In its 8th year of implementation, the Takasago–UNIMAS Educational Forest Project continues to play a pivotal role in advancing forest landscape restoration (FLR) on the UNIMAS campus. Established in 2018, the initiative is a collaborative effort between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Takasago Thermal Engineering Co. Ltd., and Japan Malaysia Association (JMA), with the support of the Forest Department Sarawak, reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing resilient forest ecosystems and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
On 29th November 2025, the project marked another significant milestone with its annual tree-planting program held at the UNIMAS campus. This year’s event brought together 150 participants, including representatives from Takasago Thermal Engineering (Malaysia, Thailand, and Tokyo), JMA, Forest Department Sarawak, teachers and students from SK (A) Ibnu Khaldun, UNIMAS staff, and students from various faculties.
Participants planted 1,000 seedlings of local indigenous tree species, strengthening ongoing efforts to restore ecological function, enhance biodiversity, and improve the long-term health of the landscape. This hands-on engagement reflects the core principles of FLR initiatives, which promote the recovery of ecological integrity while supporting learning, community participation, and sustainable land stewardship.
A Message of Appreciation from Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd.
During the event, Mr. Tadashi Sato, Chairman of Takasago Thermal Engineering (Malaysia), expressed his heartfelt appreciation to UNIMAS for its continued collaboration. He emphasized that this initiative stands among the company’s earliest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in Malaysia, making its achievements especially meaningful.
Mr. Sato expressed his deepest appreciation and was impressed by the visible ecological transformation of the forest in the project area during his visit. The steady growth of trees and recovery of the landscape, he noted, are powerful indicators of what sustained partnership and science-led restoration can achieve. He also expressed hope that the initiative will continue to bring Malaysia and Japan closer together, while offering valuable opportunities for younger generations to understand the importance of conservation and environmental responsibility for a sustainable future.
Opening Remarks by the Dean of the Faculty of Resource Science & Technology
In his opening remarks, Professor Ts. Dr. Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Resource Science & Technology, highlighted the project’s contribution to Sarawak’s broader forest landscape restoration efforts and its value as a platform for experiential learning. Prof. Dr Faisal expressed appreciation to the project partners for their continued support and commended the dedication of staff and students who have contributed to the planting of 29,400 trees to date within the educational forest area.
In his concluding message to all participants, he noted that tree planting goes beyond fulfilling an activity requirement. It represents a meaningful act of restoration that helps rebuild ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, and support the long-term health of the landscape, while encouraging everyone to participate responsibly, stay safe at the planting site, and take pride in contributing to an effort that will benefit the environment for many years to come.
A Growing Legacy for Takasago-UNIMAS Educational Forest
Over eight years, the Takasago–UNIMAS Educational Forest has become a living example of how forest landscape restoration can be integrated with education, research, and community engagement. With thousands of trees planted and hundreds of participants involved, the project demonstrates how partnerships built on shared vision and sustained commitment can generate long-lasting environmental benefits. As the initiative moves forward, it continues to embody the spirit of collaboration, ecological restoration, and learning, providing the core values that will shape the future of sustainable landscapes in Sarawak.
Let’s continue planting. Let’s continue learning. Let’s continue growing together.
Prepared and written by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Effendi Wasli