SANDAKAN: A collaborative workshop aimed at shaping a sustainable future for Sabah’s timber industry was held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok.
Organised by the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), the Sabah Timber Industry Association (STIA), and the Timber Association of Sabah (TAS), the event focused on market trends and strategic partnerships to drive plantation growth.
Titled “Sustainable Timber Future: Market Trends & Strategic Partnerships for Plantation Growth,” the workshop was facilitated by the Forest Plantation Programme of the Forest Research Centre. It drew over 100 participants from across the forestry sector, including upstream and downstream players, companies, NGOs, certification bodies, smallholders, and industry associations.
In his address, Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Zulkifli Suara highlighted the importance of unity and forward-thinking strategies to overcome pressing industry hurdles.
“Forest plantation development is essential for a sustainable and secure timber supply for the future,” he said. “Yet, we continue to face high capital costs, long waiting periods for returns, and a pressing need to modernise processing capabilities. This workshop is a vital platform for sharing knowledge, exploring solutions, and building strategic partnerships.”
The agenda covered a range of critical topics, including global timber market trends, certification and legal compliance, financing models, research developments, and innovative plantation management techniques. Participants also took part in group discussions on logistics improvements, policy support, and ways to accelerate plantation development.
A key outcome of the workshop was a heightened awareness of sustainable forest management, reforestation efforts, and the role of certification in meeting international market demands. The event concluded with stronger coordination among industry stakeholders and a set of actionable insights to support a resilient, sustainable plantation forestry sector in Sabah. – James Leong
Guest of honour Datuk Zulkifli Suara receives a souvenir from Dr. Arthur Chung (3rd left), as STIA president P.J. Tan, TAS president Norman Wong, and senior forestry officials look on.
