Author: Joruni Ambus; Published Date: 2nd October 2024

The workshop on the 1st day of Borneo Forestry Cooperative (BFC) Open Day (10th Sept 2024) saw a strong turnout, with 63 participants from various sectors attending. Attendees included representatives from BFC consultants, tree plantation companies in Sabah, Sarawak, and West Malaysia, as well as international agrochemical suppliers from Netherlands, and South Africa, forestry consultants, and downstream companies involved in sustainable forestry practices. This diverse range of perspectives fostered dynamic discussions on current practices and the future of vegetation management.

Participants checking in at registration for the event.

Transportation was arranged for attendees traveling from Keningau town to Sapulut’s camp in Nabawan. Designated vans shuttled participants from their accommodation to the venue and the program site visit. These arrangements were communicated well in advance, ensuring punctual arrivals and departures. Upon registration, all attendees received workshop materials, including the day’s agenda, a lanyard with their name and vehicle number, and a sun hat and safety vest. The program ran from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The morning session was held in Sapulut’s open hall, featuring presentations by speakers and experts on vegetation management techniques and their long-term impact on industrial tree plantations. This was followed by an in-depth discussion with the participants.

Participants enjoying refreshments while connecting and sharing insights during the event.

The catering, sourced from nearby restaurants, was well received by participants, who appreciated the quality of the meals and refreshments. After lunch, the group headed to Sapulut’s tree plantation for a site visit. By the afternoon, the weather had cleared, with temperatures around 27°C, allowing the group to proceed with the plantation visit and leaving time for networking. The successful field session in the afternoon was made possible by the teamwork of all departments. The team from Timber Harvesting Support Services Department handled road maintenance ahead of time, making sure every program station was easily accessible. The Forest Protection team, forest plantation crew, and rangers worked as coordinators, guiding vehicles to designated parking areas and helping avoid any traffic issues as people moved between stations.

The overall response to the workshop was overwhelmingly positive, with participants applauding both the depth of information shared and the smooth organization of the event. Attendees were highly engaged during discussions with BFC experts and vegetation management practices in Sapulut’s presentations by our forest plantation officers, with many highlighting the excellent networking opportunities and potential for future collaborations.

“Everything was so well thought out and well planned,”

remarked Dr. Muhammad Izzat bin Ahmad Fauzi from MIE Sustainable Energy Sdn Bhd.

“I thought it was exceptionally well organized and run,”

added Chris Garside from Forest Solutions Malaysia Sdn Bhd. These are just a few of the many rewarding comments received from participants.

Participants fully engaged and enjoying the program during the speaker’s presentation.

Participants visiting Sapulut’s tree plantation site.

In conclusion, the workshop was a resounding success, providing valuable insights into vegetation management and fostering meaningful discussions among a diverse group of participants. The well-organized event, combined with excellent networking opportunities, left attendees highly satisfied and eager for future collaborations. The success of the event was largely due to the teamwork of all Sapulut staff, who contributed from start to finish. This effort aligns with Sapulut’s core value: ‘It takes a team to win.’ The team also extends heartfelt thanks to all BFC consultants for their support throughout the open day.