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KUCHING, 23th January 2021: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for greater efforts to add value to every tree felled in the state’s forests.
He said this is in line with Sarawak’s agenda and the international community’s goal towards sustainable forest management. Abang Johari said this yesterday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Institute of Technology Bandung (ITB).
According to a statement, the MoU will enable the two universities to systematically enhance collaboration in the field of academics and furniture design involving young Sarawakians in future.
Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and ITB have already collaborated, with dozens of young Sarawakians having received or currently receiving furniture design training at the ITB campus.
To add value to timber products, Abang Johari said systematic training provided by ITB through its Faculty of Fine Arts and Design would be essential.
He thanked ITB for its willingness to collaborate with STIDC and Unimas.
Elaborating on the collaboration between Indonesia and Sarawak, the chief minister said such an effort is not new because the state already has a framework of cooperation to supply electricity to West Kalimantan.
As such, he hoped the collaboration between ITB and Unimas could be expanded to other areas.
Among those present were Indonesia’s Consul General in Sarawak Yonny Tri Prayitno, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and Institute of Creative Arts and Technology director Assoc Prof Dr Saiful Bahari Mohammad Yusoff, as well as ITB rector Prof Reini D Wirahadikusumah.
Source: Borneo Post
