KUCHING: The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) has been urged to transform its connections into actionable and meaningful partnerships with international visitors such as ambassadors, researchers and government officials.
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel said this will subsequently drive economic growth for Sarawak through commercialisation of its research and development (R&D).
“From the perspective of inclusivity and improving our communities’ livelihoods, I anticipate more benefit-sharing partnerships from next year onwards to foster economic development and enhance livelihoods for our indigenous communities.
“I was informed that Sarawak’s efforts in implementing access and benefit sharing with our indigenous communities have been recognised not only at the national level where SBC has become a reference point for Access and Benefit Sharing Framework, but also internationally,” he said.
He said this during the SBC’s Annual Dinner and Appreciation Night 2024 here on Friday (Nov 1).
On talent development, Abdullah stated that SBC can play a vital role in inspiring the youth through STEM and innovation, and develop talents in R&D.
“To do this, SBC must create opportunities through collaborative platforms with educational institutions, industry experts, and local communities that encourage creativity, curiosity and problem-solving to equip our youth with the skills and passion needed to drive Sarawak’s agenda forward,” he added.
On another note, Abdullah said he has also been informed that there are bigger projects in sight such as planning involving a 100-hectare microalgae production facility in Gedong.
“The establishment of Sarawak’s first Bioindustrial Park in Kota Samarahan, focused on the developmet of bio-based products in 2027 will be an engine to catalyse the economic growth of Sarawak, especially Kota Samarahan.
“As the chairman of the council, I would like these projects to serve as exemplary cases, in demonstrating how to manage catalytic projects well so that sustainable initiatives can drive Sarawak’s vision forward,” he added.
Also present during the ceremony was SBC’s chief executive officer Datuk Dr Yek Tiong Chia.
