Avoid past mistakes, Mannan tells forestry students
Published on: Monday, November 30, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Avoid past mistakes, said State Forestry Director Datuk Sam Mannan to about 100 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) forestry students from four forestry programmes who met him at the conclusion of the recent International Conference on the Heart of Borneo and Sabah's Ramsar Conference.Asked what he meant by past mistakes, he listed them: "No long term focus, weak governance, political expediency, no third party audits, lack of political will and ignoring stake holders."
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"As you are the future managers of the remaining forests, you must not repeat these mistakes," Mannan told them."There is much work to be done to restore and conserve the remaining forests in Sabah and Malaysia, so you need to equip yourselves with the knowledge and skills to address this task," he told them, and stressed the importance of having a "good command of English".In return, the students thanked Mannan for the "opportunity" and "support" to attend such "excellent platform to widen their knowledge and connect with prospective future employers, such as meeting a range of national and international scientists, industry representatives and NGOs. "It gave them the opportunity to share views and exchange ideas as well as gain insights on potential research areas which they can venture into," said senior lecturer Dr Berhaman Ahmad.
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"Such experience is part of the teaching and learning approach initiated by staff within the Forestry programmes at UMS and designed to expose the students to a wider range of knowledge related to forestry and the environment," he addedSecond year student on Nature Parks and Recreation (HG20) programme, Chai Chuan Jun, said:
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"The conference gave us an insight on how we can contribute to society. Datuk Sam's advice motivated us to aim high in our studies, to work hard to achieve our goals. I have no regret taking this path as a forester." Second year International Tropical Forestry (HG19) programme student, Ho Pui Kiat, cited listening to speakers' "wonderful ideas" from around the world as a "very insightful experience", a "very good opportunity to socialise, get connected, a golden chance to meet potential employers.""I believe it is very true having a good command of English is very important as Datuk Sam had stressed during our brief encounter."Third year International Tropical Forestry (HG19) programme student, Lee Yew Leung, said Mannan's brief address inspired him."A motivating advice from such a prominent figure added a new resolve to do my best to take care of nature, strengthened my spirit to graduate and be a successful forester who gives back to society."Taking care of the forest is important for long term sustainable economic growth and vial for the continuity of healthy communities that depend on the services provided by forests," said Lee who registered his gratitude for the "awareness and wisdom gained" on a "whole new level of managing forests properly" from a watershed point of view, which added his "personal philosophy" the need to be a "good steward of God". Fourth year International Tropical Forestry (HG19) student, Richard Bryan Sebastian, said he learnt the "importance of connectivity" and the "amazing work" the Forestry Department has done under Mannan. "Highlighted to us is the importance of watersheds ecologically, the imperative of conserving mangroves, river systems, riparian ecosystems and how these measures can save so much more than just biodiversity," Richard said. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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