Catsoterra

TNR · Do No Harm · Transparency

Meet the Team

Dedicated individuals working together for the welfare of Malaysia's street cats.

Our Story

Catsoterra began with a shared dream: to change how Malaysia cares for its street cats. What started as a small group of passionate individuals quickly grew into a dedicated team, united by a belief in structured, humane, and sustainable TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return).

Our members may be spread across continents — from the streets of Penang to homes in the United States — but distance doesn’t divide us. Whether on the ground trapping, coordinating vet care, designing systems, or sharing our mission with the world, every member works just as hard toward the same goal: healthier cats, balanced colonies, and a future where compassion drives every action.

This is more than just our work. It’s our calling.

Danny

Daniel Lok Chin Leung

Founder

Daniel Leung founded Catsoterra with one goal in mind: to build something that could truly last. After years of helping animals in personal ways, he realized that lasting change would require more than compassion — it would take structure, sustainability, and a clear sense of purpose.

Catsoterra was never meant to be a reaction — it was meant to be a solution. From the beginning, the goal was to create a model that didn’t rely on constant fundraising or crisis-based appeals, but instead empowered the community through education, partnerships, and service. Whether it is building a TNR program from the ground up, or advocating for fair treatment of animals, every step is guided by the belief that good systems help good people do great work.

Daniel isn’t a career nonprofit leader. He’s a respiratory therapist, a student, and someone who simply saw a need and chose to act. What began as a small effort has grown into a focused mission to make animal welfare more accessible, transparent, and accountable — not just for today, but for years to come.

For him, Catsoterra isn’t just about helping cats. It’s about proving that with enough care, planning, and heart, it’s possible to build something that truly matters.

Jules

Julia Hannah Binti Zulkifli

Co-Founder

Julia was always a fan of animals from a distance — until one cat changed everything. A sick black mother cat appeared in her home compound with equally sickly kittens. The kittens didn’t survive, but the mother did, and Julia fell in love during one of the darkest times of her life.

She saw God’s guidance in these cats and dreamed of dedicating her life to helping them. It was also God’s will for her to meet an amazing team who shared her idealistic dreams and brought them to life. She trusts this mission — and the people behind it — with her whole heart.

Though young, Julia is constantly learning, growing, and out in the field helping one cat at a time. It’s scary — but it’s also the most exciting journey of her life.

Calvin

Calvin Khoo Zhen Chen

Co-Founder

Calvin has always been interested in tech. He would read articles about new technology and explore programming like data science on his own.

Once he entered Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) studying Computer Science, he became familiar with his society’s websites. Web development was what oxygen is to him — something that he never thought about.

When he learnt about Catsoterra and its mission, he was extremely intrigued. That was the moment he felt like he could make an actual impact with his technical skills and get closer to the fascinating animal — cat. Now, Calvin embarked on a daring journey to challenge the difficulties and complexities when it comes to tech. He now lives a busy life developing solutions.

Ricky

Johnny Trogdon

North American Liaison

Ricky has always been a dog person — but when it comes to animal welfare, his love knows no species. When he learned about Catsoterra and its mission, he knew he wanted to be part of the story. Now serving as the North American Liaison, Ricky helps connect people from around the world to support the cats of Penang. With years of management and leadership experience, he’s excited to put his skills to work helping the organization grow and make an even bigger impact — no matter the distance.

Sally

Sally Loo Phoay Eng

Veteran Cat Guardian

Lovingly known as Aunty Kucing or Aunty Sally, she’s a familiar face to many cats in need across Penang. Whenever she sees a sick or motionless stray by the roadside, she simply cannot walk away. She stops, checks on them, and if needed, brings them to the vet — then nurses them back to health in her own home. To Sally, every cat deserves a second chance. Even in her retirement, with no steady income, she continues her mission. Sally believes that as human beings, it’s our duty to help those who cannot help themselves. And that’s exactly what she does — one cat at a time.

Syd

Sydney VanderHeyden

Community Engagement Lead

Before moving to Penang, Sydney spent years in U.S. classrooms, where she focused on teaching, connecting, and making a difference. Now, she brings that same heart to Catsoterra, where she assists with social media and leads educational outreach. For Sydney, every post and every conversation is an opportunity to inspire compassion and bring people closer to the animals who need them most.

Want to Join Our Team?

We're always looking for passionate individuals to help us grow.

Volunteer Now Get in Touch