KUCHING: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (Pusaka) welcomes Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) intention to strengthen research collaboration on bamboo in Sarawak.
This intention was expressed during the delegation’s recent visit to Pusaka’s Bamboo Trial Plot in Sabal, Simunjan.
The visit aimed to observe Pusaka’s bamboo plantation project firsthand, enhance research collaboration between both parties, and explore potential research opportunities to enable Unimas to further contribute as a public higher education institution to the development of the bamboo industry in the state.
The Unimas delegation, led by deputy vice-chancellor (research & innovation) Prof Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib, also included the director of the Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Centre (RIEC), Prof Dr Awang Ahmad Sallehin Awang Husaini, along with 34 researchers and lecturers from various faculties.
According to Prof Noor Linda, the visit provided an opportunity for Unimas researchers to gain ideas and inspiration to contribute to the growth of the bamboo industry in Sarawak.
“We see significant potential in the bamboo industry and are committed to assisting Pusaka in expanding this sector to positively impact Sarawak’s economy.
“This visit allows us to identify broader areas of collaboration that can be explored with Pusaka.”
Meanwhile, Prof Ahmad Sallehin noted the importance of holistic research to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo industry.
“We will focus on both upstream and downstream research aspects. Both are essential to ensure this industry’s development is carried out sustainably and with high impact.”
Additionally, Pusaka assistant general manager of research, development & innovation, Johari Zainudin, representing the general manager, expressed confidence in the close collaboration between the two parties and hopes that the partnership will achieve greater milestones.
He also expressed hope that this visit would inspire Unimas to conduct beneficial studies and research for the overall bamboo industry in Sarawak.
“Pusaka believes that strategic collaborations with higher education institutions like Unimas will instil greater confidence in stakeholders to join Pusaka in adopting new technologies and innovations in the bamboo industry for the benefit of the timber industry as a whole.
“This effort not only enhances the quality and quantity of bamboo production toward creating high-value-added products but also contributes to Sarawak’s economic growth.”
