FRIM Inc Strengthens Role In Advancing Sustainable Forestry Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- FRIM Incorporated Sdn Bhd (FRIM Inc.) is strengthening its role in harnessing local forestry expertise and innovation to generate sustainable economic value, benefit communities and deliver tangible environmental outcomes.

Since its establishment in 2017, FRIM Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), has served as a strategic link between FRIM's technologies and scientific discoveries and the needs of local and international industries.

FRIM Inc. chief executive officer Faizal Ramli said the challenge facing the research sector today goes beyond generating new knowledge to ensuring that scientific findings are translated into practical solutions.

“Research expertise can only realise its full potential when applied to address real-world challenges facing industries and society. Our main objective is to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial application,” he said in a statement today.

To meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions, he said FRIM Inc. is focusing on five core areas namely the commercialisation of research-based products, supply of high-quality seedlings, training and capacity building, technical consultancy and integrated project management.

Faizal said FRIM Inc. is also expanding its international reach by conducting training programmes on tropical forest conservation and management under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).

“The programme has attracted experts and delegates from African countries, including Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, further strengthening Malaysia's reputation as a global reference centre for tropical forest management.

“Such initiatives not only promote the sharing of expertise in ecosystem restoration and landscape management but also pave the way for cross-border collaboration to address the global climate crisis,” he said.

Meanwhile, Faizal said FRIM Inc. is strengthening its collaboration with the private sector to support the implementation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives through a science-based approach.

One such initiative involves FRIM Inc.'s collaboration with timber company Shin Yang Trading Sdn Bhd to prepare a Project Description Document (PDD) for certification under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), aimed at supporting the development of forest carbon projects that meet international standards.

“Sustainability must go beyond mere rhetoric and translate into practical action. The success of a greening project should not be measured solely by the number of saplings planted but also by the suitability of tree species, tree health, improvements in local biodiversity and long-term socio-economic benefits,” he said.

Faizal said FRIM Inc. is committed to positioning Malaysia as a regional and global leader in nature-based solutions by combining decades of scientific expertise with a competitive commercial approach.

-- BERNAMA