By DayakDaily Team
BRUNEI, Oct 3: The Sarawak Biodiversity Council (SBC) and Syarikat Asnika have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to distribute Sarawak-made bio-based products under the brand names LitSara®, NatureSara®, and AdenoSara® in Brunei Darussalam.
This partnership was formalised today during the official launch of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Bandar Brunei (STATOB) at Pavo Point.
SBC was represented by its chairman Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, while Syarikat Asnika was represented by its managing director Asmad Umar.
The signing was witnessed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Muhammad Abdullah emphasised that the MoU marked a significant milestone in SBC’s journey toward the commercialisation of Sarawak’s rich biodiversity.
“The flagship products are developed from Sarawak’s abundant biodiversity, integrating the traditional knowledge of our indigenous communities with scientific research, and aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
“This approach promotes the sustainable utilisation of biodiversity, creates economic opportunities for local communities, and fosters responsible practices that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said in a media release today.
Syarikat Asnika, based in Brunei Darussalam, operates several galleries, including the Asnika Gallery at the Brunei International Airport Departure Hall and at the Empire Hotel & Country Club.
The company specialises in designing high-quality woven fabric handicrafts, which include traditional woven fabrics such as Kain Samping, Kain Jongsarat, Kain Berragi Bertabur, Kain Sipugut, Kain Selubangbangsi, and Liputan Madu, among others.
Established in 1989, Syarikat Asnika serves a diverse clientele from countries including Japan, Malaysia, Europe, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the local Brunei community.
SBC is a leading research agency under the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, dedicated to harnessing the region’s biodiversity for scientific innovation and sustainable development.
Its efforts contribute to Sarawak’s vision of a green economy and nature-positive solutions.
SBC’s research and development initiatives focus on sustainable bioprospecting for high-value product development and equitable benefit-sharing with indigenous communities arising from their traditional knowledge and use of biological resources. — DayakDaily
