Mother Nature’s Guardian
Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Salleh bin Haji Mohd Nor has spent the better part of his professional life protecting nature and Malaysia’s natural resources, through his previous role as the director-general of the Forest Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), and as the president of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) for 30 years.
His leadership at FRIM transformed it into a globally recognised tropical forest research center. He also preserved FRIM's prime location in the Klang Valley from development pressures, turning it into a popular destination with initiatives like the canopy walkway. Additionally, he pioneered research on rubber wood utilisation, turning it from a waste product into an international success, influencing the furniture industry worldwide and reaching regions where rubber is cultivated.
Building a foundation for a remarkable career
Born in 1940 in the village of Ulu Inas, Negeri Sembilan, Tan Sri Salleh's educational journey began at Tuanku Muhammad Secondary School.
He later joined the Federation Military College in Port Dickson, completing his secondary education with a Higher School Certificate in Science and earning the Director of Studies prize.
Tan Sri Salleh was a recipient of the Colombo Plan Scholarship to study Forestry in Adelaide from 1961-1962, and later at the Australian Forestry School (AFS), Canberra, from which he graduated with a BSc (Forestry) from Adelaide University and a Diploma of Forestry from AFS.
Transformative leadership at FRIM
Appointed as the director of Forest Research Institute (FRI) Kepong in 1977, Tan Sri Salleh later oversaw its transformation into the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM).
Under his guidance, FRIM evolved into a world-class tropical forest research institute, addressing forest management and conservation challenges. He showcased his vision through initiatives like the Tree Flora project and the focus on rubberwood utilisation.
As the first Director-General of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), he became the first non-European and non-American President of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO).
Going above and beyond for the environment
Tan Sri Salleh’s contributions earned him an extensive list of awards, including the Inaugural Langkawi Award, Tun Razak Award, The Ordre Du Merite Agricole, Old Putra of the Year, National Science Award, Inaugural Malaysian Forestry Research and Development Board (MFRDB) Award, 50 “Tokoh Malaysia” (Malaysian Heros) on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of “Merdeka”, and the Inaugural “Tapir Award” for life-long service to conservation by the Malaysian Nature Society in conjunction with MNS 75th anniversary.
Tan Sri Salleh's life reflects an extraordinary commitment to environmental conservation, transformative leadership, and advocacy for sustainable development.
Tan Sri Salleh serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and continues to inspire the next generation. While working on books and engaging in various ventures, Tan Sri Salleh remains a beacon of inspiration in the realm of conservation.
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The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.