By Bazli Razak
TANJONG MALIM, May 7, 2026 — Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and CIMB Islamic have launched a strategic collaboration to strengthen the UPSI Edu-Forest in Behrang through the channeling of RM500,000 in EcoSave-i funding to support various biodiversity conservation initiatives, environmental education, and sustainable community development.
UPSI Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff, said the collaboration reflects an integrated commitment between the university, industry, and community in advancing environmental sustainability and nature-based education.
He said the fund would support the implementation of high-impact programmes at UPSI Edu-Forest, managed through the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation (CeBEC) with the support of the University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC).
“This launch ceremony is not merely symbolic, but marks the beginning of the implementation of various high-impact programmes such as biodiversity education, citizen science, green innovation, and the documentation of natural heritage that will provide long-term benefits for future generations.
“UPSI also deeply appreciates the technical support and expertise from Forest House Sdn Bhd, which plays an important role in implementing field activities and strengthening the conservation ecosystem.
“I sincerely hope this strategic collaboration will continue to be strengthened and expanded in the future, further contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reinforcing UPSI’s role as a leader in education and environmental conservation in Malaysia,” he said during the launch ceremony of the CIMB Islamic–CeBEC-UPSI Edu-Forest Strategic Collaboration Project at UPSI Edu-Forest, Sungai Dara, Behrang, recently.
Meanwhile, CIMB Islamic Chairman, Datin Azlina Mahmad, said that as an Islamic financial institution, CIMB Islamic views sustainability as a shared responsibility for the well-being of society and the environment.
Azlina said UPSI Edu-Forest not only functions as a learning and research space for students and lecturers, but also serves as a citizen science platform and a medium to raise public awareness on the importance of biodiversity.
She said the development of components such as a watch tower, observation deck, forest trails, and replanting activities would also create opportunities for the involvement of green communities, including NGOs, related agencies, and the private sector in biodiversity monitoring and field data collection efforts.
According to her, the project also provides opportunities for the local Orang Asli community to participate in the construction of learning trails and nursery management, while helping generate income for the community.
“We are not merely building a learning forest, but developing an ecosystem of knowledge that connects people, nature, and the future,” she said.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Forest House Sdn Bhd, Rayman Ariff Soh, said UPSI Edu-Forest holds great potential as a site for learning, research, and environmental education for the general public.
“Among the key initiatives already implemented are the construction of learning trails with the Orang Asli community of Kampung Tibang, the development of observation decks and watch towers, tree census activities, seed collection, and replanting efforts to ensure conservation initiatives are carried out sustainably and with long-term impact,” he said.
UPSI Edu-Forest, located within the Behrang Forest Reserve, spans approximately 25 acres and holds “triple gazetted” protection status, including designation as a Permanent Reserved Forest (HSK) and as an important component of the Central Forest Spine (CFS) Ecological Network.
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