29 March 2019 (Friday) – Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) to establish and enhance collaboration in conducting research, development and commercialisation programmes to strengthen the management and development of timber industry in Malaysia.

At the event held at Menara PGRM, Kuala Lumpur this morning, FRIM Director General (DG) Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod represented the institute while MTIB was represented by Deputy DG Norchahaya Hashim in signing the MOU.

Norchahaya (left) and Abd Latif speaking at the ceremony.	The attendees at the ceremony held in Dewan Persidangan MTIB.

Also present were MTIB Industry Development Division Director Mahpar Atan, FRIM Biomass Technology Programme Head Dr Wan Asma Ibrahim, Malaysian Panel-Products Manufacturers’ Association (MPMA) Chairman Datuk Wira Sheikh Othman Sheikh Abdul Rahman, Malaysian Wood Industries Association (MWIA) Honorary Secretary General Dato’ Chung King Tong, Malaysian Wood Moulding and Joinery Council (MWMJC) Director Dr Clarence Tan and representatives of the country’s timber industry.

From left: Tan, Mahpar, Norchahaya, Abd Latif, Wan Asma, Sheikh Othman and Chung during the documents exchange.

The FRIM-MTIB collaboration will bring benefits in terms of strengthening R&D in transforming R&D results for commercial applications in line with National Timber Industry Policy (NATIP) in Thrust 3: Innovation and Technology.

In addition, it will also reduce duplication of research on the development of the timber industry. Collaboration in joint programmes will also benefit both parties, strengthen the structure of timber industry as well as enhance global competitiveness.