KUCHING: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) will jointly organise ‘Seminar Kayu Getah, Acacia, Palma & Spesies Perintis Sarawak 2012’ (GAPPS 2012) here from Nov 19 to 20.
The seminar, expected to be officiated at by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas on Nov 19, aims to promote and explore the use of alternatives to naturally-grown pioneer species as raw materials for the production of wood-based products.
Over 100 people comprising representatives from forest-related agencies, experts, researchers, designers, furniture manufacturers and other wood-related industry players in the state are expected to join the seminar to learn, share and discuss the latest findings and various related issues.
The timber-related industry is an important source of income for the nation over the past decades with exports amounting to some RM20 billion per annum.
However, the industry will face shortage of supply of quality timber in the near future due to the increasing importance given to the conservation of environment and forests.
Fortunately, there are many lesser-known species and agricultural by-products that can be used as alternative to supplement current requirements by wood-based industries.
Various research and development (R&D) initiatives by local universities and research institutions have been successful in identifying wood-based products that can be produced from these alternative resources, which could help to reduce the industry’s dependence on forest timbers as well as the rate of deforestation.
This seminar will present the results of R&D and commercialisation of rubber wood, palms, acacia and other pilot species as alternatives for the timber industry of the future.
Eighteen papers will be presented by FRIM researchers and representatives from STIDC, Unimas, Sarawak Forest Department, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Malaysian Timber Council, Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) Sarawak and Malaysian Timber Industry Board.
Findings on economic research and various issues and challenges faced by the industry will also be discussed in detail for the benefit of all participants, particularly entrepreneurs in the timber-related industries in the state.
The seminar is free of charge and open to the public.
For registration or queries, contact Siti Emiza Misi (o82-473000/[email protected])or Yanti Abdul Kadir (03-62797705 / [email protected]).