Dato’ Dr Ismail bin Hj. Parlan

Where trees stand tall, knowledge grows stronger. Pioneering Malaysia’s journey toward sustainable forestry, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) has been a symbol of environmental guardian and tropical forestry research since 1926. As one of the world’s premier institutions in this field, FRIM has weathered the winds of change, transforming from a modest research unit into a statutory body of national and global relevance, now under the purview of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).

Great leadership, like deep roots, anchors an entire forest. And in the ever-evolving canopy of FRIM, one man stands as the steady trunk, YBrs. Dato’ Dr. Ismail Hj. Parlan, the Director General. With 28 years of dedication and deep roots in forest silviculture, wetlands, and climate research, Dato’ Dr. Ismail is a man whose career mirrors the resilience of a rainforest tree, firm in foundation, vast in contribution. From mangroves in Perak to peat swamps in Pahang, his scholarly legacy, marked by a PhD, over 200 scientific works, and award-winning projects, cements him as a true custodian of Malaysia’s natural wealth.

Spanning 545 hectares in Kepong and rich in biodiversity, FRIM is more than a research institute; it is a living laboratory. Its contributions stretch far and wide: from sustainable wood products and herbal biotechnology to forest biodiversity and climate solutions. FRIM’s excellence is evident through its international collaborations and 47 Malaysian Book of Records titles. To be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Institute is rooted in heritage but branches out towards the future.

Dato’ Dr. Ismail envisions a future where AI-integrated Smart Forest Research redefines conservation, not just to preserve Malaysia’s natural heritage, but to actively lead the charge toward a carbon-free nation by 2050. But what truly elevates his leadership is his vision of inclusivity. Dato’ Dr. Ismail believes that forests are for everyone, not just scientists or policymakers. From school programmes to community engagement with Orang Asli groups, from public tree-planting drives to collaborations with international green NGOs, he transforms ecological conservation into a shared responsibility.

Despite the towering responsibilities, Dato’ Dr. Ismail never loses touch with the grassroots. FRIM stands not just as a national treasure, but as a global powerhouse in tropical forestry research. “From little seeds grow mighty trees.” The roots are deep, the branches wide, and the future—undeniably green.