RIMBAWAN - FORESTER

A forester is a person who is trained in forestry, the science, art, and profession of managing forests12. A forester may engage in activities such as ecological restoration, conservation, hunting, recreation, and timber harvesting23. A forester is an expert in land and forest management who walks a careful balance between planning the usage of forest lands and protecting them45. A forester's primary goal is sustainability5. A forester may work in various settings, including offices, laboratories, and the outdoors5.

Abstract from story of Sharulzaman Idris

I grew up in Kg Padang Jual, Johol, Negeri Sembilan. It was a place filled with memories and experiences that shaped my upbringing. My father worked as a teacher, dedicating his time and energy to educating young minds. Meanwhile, my mother played a crucial role in empowering adults through her work as a teacher in adult education, specifically teaching classes for mature students (known as "Cikgu kelas dewasa" in Malay).

During the formative years of Malaysia, under the leadership of our first and second Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Razak respectively, the country was going through a transformative period after gaining independence. One of the initiatives undertaken by the government was the organization of adult reading classes for seniors. This program aimed to provide educational opportunities for older individuals who had missed out on formal education earlier in life.

While the younger generation was obliged to attend school, it was a unique experience to witness individuals in their sixties, with white hair adorning their heads, embarking on the journey of learning to read and write. The adult reading classes gained significant popularity, particularly among older women and grandmothers who seized the opportunity to enhance their literacy skills.

My mother, driven by her passion for teaching, actively participated in these classes. She served as an instructor, imparting knowledge and skills to her students. The government recognized the importance of such initiatives and provided allowances to support teachers like my mother in their efforts to educate and uplift the community.

Looking back, I am grateful to have grown up in a place where education was valued and accessible to people of all ages. The dedication of my parents, especially my mother's involvement in adult education, instilled in me a profound appreciation for lifelong learning and the transformative power of education.

I vividly remember my time at UiTM Shah Alam, where I was part of the batch that graduated in 1977. My academic journey began in the School of Applied Science at Jalan Othman, Petaling Jaya, with the intake year of 1973. It was an exciting time for me, as I was eager to learn and explore the field of forestry in the school of applied science.

During the second year of my studies, our batch relocated to the Shah Alam campus, which was a significant change for all of us. The new campus offered a more extensive range of facilities and resources, and we were thrilled to have access to state-of-the-art equipment and learning materials. The transition was seamless, and we quickly settled into our new surroundings. We initiated a greening of the applied science square with Ken Rubelli,

One of the most memorable aspects of my time at UiTM Shah Alam was the diversity of the student body. Our batch consisted of approximately 60 students, and we were a diverse group, with half of us choosing to join the Kepong group, while the other half opted for ITM. The Kepong group pursued their second year at the Forestry College in Kepong, FRIM, which was located in the heart of the forest campus, providing them with a unique learning experience. On the other hand, the ITM group continued their studies in Shah Alam, where we had access to modern facilities and a vibrant campus life.

I was part of the ITM group, and I must say that my time at UiTM Shah Alam was incredibly enriching. The faculty members were knowledgeable and supportive, and they went above and beyond to ensure that we received a well-rounded education. The curriculum was rigorous, but it was also engaging, and we were encouraged to think creatively and critically.

One of the highlights of my time at UiTM Shah Alam was the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities. I was the president of the Forestry club, which helped me develop my communication skills and confidence. I also participated in various sports and recreational activities, which helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Looking back, I realize that my time at UiTM Shah Alam was a transformative experience that shaped my future. The skills and knowledge I gained during my studies have been invaluable in my professional career. I also developed lifelong friendships with my batchmates, and we still keep in touch to this day.

In conclusion, my time at UiTM Shah Alam was a memorable and enriching experience that prepared me for my future endeavors. The diversity of the student body, the quality of the faculty, and the range of extracurricular activities all contributed to a well-rounded education that has served me well. I am proud to be a part of the UiTM Shah Alam community, and I will always cherish the memories I made during my time there.

It's wonderful to reminisce about the past, even though it's been nearly fifty years. I remember the time when the three of us, you, Samsudin Sueet, and myself, decided to undertake our practical training in Taiping.

Choosing Taiping turned out to be an excellent decision, as the Assistant District Forest Officer, Nik Anuar, was an incredibly hospitable host. He introduced us to the daily routines of a Forest Officer, and Taiping proved to be a fascinating Forest District. We had the opportunity to witness the well-organized mangrove forest plantations, observing the different stages of growth, from planting to thinning, and eventually witnessing the trees being harvested for various industries.

One memorable experience was witnessing the production of charcoal in kilns and the utilization of canals for transportation purposes. It was delightful to observe the diverse flora and fauna of the mangrove ecosystem during our training. Fishing was also a popular activity among the locals, and we even had the chance to explore Maxwell Hill, with the trusty Land Rover taking us up and down.

Another vivid memory was our visit to the match factory. As aspiring forest officers, the management kindly presented us with a bag full of assorted souvenir matchboxes, which sparked an exciting matchbox collecting hobby.

Overall, the experiences we shared during our time in Taiping, you, Waksam, and myself, remain well-preserved in our memories.@ariffin abdullah