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Kota Kinabalu: The 25th Forestry Camp organised by the Faculty of Tropical Forestry (FPT), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), continues to serve as an important platform to strengthen core forestry skills and nurture the character of resilient and knowledgeable young foresters.

According to the Dean of FPT, Associate Professor Dr. Normah Awang Besar @ Raffie, the annual camp is part of the faculty’s student development programme that focuses on practical skill mastery, leadership, and teamwork.

“Such camps are crucial in shaping foresters who are not only technically competent but also mentally resilient and ethically grounded. 

“Field experiences teach students to understand real-world forestry challenges while fostering a deep sense of environmental responsibility,” she said during the closing ceremony held at SFERA@UMS, recently.

Dr. Normah added that the faculty intends to continue this long-standing tradition as a high-impact outdoor learning platform aimed at producing a new generation of visionary and capable foresters for the green industry.

The camp was made even more special with the participation of 10 international students from Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia, under the Inbound Mobility Programme, creating a valuable exchange of knowledge and culture among local and international participants.

Throughout the camp, students engaged in a series of field activities including camp management, survival skills, entomology, and forest mapping. 

These activities not only tested their technical skills but also strengthened teamwork and leadership qualities among participants.

Dr. Normah noted that the involvement of international students enriched the learning experience by offering new perspectives on tropical forest management and promoting regional cooperation in forestry education.

She also expressed her appreciation to all instructors and facilitators whose dedication ensured the successful implementation of the camp and the achievement of its objectives.

During the closing ceremony, several special awards were presented to outstanding participants, including the “10 Forester Traits Award”, “Rimbawan”, and “Rimbawati” awards, in recognition of excellence throughout the programme.

The FPT Forestry Camp has been held since the faculty’s inception and remains an essential component of its curriculum, giving students hands-on experience in understanding the dynamics of tropical forests and the responsibilities of a forester in preserving environmental sustainability.