Datuk Michelle Yeoh Takes On Apes

Datuk Michelle Yeoh Takes On Apes
By Loong Wai Ting on 08 Dec 2009 at 4:54pm

If you have not have any plans this Wednesday night (9th December 2009), do stay home and catch the latest documentary by National Geographic in HD format that will guarantee to blow your mind away, well at least literally. During the one-hour documentary starring none other than former Bond Girl, Datuk Michelle Yeoh titled “Among the Great Apes with Michelle Yeoh,” viewers will get to see the “other” side of Michelle Yeoh.

Wearing minimal make-up, doesn’t-mind-getting-dirty and down-to-earth is what viewers will get to see as Michelle embark on this very personal and amazing journey back home and into the world of orang-utan.

Orangutans- whose name loosely translates “persons of the forest” are among the planet’s most endangered primates, and the only great apes found in Asia.

Once scattered from China to Java, orangutans now survive only on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Due to poaching and illegal logging, orangutans have lost their natural habitat and are forced into smaller areas, making it difficult for them to sustain a long-term population and biodiversity. Filmed in high-definition, the program will take viewers on the same journey as Michelle into the heart of Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre located in Sabah and onto island of Borneo where she discovers what’s being done to protect the orangutans and meets many people, from local Malaysians to international conservationists; all devoted their lives to save the orangutans from the brink of extinction.

“This exclusive premier is yet another milestone under the Malaysia to the World Initiative following the success of “Becoming A King,” “Smart Tunnel” and “Fight Masters Silat,” which has given local filmmakers international acclaim and exposure. The continuing partnership with National Geographic Channel International marks another accomplishment for our efforts in support of the development of local filmmaking talents and documentary production capabilities,” said Director-General of FINAS, Encik Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim.

An award-winning global documentary television channel renowned for its high-quality engaging visuals, compelling storytelling and factual accuracy, National Geographic has become one of the most significant channels, making it a household name in over 260 million homes in 166 countries.

“Among The Great Apes with Michelle Yeoh” is a powerful and dramatic story that will serve as an educational tool for everyone on issues regarding conservation and the well-being of the orang-utan in Malaysia and Asia” said Basil Chua, the Territory Director of Malaysia, National Geographic Channel Asia.