Mogesh Sababathy
Mogesh Sababathy, a dedicated Malaysian Youth Climate Advocate, is profoundly committed to nurturing positive environmental awareness among Malaysia’s younger generation.
Raised on Labuan Island, a prominent tourist destination with a strong connection to offshore financial services and the fishing industry, Mogesh’s environmental journey began at the tender age of 5 when he personally witnessed the harsh reality of ocean pollution. Growing up in close proximity to the ocean, he keenly observed the dynamics of environmental conservation practices in Malaysia, facing challenges such as water scarcity, inadequate waste management, and limited community engagement.
Mogesh’s unwavering determination to contribute to solutions motivated him to co-found Project Ocean
Hope during his marine biology studies at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in 2017.Recognising the urgent need for universally accessible environmental education, he embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and public understanding.
Under the banner of Project Ocean Hope, Mogesh and his dedicated team have initiated a series of impactful community projects. These projects are focused on reducing litter and promoting sustainable fishing practices, complemented by ocean literacy webinar series addressing a wide spectrum of marine-related issues. Their collective efforts have left a positive imprint on the lives of over 10,000 individuals spanning 15 different countries. These initiatives have not only fostered community engagement in the realm of ocean sustainability but have also nurtured responsible citizens committed to the preservation of our environment.
Mogesh is the recipient of the the prestigious 2023 ASEAN-India Youth Award, the esteemed 2021 Diana Award, and a Regional Finalist for the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Awards.
Mogesh’s impact extends beyond borders, encompassing international speaking engagements and written contributions focusing on critical issues such as climate change, youth engagement, and sustainability policy recommendations. He represented Malaysia in significant international events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), the United Nations General Assembly, the Youth4Climate Summit, and the Our Ocean Conference.
Collaborating as a Youth Climate Champions Consultant with UNICEF, Mogesh leverages his expertise to advance climate projects and contribute to policy development, firmly rooted in his commitment to inclusivity and transformative climate action. Mogesh’s core message is that climate advocacy is not the sole domain of experts but a shared journey where every individual’s dedication matters.
Mogesh aims to show how everything in life is connected to the environment and that even small actions can make a big difference in how society thinks, how policies are made, and the fate of our environment. His message emphasises that each one of us has a responsibility to care for our planet.
Alongside his advocacy work, Mogesh excels academically. He has earned the Royal Education Award and the Dean’s Award. Currently, Mogest is pursuing a fast-track PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and is the recipient of the King’s Scholarship (BYDPA).
To me, making an impact means seeing how my actions turn individuals into engaged participants in environmental conversations and advocates for change. I believe that when people work together, it creates a ripple effect that inspires, amplifies, and brings about significant changes in society. This drives my commitment to foster connections and strive towards a world where environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility.