MOU with Kyushu University to enhance forest research collaboration

KUCHING: The Sarawak government, represented by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National University Corporation Kyushu University (Kyushu-U) in Fukuoka, Japan, yesterday (July 23).

The MOU aims to facilitate bilateral collaboration on research activities including the assessment of forest ecosystem functions under Forest Carbon Initiatives in Sarawak.

It also seeks to enhance knowledge and skills sharing through capacity building, training for officers, student exchange programme, joint data analysis, scientific analysis enhancement, joint publication of findings and other mutually agreed-upon areas of collaboration.

FDS director Datuk Hamden Mohammad said the department and Kyushu-U share a common goal to strengthen, promote, and develop project collaboration based on equality and mutual benefit.

“This partnership underlines our shared commitment to address global environmental challenges through forest research, education, and sustainable practices.”

Meanwhile, Kyushu-U dean Prof Dr Miki Nakao pointed out that the university is committed to providing scientific knowledge necessary for informed policy-making.

“I believe that our collaboration with the Sarawak government will significantly contribute to this effort.”

After the MOU signing ceremony, both parties joined a symposium organised by Kyushu-U where, six papers were presented by Hamden and FDS senior executive foresters, as well as senior lecturers from Kyushu-U and Kyoto University Japan.

Papers from FDS included forest policy and good governance of the Sarawak government in the forest sector, especially the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 on forest sustainability.