ID :
127964
Tue, 06/15/2010 - 14:29
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/127964
The shortlink copeid
CHIEF MINISTER URGES RESEARCH COLLABORATION ON INNOVATION TO BOOST TIMBER EXPORTS
KUCHING (Malaysia), June 15 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak timber industry can boost the export of its products through research collaboration in innovation with stakeholders in the materials technology sector, Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said Tuesday.
He said the industry in the east Malaysian state of Sarawak had been
rationalised into seven big timber companies, which were well equipped with good
financial capabilities, to support the development of logging roads and research
and development (R&D) activities.
"We are going to face more challenges in our journey towards an
industrialised nation by 2020. In the case of Sarawak, we should concentrate on
innovative efforts through education and cooperation with the government and
industry stakeholders," Taib, who is also state Planning and Resource Management
Minister said.
He said this while officiating the opening of the International Materials
Technology Conference and Exhibition (IMTCE 2010) here.
He also suggested that the Sarawak Timber Association look into areas of
collaboration such as the training of various levels of technical workers to
ensure a constant manpower supply within the industry.
On the impact of materials technology on the state's resource-rich
industries, he said, it would be felt, especially in the downsteam industries in
about five years' time when the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) is
being developed.
The impact of materials science, engineering and technology is expected to
be strongly felt in seven priority industries, namely timber and oil-based,
aluminium, steel, palm oil and marine engineering.
Taib said the aluminium smelters planned in the state are scheduled to be
ready by 2012 or 2013.
"Innovation need to be given priority as many industries in Sarawak
are involved in the fabrication of products using local and imported materials
such as corrosion and coatings, surface preparation and galvanising in the oil
and gas sector," he added.
Touching on the same topic, Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan said the
state government was looking forward to having more collaborative efforts,
especially with universities located in the state.
Speaking at a welcoming dinner for the IMTCE 2010 delegates here Monday
night, he said the Miri Bio Valley was being built in colloboration with Curtin
University of Technology Sarawak campus to conduct research and commercialise
local bio-tech and engineering products.
Dr Chan, who is also state Industrial Development Minister, said the
government encouraged the creation of materials research centres to optimise the
usage of the state's resources.
-- BERNAMA
He said the industry in the east Malaysian state of Sarawak had been
rationalised into seven big timber companies, which were well equipped with good
financial capabilities, to support the development of logging roads and research
and development (R&D) activities.
"We are going to face more challenges in our journey towards an
industrialised nation by 2020. In the case of Sarawak, we should concentrate on
innovative efforts through education and cooperation with the government and
industry stakeholders," Taib, who is also state Planning and Resource Management
Minister said.
He said this while officiating the opening of the International Materials
Technology Conference and Exhibition (IMTCE 2010) here.
He also suggested that the Sarawak Timber Association look into areas of
collaboration such as the training of various levels of technical workers to
ensure a constant manpower supply within the industry.
On the impact of materials technology on the state's resource-rich
industries, he said, it would be felt, especially in the downsteam industries in
about five years' time when the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) is
being developed.
The impact of materials science, engineering and technology is expected to
be strongly felt in seven priority industries, namely timber and oil-based,
aluminium, steel, palm oil and marine engineering.
Taib said the aluminium smelters planned in the state are scheduled to be
ready by 2012 or 2013.
"Innovation need to be given priority as many industries in Sarawak
are involved in the fabrication of products using local and imported materials
such as corrosion and coatings, surface preparation and galvanising in the oil
and gas sector," he added.
Touching on the same topic, Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan said the
state government was looking forward to having more collaborative efforts,
especially with universities located in the state.
Speaking at a welcoming dinner for the IMTCE 2010 delegates here Monday
night, he said the Miri Bio Valley was being built in colloboration with Curtin
University of Technology Sarawak campus to conduct research and commercialise
local bio-tech and engineering products.
Dr Chan, who is also state Industrial Development Minister, said the
government encouraged the creation of materials research centres to optimise the
usage of the state's resources.
-- BERNAMA
