Media Centre

In line with its philosophy of working closely with government and industry, Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology will collaborate with the Malaysian Timber Industry Board to strengthen the image of the Malaysian brand in the global market.

At the recent MoU signing ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Malaysia Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and the MTIB director-general Dato’ Mohd Nazuri bin Hashim Shah put down their signatures on the dotted lines to materialize a strategic partnership that will bridge the timber industry with the university, a move dedicated to inculcating creativity.

The re-branding exercise aims to enhance MTIB’s overall competitiveness. Among others, training programmes will be developed that should help in conceptualizing and designing innovative timber products. This is in line with Limkokwing’s “Indusity” efforts - to promote greater industry involvement in education and training.

In terms of R&D, a Timber Innovation Centre (TIC) is to be set up, the goals of which include cultivating creative use of timber products.

Enabling economic growth
The collaboration reflects how Limkokwing is committed to the development of design, creativity and innovation skills to enable and facilitate economic progress.

The university college, a pioneer in creative and innovative education, is in the position to contribute towards higher standards in the industry.

Areas of cooperation include the establishment of training arrangements focused on the development of innovative and creative design of timber. Joint conferences, seminars and workshops at the national and international level, shall be pursued to bring to fruition the aspirations of the MoU.

At a press conference following the signing, Limkokwing president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said Malaysia’s share in the global timber products market was insignificant.

Attention to creativity in application
“Our growth potential is tremendous but one of the major weaknesses is the lack of attention given to creativity in application,” he said, adding that there must be focus on creating a vibrant and complete eco-system that would encourage creative thinking that led to dynamic innovations.

Earlier, Datuk Chin told reporters that Limkokwing, a pioneer in creative and innovative education, was in a good position to contribute to higher standards in the local timber industry.

“This re-branding exercise aims to enhance MTIB’s competitiveness through training programmes that will help in the conceptualization and designing of innovative timber products with Limkokwing.

“All research and development efforts should be market-driven and inclined towards the need for the industry to be cost-efficient and highly productive,” he said, adding that timber and timber products contributed RM20 billion to Malaysia’s export earnings last year.”

The collaboration between Limkokwing and MTIB, he said, is crucial as it would better position and strengthen Malaysia as a world-class timber producer and exporter.