*Although they have the same title, the papers were presented by different authors in different conferences: The Empire Forestry Conference in Australia and New Zealand (1928) and The Fourth British Empire Forestry Conference in South Africa. Some of the books, forest records, and working papers were prepared in the early days from the late 1880s to the 1970s.

The first documented research in forestry dates back to 1880, when Franz Witti conducted a scientific study of the Gaya Island forest. From the 18th century through the late 1970s, the primary focus of forestry was on timber concessions; therefore, it is of no surprise that most research undertaken at that time was on topics specifically related to the timber trade. Occasionally, one can come across records on subjects such as botanical explorations, the copal industry, freak storms, and others. Despite the challenges posed by periods of war in between, more than 200 publications were produced during that time. Some of the publications are listed in the table above.

In 1967, it was decided to position the complex next to the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. This location was selected due to its close proximity to a forest that had long been a site of continuous research and established ecological plots. Additionally, the Department’s Game Section had set up a station within the forest in 1964 specifically for orangutan rehabilitation. Other key factors in the decision included its easy accessibility to Sandakan and the minimal land acquisition required, as the site was adjacent to the forest reserve, thus avoiding additional costs associated with land acquisition.

Work on the forest research centre began in 1972 with the construction of a two-storey building to house the various sections that had been established. The building was completed in August 1974, during the Second Malaysia Plan, at a total cost of RM 865,000. Notably, the building utilized a variety of timber species in its structure, including Agathis, Ramin, Selangan Batu, Pauh Kijang, Sepetir, Merbau, Impas, Belian, and others. Exploring the different parts of the building itself became a learning experience. Additionally, 250 acres of land was gazetted to create an arboretum to supplement the dried collection in the herbarium. The vision for the arboretum was for it to eventually evolve into a Botanical Garden, offering a recreational space for the people of Sandakan.

Ramin panelling on the 1st floor of the FRC 1974 building. Material purchased with donation from Chung Chao Loong Kayu Balak (Pantai Timor) Sdn. Bhd.

The FRC building was officially opened by the Chief Minister in 1974, Y.A.B Tun Datu Haji Mustapha bin Datu Harun.

The Forest Research Centre (FRC) and Forest Training School complex were officially opened by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Tun Datu Haji Mustapha bin Datu Harun, on October 27, 1974. The event coincided with the 5th Malaysian Forestry Conference, which was being held in Sabah at the time. By 1980, a research sawmill was incorporated into the FRC complex with proposals underway for further expansion to include the addition of a drying kiln and preservation plant.

The 2 & 3 storeyed building was opened by the Chief Minister in 1989, Y.A.B. Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

The establishment of the FRC complex, with its ample space and robust infrastructure, has provided the foundation for research to grow beyond traditional fields such as botany, ecology, silviculture, plantation management, utilization, and entomology. As times changed, the scope of research gradually broadened to include new areas such as soils, wood technology, seed science, chemistry, tree improvement, agroforestry, ethnobotany, and conservation.