By: Aimi Mohamad Farid
Photo by: Muhammad Nur Zairi Mohd Nazari
SERDANG, 22 May – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) highlighted the growing role of sustainable timber in supporting green development and the circular economy during the World Wood Day (WWD) 2026 celebration, as Malaysia’s timber industry recorded RM21.5 billion in export earnings in 2025.
Held under the theme “Sustainable Wood, Circular Future”, the programme organised by the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (FHAS) gathered industry leaders, academics and international experts to discuss timber innovation, sustainable materials and future wood-based industries.
Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), Noraihan Abdul Rahman, said the timber industry continues to contribute significantly to the national economy while supporting sustainable development goals.
“In 2025, the industry generated RM21.5 billion in export earnings, reinforcing its important role in the nation’s agri-commodity sector,” she said.
Dean of FHAS, Prof. Dr. Azlizam Aziz, said sustainable wood utilisation is increasingly important in addressing climate change and supporting low-carbon development.
“This year’s theme reflects a forward-thinking approach to how we value wood, not merely as a resource, but as a key enabler for sustainable development and responsible resource management,” he said.
He added that wood remains a renewable and versatile material capable of storing carbon through sustainable timber products and wood-based industries.
The programme featured international webinars, expert talks, exhibitions and interactive workshops focusing on sustainable timber innovation, circular economy practices and future wood-based materials.
Among the topics discussed were transparent wood for smart building materials, bio-based wood innovation and the role of wood in advancing a circular economy.
General Manager of Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Datu Haji Zainal Abidin Haji Abdullah, also stressed the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving sustainable timber innovation.
“We firmly believe that research and industry must work hand-in-hand. Research provides the spark of discovery while industry turns those ideas into real-world solutions that benefit both people and the economy,” he said.
Programme director, Dr. Sabiha Salim, said the event aimed to increase public awareness and exposure to sustainable wood utilisation through educational and hands-on activities involving woodcraft and compost-based products.
“The organisation of World Wood Day 2026 is expected to strengthen collaboration between universities, industry players and the community in advancing sustainable timber development and environmental awareness,” she said.
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