Lau (left) and Choo (right) exchange the signed documents with Wong, witnessed by Abang Johari (centre). Seen from second left are Len Talif, Yusoff and Awang Tengah. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three institutions for various research collaborations.
The first MoU was inked with GP Pusaka Sdn Bhd to jointly promote conservation activities by means of exchanging technical information, carrying out joint cooperative studies and researches as well as technology transfer in the field of biodiversity conservation.
Representing SFC at the signing ceremony was chief executive officer Wong Ting Chung, while Dato Henry Lau signed on behalf of GP Pusaka Sdn Bhd.
The second MoU was sealed between SFC, GP Pusaka Sdn Bhd and Sarawak Timber Association (STA).
It is for the research and development (R&D) initiative on breeding of ‘Batai’ – a fast-growing industrial plantation species. The project will be conducted jointly by SFC and GP Pusaka Sdn Bhd, and funded by STA.
STA was represented by Philip Choo at the signing.
The last MoU SFC signed was with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to jointly strengthen, promote and develop academic and research cooperation on biodiversity conservation practices in Sarawak.
It is also meant for the building of capacities necessary to assist the industry in forest management certification.
Signing the MoU on behalf of Unimas was vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Kadim Suaidi.
The signing and exchange of the MoUs was witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Prior to the MoU signing ceremony, SFC chairman Datu Dr Yusoff Hanifah said the corporation had been paying attention to the chief minister’s words to take a quantum leap forward to a new era of digital economy by leveraging on information and communication technology (ICT) and the power of the Internet.
“We cannot help but be inspired by you to think outside the box, seeking to harness the latest technologies to upgrade and improve the standard of forest management in Sarawak,” he added.
Yusoff said SFC would also take note of Abang Johari’s strong conviction in applying R&D to not only add value to the state’s timber products but also to find ways to grow trees better.
It is made to understand that SFC has recently stepped up its R&D efforts in looking for tree species which, if properly planted and looked after, could be harvested within a few short years.
Such move is believed to be able to help the industry become more sustainable without depleting the state’s primary forests and improve the sustainability of Sarawak’s forest resources.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh.