MIRI, June 23 - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) through Bintulu Campus has established a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA) to strengthen forestry research.

 

The exchange of agreement documents was held at Pullman Miri Waterfront at a Dinner in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of STIDC was officiated between the Vice-Chancellor of UPM, Dato' Prof. Dr. Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman and the General Manager of PUSAKA, Datu Hj Hashim Hj Bojet, witnessed by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, honorable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

 

Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohd. Roslan said the main objective of the signing of the MoA is as a synergy in UPM's efforts to go further in implementing the UPM Strategic Plan 2021-2025 (PSUPM) initiative.

 

"This is in line with PSUPM to continue the legacy of university excellence by creating a research and innovation hub that generates value based on sustainable ecosystems," he said.

 

Through this five-year agreement, STADDC will allocate a total of RM 1 million as an endowment to UPMKB to conduct research in the empowerment of research and development of tropical rainforests and plantation forests, food security and renewable energy.

 

Earlier, UPMKB and PUSAKA had developed bamboo research involving an area of five hectares in Sarawak since 2021.