4 February 2021 (Thursday) – Dr Norwati Muhammad has been appointed as the Deputy Director General (DDG) (Research) of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) effective today, replacing Dato’ Dr Marzalina Mansor who retired yesterday.

Norwati obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology (1989) and Master of Science in Genetics (1994) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Forest Genetics from University of Reading, United Kingdom in 2000 and started working at FRIM as a research officer in January 1990.

Norwati, FRIM’s new DDG (Research).	Mohd Zaki (above) and Farah Fazwa heading Forestry Biotechnology Division and Tree Improvement Programme respectively starting 4 February.

Norwati was the Forestry Biotechnology Director before the appointment today. Her expertise includes plant biotechnology research with specialisation in forest genetics. She was responsible for the development of FRIM genetic research since 1990 as well as introduced and conducted preliminary forestry forensic studies before being appointed the Biotechnology Programme Head in June 2008. She also led the Genetics Laboratory in the effort of obtaining the Bionexus Partner Laboratory Status recognition in 2008.

At the national level, Norwati directly involves in ensuring FRIM’s participation in supporting the National Biotechnology policy. She is also actively involved in biosafety field and has been a Member of the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) since 2012.

Norwati is a member of the myGMO national advisory panel; committee member for the curriculum for the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences of Universiti Putra Malaysia; as well as the national focal point for the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources and Agriculture and Forest Genetic Resources, FAO.

She is also actively involved in international organisations such as IUFRO and has been a council member of the Genetics Society of Malaysia since 2002.

With her appointment as the Research DDG, FRIM also announced the appointment of Dr Mohd Zaki Abdullah as the Forestry Biotechnology Director and Dr Farah Fazwa Md Ariff as the Tree Improvement Programme Head which is effective today as well.