Many researchers find it difficult to focus on their writing in their usual surroundings, and can benefit from a retreat in a quiet green environment without other distractions.
Rimbun Dahan now offers short-term residencies, between 2 weeks and 2 months, for researchers in environmental conservation issues who need time and space to write up their research for publication.
We provide free accommodation in our compound outside Sungai Buloh, Selangor, set in a 14-acre indigenous Southeast Asian garden.
We are looking for:
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Masters or PhD students completing their thesis-writing involving research into environmental conservation.
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Academics or researchers employed full-time or part-time by environmental conservation agencies, to continue/complete writing up of conservation research for publication or further dissemination.
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Areas of environmental conservation that this residency supports include conservation social sciences, geosciences, biology, environmental chemistry, ecology, and atmospheric sciences, wherever research is directly related to protecting the earth’s natural environment. This residency does NOT support conservation related to built heritage, museum studies, or fine art.
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Women and emerging/early career scholars/researchers are especially encouraged to apply.
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Joint residencies for groups of students and co-writers are possible.
- All applicants should be Malaysian citizens based in Malaysia, or other academics/conservation professionals based full-time in Malaysia.
What is provided
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Accommodation at Rimbun Dahan, including electricity and water
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Access to shared office space (WiFi equipped), library, garden, and swimming pool
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Weekly transport to nearby supermarket, if required
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Joint residencies may involve several participants living in one house, and sharing the same kitchen, bathroom and living room facilities. Shorter residencies for groups of researchers may be negotiated.
What is NOT provided
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Meals or groceries, although all accommodation includes access to a self-catering, equipped kitchen
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Allowance or stipend
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Funding for travel costs
Application Process
Applications for residencies are rolling for any time period within 2023.
Please apply by email to bilqis@rimbundahan.org with the following
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CV
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Brief research proposal or abstract, max 500 words
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Brief explanation about why you need this residency, max 250 words
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Preferred residency dates
Please ensure all attachment for application materials are under 5MB. We accept applications in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.
Selection for residencies depends upon:
- Relevance of research to environmental conservation.
- Demonstration of commitment to serious and substantial research, through proposal and CV.
- Degree of need for the residency, depending on current home/work situations.
- Availability of accommodation at Rimbun Dahan.
You should get an initial response of receipt of your application within 24 hours, and the final decision within 10 days. Feel free to email again if you do not receive any acknowledgment.
FAQs
Do you have internet/Wifi?
We only provide WiFi in our shared office space, not in individual accommodation. However, we have a Digi tower next door, so data connections for mobile data throughout Rimbun Dahan is usually fairly strong.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
Most accommodation is a single large bed-sitting room with attached balcony and en-suite bathroom, like a studio apartment. It may have an attached kitchenette, or access to a shared kitchen. Each bed-sitting room has its own desk and chair, and the balcony also has a table and chairs.
The exact accommodation depends on availability. You are welcome to discuss this with us, following a letter of offer. Please see the list of our accommodation here.
Will I have a separate writing room from my bedroom?
If you require additional space for your writing work, please indicate this in your application. You are also welcome to work in our shared office space, where we can allocate you a large desk and chair. If you need lots of space, we may be able to provide you with an artists’ studio.
Do you provide food?
No, we do not provide food for residents. The warong across the road sells good cheap kampung food for breakfast and lunch, and there are other roadside restaurants nearby. Mini markets nearby can provide raw materials for cooking; we can also provide a once weekly trip to a supermarket, if you need it. Kitchens are equipped with the usual implements – including fridge, stove, cooking utensils, kettle, toaster, microwave, rice-cooker – for you to cook for yourself. And of course Grab delivers.
Do you provide coffee?
We can provide you with an espresso machine, Moka pot, or cafetiere for your use. Please bring your own coffee with you; espresso coffee cannot be bought nearby. There is a Tea Life about 10 minutes’ walk away. We also provide tea in our shared office space.
What about printing?
You are welcome to use the printer in our shared office. Please bring your own paper, if you expect to be printing a lot! We have some general stationery in the shared office too, but you should bring whatever you need.
What about mosquitoes?
A lot of our buildings are open plan, designed to make the most of natural breezes, and there is no air-conditioning. Yes, there are mosquitoes. No, so far we do not have dengue. We recommend the use of fans provided, as well as mosquito coils and mosquito repellent.
What am I expected to do during my residency?
Rimbun Dahan will not be supervising you during your residency. Your productivity during your residency is your own business. You are expected to be self-motivated and able to live and work independently.
What am I expected to do after my residency?
Following your residency, we appreciate acknowledgement as a writer’s retreat in the published version of whatever you are working on while you are here, wherever that is possible. We also would love a copy of your writing for our library.
Please see here for other FAQs for Residents.