Dean was born and raised in Lahad Datu, Sabah, a small town in Malaysian Borneo. After completing high school, he entered the workforce to support his family, and his journey took a fortuitous turn. The pivotal moment arrived when he secured a position as an in-house guide at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley. Over the course of six transformative years, Dean immersed himself in continuous learning and developed his passion for wildlife and natural history. In 2016, he embarked on a new adventure and joined a company that provided opportunities for guiding in further captivating locations. During this time, Dean crossed paths with Nat Hab, an organization that resonated with his passion and values. As a local guide, he cherishes the awe-inspired expressions on the faces of those he guides as they bear witness to Borneo's natural wonders and diverse cultures. Crafting these meaningful moments for travelers holds immense significance to him.

Residing in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Dean seeks solace in the mountains and his backyard, indulging in birdwatching accompanied by a cup of coffee. Dean enjoys watching Netflix series, stand-up comedy shows, and WWE professional wrestling in his leisure time.