Growing Together – Future Forum 2020 is a Foresight project of the International Natural Fiber organization (INFO). INFO is a Public-Private-Partnership of fiber producers from emerging economies and developing countries such as Brazil, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. INFO was officially incorporated as an international association in the latter part of 2009. Recently the Malaysian Kenaf sector showed keen interest to support INFO activities and generously hosted the 2nd workshop of this 12 month Foresight project, which was held from 16 to 18 March in Putrajaya. The 1st international workshop was held in Leiden, The Netherlands. The Foresight project is facilitated by Prof. Ian Miles and Dr. Ozcan Saritas of Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, Manchester Business School, U.K.

New Business Potential Via Resource Recovery in the Wastewater Sector

Historically, the first thought of sewage treatment dates back to the end of 18th Century when septic tanks were introduced in the West. By the nineteenth century sewage treatment methods developed rapidly to meet the needs of basic sanitation..

The Challenges of Research in Malaysia: Prioritisation of Research and Bringing Research to the Market

Research and Development (R&D) has long been a key activity in any developing or developed nation. R&D activities are not only generators of new knowledge; they are also an essential factor in the growth in the economy. The government of Malaysia has long recognised this fact, and has worked had to foster and nurture collaborations between researchers and the members of the industry, thereby allowing individuals to come together in new or larger research groups as well as to initiate and practice interdisciplinary research, as well as to work together with the members of the industry to promote research that addresses specific market needs.