Sustainable Living with Wood
On May 21, 2025, the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (FHAS) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), hosted a meaningful celebration of World Wood Day 2025, carrying the global theme “Sustainable Living with Wood.” The event served as a platform to raise awareness of wood as a renewable, eco-friendly resource and its essential role in supporting sustainable lifestyles.
More than 100 participants, including students, academics, researchers, industry professionals, and international partners, took part in the program. Key highlights included a hybrid webinar titled “Sustainable Living with Wood,” hands-on woodworking demonstrations, interactive “Wood Fun Games,” and a mini exhibition that showcased innovation and creativity in the wood-based sector.
The event was officiated by Ts. Farydatul Nazly Mohd Zin, Deputy Director General (Development & Commercialization) of MTIB, with welcoming remarks delivered by Dr. Amir Affan Abdul Azim, Deputy Dean of FHAS. A symbolic tree planting ceremony was held simultaneously at UPM, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch (Jengka Campus) and was streamed online to encourage broader engagement.
At UPM, ten tree species were planted: Intsia palembanica (Merbau), Syzygium malaccense (Jambu Bol), Garcinia atroviridis (Asam Gelugur), Anthoshorea roxburghii (Meranti Temak Nipis), Baccaurea macrocarpa (Tampoi), Diospyros blancoi (Mentega), Pometia pinnata (Kasai), Garcinia prainiana (Kecupu), Bouea macrophylla (Kundang), and Millettia atropurpurea (Tulang Daing).
At UiTM Pahang Branch, three different timber species were planted: Intsia palembanica (Merbau), Shorea materialis (Balau Pasir), and Agathis borneensis (Damar Minyak). Meanwhile, UMS planted three trees of the same species from the Nephellium genus, reflecting their commitment to reforestation and conservation.
The mini exhibition featured creative and sustainable wood-related showcases by organizations including the Persatuan Pengusaha Kayu Kayan dan Perabot Bumiputera Malaysia (PEKA), FUSE Kuala Lumpur, Rekayu Furniture Studio, Wynsical Blooms, Global Mangrove Alliance – Malaysian Chapter (GMA-MC), and the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB).
The event was supported by a strong network of strategic partners, including Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), Indonesia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch (Jengka Campus), Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), PEKA, and the Institute of Bast Fiber Crop, China Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China.
This celebration reflects UPM’s continued support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlights the power of cross-sector and cross-border collaboration in promoting sustainable wood culture and environmental stewardship.