Opportunity for UMS students to explore opportunities in timber industry
KOTA KINABALU: There is a need for the timber industry in Sabah to look at the potential of Original Design Manufacturing (ODM).
The idea was shared by Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) industry development director Mahpar Atan due to the recent development of the industry in Malaysia.
“MTIB is targeting to raise export of timber furniture products to 70 percent through ODM by 2020,” said Mahpar.
“The target is achievable due to the increase of ODM products every year.
“Last year, timber exports increased to RM23 billion surpassing RM22.11 billion in 2016. A total RM10.14 billion from the number is under furniture category. This is why we are diverting our target from Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) to ODM,” he said after the launch of the ‘Professional Design Programme (PDP)’ at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) gallery, yesterday.
An original design manufacturer (ODM) is a company that designs and produces products that are marketed and sold under the name of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In other words, an ODM provides ‘readyto-go’ products for the OEM.
In Sabah, creativity and culture are something that can be transformed into furniture manufacturing. In fact, Sabah designs can be developed into its own brand, he added.
He hopes that the seminar will be a platform for the students to work on a bigger plan in the future.
Meanwhile, UMS Dean of Science and Natural Resources Faculty Professor Dr Baba Musta said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMS and MTIB is expected to take place this year.
He said the MoU will strengthen the relationship between both parties, where students will be able to learn more about the timber industry and opportunities in the business.
“A number of programmes have been prepared for this MoU including 3 University 1 Industry which will be launched during the next student intake.
“This programme will involve 20 selected students, where we will give them the chance to develop their skills and if possible to be employed in any companies related to the timber industry,” Dr Baba elaborated.
Earlier during the event, five local and foreign professional panels were invited to be the speakers for the seminar.