SERIAN: The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with the Sarawak Forestry Department in a move to strengthen future strategic collaborations.
The signing took place during the launch of the Scientific Expedition at the Sabal Forest Reserve, which was joined by 63 UNIMAS officers and 45 officers from the Sarawak Forestry Department.
This event marked the first step toward the eventual signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties in the near future.
UNIMAS deputy vice-chancellor for Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Prof Ir Dr Al-Khalid Othman lauded the initiative, calling it a significant step in ensuring the sustainability of the broader strategic partnership.
“At present, the MoU is being facilitated by the dean of the Faculty of Science and Resource Technology Associate Professor Dr Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan,” he said during his address at the event on Saturday.
On the same note, Sarawak Forestry Department director Datuk Hamden Mohammad outlined the key objectives of the upcoming MoU.
These include conducting research in biodiversity and related fields, documenting and conserving plant species, and collaborating on the sustainable use of natural resources and biological prospects.
Additionally, the MoU will involve organising workshops and training for human capital development, planning research stations in specific forest areas, and exploring other agreed-upon collaboration opportunities.