28 June 2019 (Friday) – Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is ready to assist Sarawak forestry industry by offering its services, expertise and research findings. For this, FRIM co-organised the FRIM Technology Talk with the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) in Kuching on 26 June.

This programme served as a platform for FRIM to share its research and development (R&D) findings and latest technology in forestry with forestry-related managers, entrepreneurs and industry players in supporting sustainable forest management and utilisation of forest-based resources as well as developing quality forest products to boost the country’s economy.

Khali Aziz (left) and Wan Lizozman speaking at the programme.	Programme participants and organisers posing for a group pix with (seated from left): Khali Aziz, Wan Lizozman and Abang Ahmad.

The FRIM Technology Talk was officiated by the Sarawak Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources, Datu Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar. Also present, FDS Acting Deputy Director Abang Ahmad Abang Morni who represented his Director Hamden Mohammad, FRIM Deputy Director General (DDG) (Operations) Dr Khali Aziz Hamzah and FRIM DDG (Research) Dr Samsudin Musa.

“FRIM is ready to provide its R&D innovation and solutions to ensure maximised utilisation of resources produced from sustainable forest management. Furthermore, it is hoped that the forestry sector will continue to contribute and bring positive impact to the economic development of the state, region and the country.” said FRIM Director General Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod in his speech read by Dr. Khali Aziz.

Over 100 participants comprising representatives from government and private agencies related to forestry; logging concession operators; wood-based companies such as sawmills, plywood, wood drying and furniture; local authorities; state park management; resort operators; and forest plantation managers attended the programme.

From right: FRIM Innovation and Commercialisation Director Norhayati Nordin, Samsudin, Khali Aziz, Wan Lizozman and Abang Ahmad visiting FRIM exhibition booth.	FRIM Forest Plantation Programme Head Dr Wan Rasidah Wan Ab Kadir speaking on forestry biotechnology R&D activities.

Participants had the opportunity to speak with FRIM and FDS experts on their research findings, R&D products and services. FRIM researchers also made presentations of various topics on the following scopes:

• Biodiversity and Forestry & Environment
• Forest Biotechnology, Natural Products and Economic & Strategic Analysis
• Forest Products

A Business Matching session was also held for further discussion between participants and FRIM researchers.