Deputy minister says smart technology and high-integrity human capital are crucial for managing Malaysia’s Permanent Forest Reserves sustainably
KUALA LUMPUR: Smart technology and high-integrity human capital are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of Malaysia’s Permanent Forest Reserves.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said strong synergy between digital tools and on-ground expertise is essential.
“Mastery of modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and drones is vital in addressing today’s forestry challenges,” he said.
He added that technology alone is insufficient without human wisdom to act on the intelligence gathered.
Syed Ibrahim was speaking at the 37th Forestry Certificate Award Ceremony of the Forestry Training Institute (Fortrain).
He described the 113 graduates present as a “centennial batch,” marking Fortrain’s 100th anniversary.
He expressed hope they would set new benchmarks in forest management for the next century.
To date, Fortrain has produced 6,369 graduates serving in sectors like natural resource management and ecotourism.
Syed Ibrahim stressed that 2026 is the Year of Implementation and Acceleration for environmental sustainability.
He said graduates must play an active role as key implementers and drivers of this national agenda.
The deputy minister also thanked the Ministry of Economy for a RM20.8 million allocation.
The funding under the 12th Malaysia Plan is for two new hostel buildings at Fortrain.
The facilities will provide 98 rooms and can accommodate up to 196 trainees at a time.
Syed Ibrahim said this creates a more holistic learning ecosystem for forestry professionals.
