KUCHING: Research goes hand-in-hand with the development of industries, thus collaborative efforts between the two sectors should be encouraged.
This was the crux of a presentation made by Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) director Dr Lulie Melling at the research facility yesterday.
Lulie who was updating visiting Ministry of Primary Industries secretary-general Datuk Dr Tan Yew Chong on the progress of Tropi said the institute is looking at how it could help palm oil industry and other commodities.
On the symbiotic relationship between R&D and industry, Lulie said the role of the Ministry of Primary Industries was instrumental in Tropi’s growth.
“We must make an effort for collaborative initiatives as these will contribute to the development of our country’s economy,” Tan said in response.
He said that the key way forward is via Tropi’s research along with their many programmes, activities and conferences.
“Research needs to benefit all parties, not just the palm oil industry but the whole ecosystem,” Tan said.
He added that problems faced by industries should be clearly identified in order for R&D to produce practical solutions.
Tan emphasised the importance of protecting Malaysia’s sustainable palm oil industry, which represents 90.64 percent of the industrial crop industry.
Aside from its role in the country’s economic growth, he said that the livelihood of smallholders depends heavily on palm oil.
Meanwhile, Lulie specified that the research institute required at least RM3 million annually.
She said that last year, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg approved RM5 million for Tropi’s research work over the next two years.
“Budgeting will be discussed further. From my point of view, it is just about documentation at this stage — we will solve it together,” Tan replied.
Lulie pointed out that aside from budgeting, another important aspect to consider is the capacity.
“Who is willing to work long hours for the sake of research? In this field, we need people with great interest in the subject matter,” she remarked.
Tan agreed with this sentiment, describing research as a rigorous process and more scientists are required in R&D.
