The Malaysian Timber Council’s upcoming seminars in Melbourne and Sydney will provide an unusual opportunity to hear directly from the Malaysian minister about the status of the Malaysia timber industry. The Malaysian contingent will be led by The Hon. Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, and include the chief executive of the Malaysian Timber Council, Cheah Kam Huan and other Malaysian timber industry leaders.
The seminars to be held in Melbourne on Tuesday, 26 July and in Sydney on Thursday, 28 July will update the Australian timber industry on policy and business developments in the Malaysian timber industry. The seminar program will include presentations on initiatives in Malaysia to advance sustainable forestry practices; forest certification and product chain of custody, and product innovation.
According to recognised timber industry expert John Bagley, Malaysia has become a leader in tropical timber production, innovation and compliance. “The country is increasingly regarded globally as leading the tropical forestry industry in areas like third party forest and product certification, building standards compliance and products sophistication.”
Mr Bagley noted that Malaysia was the first tropical country to implement a forest certification and a full chain of custody system that has been accredited by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. “This has set the bench-mark for others.”
He added that Malaysia was able to offer Australian importers and manufacturers a wide range of sophisticated, fit-for-purpose timber products.“Malaysia recognises the importance of the Australian market and is able to provide strong and ongoing support for the timber supply chain here.”
At the conclusion of the seminars an opportunity will be provided for one-on-one or small group business discussions with Malaysian timber company representatives.
Seminar joint organizer, Forestlands Consulting director John Halkett advised that the Melbourne and Sydney seminars are open to Australian timber supply chain company representatives; related business and trading companies; industry association representatives; government officials, and timber product related business. “The seminars will be free to attend, although prior registration will be necessary.”
Mr Halkett said letters of invitation have been posted to timber supply chain companies and organizations, together with a program and registration form. “If you didn’t receive an invitation and would like to attend please get in touch. If you have one please complete and return it promptly”.
Enquiries about either the Melbourne or Sydney seminars can be directed to John Halkett at (02) 9356 3826 or [email protected] or John Bagley at (02)9487 2776 or [email protected].
