1. Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong 52109 Selangor, MALAYSIA
FORESTRY RESEARCH TO COPE WITH GLOBAL CHANGES – THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN SCENARIO
M.A.A. RAZAK
Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong Selangor, MALAYSIA

2. INTRODUCTION
Reduction of funds for forestry research in developed countries has been ongoing
Similar trend now catching up in the S.E. Asian Countries
What are therefore the strategies Research Institutes should put in place to sustain forestry research?
Pertinent to rope in the Private Sector to support and sustain the research activities

3. PAST PRACTICES OF RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Government Controlled and totally funded
Research done on a ad-hoc basis and based on researchers
discipline during his college years
Research compartmentalized with no cross discipline
research
Publication in Journals and presentation at Meetings were
the priority
Minimal interaction between stakeholders and the
scientists
Private sector participation totally lacking

4. STATUS OF FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN THE S.E. ASIAN COUNTRIES
Thailand and Philippines
a. Both have a strong Forestry Departments and well
supported by expertise from the Universities.
b. Both countries have lost a large tract of their forests due
to unsustainable logging in the 18th and early 19th
centuries
c. Currently no logging in these countries
d Conservation of existing forests and watersheds
e. Rural folks and funding agencies support actively in
planting and protection of forests
f. Private sector participation is minimal or absent

5. STATUS OF FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN THE S.E. ASIAN COUNTRIES
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar
a. Countries depend heavily on log export for their economy
b. Research support services from these countries are minimal
c. Forestry Research neglected for many years due to war and
turmoil
d. Research and manpower development is now being carried out.
e. Logging is carried out by foreign companies
f. Linkages between logging companies and Research Institution
minimal or absent.
g. These countries heavily depend on donor funding to enhance
forestry practices

6. STATUS OF FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN THE S.E. ASIAN COUNTRIES
Indonesia
a. The country is well endowed with large tracts of forests
and is dependant on forest produce for its economy
b. Both upstream and down stream activities are well
developed and carried out by the private sector
c. A number of foreign companies operate the forestry
activities
d. A number of these companies have their own research
outfits
e. Linkage between public research facilities and private
sector is moderate and needs to be enhanced

7. STATUS OF FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN THE S.E. ASIAN COUNTRIES
Malaysia
a. Malaysia is also well endowed with large tracts of forests
b. Economy of country is partly dependant on forestry
c. Both upstream and down stream industries are well
developed
d. Private sector plays a major role in the industry
e. Major efforts are being put to strongly link these private
sectors with the Research Institute and the Universities
f. These efforts have resulted in bridging the deficit in
government funding with private sector funding

8. HOW SHOULD RESEARCH INSTITUTE REINVENT THEMSELVES TO BE ATTRACTIVE AND RELEVANT
Building Partnership
Strong partnership should be built between researcher and stakeholder. This ensures:
a. successful completion of project or relevance
b. effective technology transfer
c. no duplication
d. support of specialist of different discipline
e. interest from donor and funding agencies

9. HOW SHOULD RESEARCH INSTITUTE REINVENT THEMSELVES TO BE ATTRACTIVE AND RELEVANT
Selling Yourself Effectively
There is a need to market the capabilities of the Institute. Should highlight following to clients and potential donors:
a. long track record
b. credibility to deliver the goods
c. successes that have been achieved to date
d. availability of appropriate facilities
e. new directions being taken
f. good networking with clients and donors
g. minimal bureaucracy

10. HOW SHOULD RESEARCH INSTITUTE REINVENT THEMSELVES TO BE ATTRACTIVE AND RELEVANT
Sourcing funds for research
The Institute should be able to put together winning proposals. The proposal should be:
a. relevant to the needs of clients
b. should be timely
c. should address issues attractive to clients and donor
agencies
d. should be beneficial to the nation as well

11. SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORESTRY R&D
FRIM a Case History
Over the years FRIM has been fine tuning its research strategies to obtain the best modus operandi to ensure its relevance to the industry and at the same time securing funding from these private industries to compliment the funds provided by the government to carry out forestry research

12. SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORESTRY R&D
Approaches taken for effective participation:
a. Mechanisms put in place by FRIM
b. Government funds set aside for private
and public sector collaboration

13. SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORESTRY R&D
Mechanisms Put In Place By FRIM
1. Regular Dialogue with the Private Sector
2. Collaborative Research through MOU and MOA
3. Consultancy and Technical Services
4. Royalty from Licensing of Technology
5. Adoption Schemes
6. Industrial Attachment Scheme

14. SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORESTRY R&D
Government Mechanisms for Collaboration
a. Industrial Grant Scheme (IGS)
b. Developmental (Pre-commercialization) Grant
Scheme (DRGS)
c. Demonstrator Application Scheme (DAGS)
d. Incentives
e. Levy Fund

15. CONCLUSION
Gone are the days when unlimited funds were available for Research Institutes to do research
Research Institutes have to reinvent themselves to suite the times.
Close participation with the private sector is essential to stay relevant and useful
Funding from the industry will be forth coming if the research needed by the industry is done
Close collaboration and networking with the private sector is the way to obtain complimenting funds to sustain research in the Research Institutes.

16. Thank you