation in strengthening public engagement and fundraising for conservation. Hoang believes that communication is one of the most powerful tools for changing public attitudes and behaviours. During his time with WildAct, he has led campaigns on issues such as animal welfare and the welfare concerns surrounding zoos in shopping malls, encouraging more people to speak up for wildlife. To him, meaningful conservation can begin with a single conversation online.
BUI THI HUONG LINH
Operations Manager
With more than 20 years of experience in administration and human resources, Huong Linh has worked with several organisations, including SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam. At WildAct, she oversees the organisation’s operations, ensuring that systems and processes run smoothly to support conservation programmes. Huong Linh believes that effective conservation starts with a strong organisation behind it. Every well-managed process helps field teams focus on protecting nature with confidence. She is proud to support those working on the frontlines of conservation and to contribute to a future where both people and nature can thrive.
PHAN THI TY
Senior Accountant
With over five years of experience in accounting for Vietnamese non-governmental organisations and development projects, Ty ensures WildAct’s financial operations remain transparent, efficient, and accountable. Beyond managing the books, she also supports the team during field activities whenever needed. What makes Ty feel connected to WildAct is the organisation’s people-centred approach to conservation. She believes that empowering local communities is the key to creating long-lasting conservation solutions. For Ty, conservation is not only the responsibility of scientists or field staff—it is something everyone can contribute to, regardless of their role.
NGUYEN THI VAN ANH
Education and Awareness Officer
Originally trained in Law and Public Relations, Van Anh chose to pursue a career in conservation education to help connect people with nature. At WildAct, she designs and delivers educational programmes for schools and local communities. Every session is an opportunity to inspire children to care about the natural world. Through her work, Van Anh has also deepened her understanding of the remarkable birds, mammals, and biodiversity of Chư Yang Sin National Park. She believes that nurturing a love for nature today is the first step toward raising the conservationists of tomorrow.
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