The Beginning of the
FOREST RESEARCH CENTRE (FRC)
SEPILOK, SANDAKAN
Aerial drone picture of Forest Research Centre today
In the past, the research achievements were reported on an annual basis as a separate publication – Annual Report Research Branch (1964 to 1986), subsequently research reports are now included in the Sabah Forestry Department’s annual report. In terms of outreach and dissemination, researchers actively share their research through publications and presentations at conferences, in research journals, and in books. Additionally, starting from 1983, FRC has also published its own in-house research records and journals, such as FRC Publication, Sandakania and Sepilok Bulletin. Since its establishment 50 years ago, the Forest Research Centre has now evolved into a research, training and education hub without borders. In terms of research, the centre has collaborations with partners from various institutions, organizations, and companies, both locally and across the globe. Regarding training and education, it has served as a vital training centre for foresters, forest practitioners, and university students alike. This effort can be simply described as “Local Roots, Global Reach” As the Forest Research Centre continues its journey, it remains dedicated to advancing forestry science and enhancing ecosystem knowledge, furthering the department’s vision of achieving sustainable forest management. This commitment is especially crucial in the face of climate change and the ongoing global efforts to address sustainability challenges.
History
The centre’s research direction has consistently focused on addressing the evolving needs of forestry and is guided by the Research Programme Document, which outlines the principal investigators, objectives, justifications, expected results, and time schedules. This practice, which began in 1960, continues to be followed today and is constantly reviewed. As of now, the centre’s research is arranged into five research programmes:
- Forest Ecosystem Management
- Forest Biodiversity and Conservation
- Forest Plantations
- Forest Produce and Products
- Forest Socio-Economics
Routine maintenance of the plantation timber stand.
(Left) Wood section staff inspecting the timber trunk and (right) Staff climbing up the Falcataria moluccana tree to collect seeds.
Typical small strea in Shorea laevis hill dipterocarp forest on Sg. Labuan. Ecology section staff surveyed the area for a possible water catchment study site in 1982.
Ecology team conducted research on the summit of Mt Sinsing in 2023
FRC research team posing in front of the 2nd tallest tree in Sabah, Shorea faguetiana.















