SANDAKAN: A delegation from Taiwan’s National Ilan University (NIU) Department of Forestry and Natural Resources recently completed a two-day academic and industrial exchange in Sandakan, aimed at deepening cooperation with Sabah in forest management, wood science, palm oil development, and sustainable resource innovation.
The programme was facilitated by Tanjong Papat State Assemblyman Alex Thien and coordinated by the Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association (M-TEIA).
On June 18, the delegation, led by Associate Professor Dr. Chih-Hsin Chung, visited Wilmar’s Palm Oil Mill here to gain firsthand insights into Sabah’s palm oil sector, renewable energy initiatives, and circular economy applications. Mill Operations general manager Lo Yee Hang briefed the visitors on industry trends, production systems, and sustainability strategies.
The delegation received a guided tour of the mill’s processing facilities and engaged in cross-departmental discussions on research, innovation, and future collaboration. Both sides highlighted the significant potential of biomass by-products such as empty fruit bunches (EFB) and palm kernel shells (PKS), while also exploring opportunities to unlock valuable compounds from palm oil mill effluent through further technological innovation.
Alex Thien noted that Sabah’s palm oil industry remains a key economic pillar, contributing substantially to growth and employment. He stressed that as the sector embraces automation and green transformation, strengthening collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry players is essential for developing future-ready talent and driving industrial advancement.
On June 19, the delegation visited the Forest Research Centre (FRC), where they were received by Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Research & Development) Dr. Arthur Chung and senior officers. Presentations were exchanged on institutional research activities, followed by in-depth discussions on forestry science, carbon management, sustainable education, and potential collaborative projects.
The Taiwanese delegation toured several FRC facilities, including the sawmill, wood testing laboratory, Xylarium, wood anatomy lab, and formaldehyde emission laboratory, and also visited the RDC Skywalk. The tour provided valuable exposure to Sabah’s research capabilities in wood science and phytochemistry.
Alex Thien added that Sabah’s world-renowned tropical rainforests and rich biodiversity offer significant advantages in forest conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecological studies, and that Taiwan and Sabah share strong common interests in natural resource management, carbon governance, and sustainability education, creating fertile ground for future partnerships.
He expressed appreciation to M-TEIA for coordinating the programme, and thanked Wilmar and the Sabah Forestry Department for their warm hospitality. He concluded that the exchange has laid a solid foundation for joint research, student exchanges, technical training, and technology transfer, and that stronger international cooperation will collectively contribute to green growth, innovation, and a more sustainable future. – James Leong
Alex Thien (centre), with Wilmar officials and members of the Taiwanese delegation during the visit to Wilmar Palm Oil Mill.
