The empowerment of smart technology alongside the development of high-integrity human capital is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Permanent Forest Reserves nationwide, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.
He emphasised that strong synergy between digital innovation and on-the-ground expertise is key to strengthening the management and protection of the country’s forest heritage.
“Mastery of modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and drones is critical in addressing today’s forestry challenges. However, no matter how advanced the technology, it is meaningless without human wisdom. Drones may monitor from the air, but action must be taken on the ground,” he said at the 37th Forestry Certificate Award Ceremony of the Forestry Training Institute (Fortrain) recently.
Mastery of modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and drones is critical in addressing today’s forestry challenges. However, no matter how advanced the technology, it is meaningless without human wisdom. Drones may monitor from the air, but action must be taken on the ground.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh
Also present were the Director-General of the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Datuk Zahari Ibrahim, as well as 113 graduates from the Forest Ranger Certificate Course (2023–2025 session) and the Forest Supervisor Certificate Course (2024–2025 session).
Syed Ibrahim described the graduating cohort as a “centennial batch,” marking the 100th anniversary of Fortrain’s establishment, and expressed hope that they would set new benchmarks in forest management for the century ahead.
He noted that Fortrain has produced 6,369 graduates to date, many of whom now serve across various sectors nationwide, including natural resource management, ecotourism and landscape management.
Highlighting the government’s environmental agenda, he said 2026 has been designated the Year of Implementation and Acceleration for environmental sustainability, underscoring the need for graduates to play active roles as key implementers and drivers of related initiatives.
Syed Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Economy for allocating RM20.8 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan for the construction of two new hostel buildings at Fortrain. The facilities, which comprise 98 rooms and can accommodate up to 196 trainees at a time, are expected to enhance the institute’s learning environment.
“These new facilities will help create a more holistic and conducive ecosystem for training highly skilled forestry professionals,” he added.
