About Us

History

UMK Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (UMK-TRaCe) was established in 2020 under the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). UMK-TRaCe is the main mechanism in driving strategic collaboration between UMK and Pulau Banding Foundation and Belum Rainforest Management Sdn. Bhd. to further strengthen the development, development and transfer of knowledge centered on tropical rainforests based on entrepreneurship for universal progress. The Banding Island area which has an area of 2.77 acres is under the supervision of the Pulau Banding Foundation (Pulau Banding Foundation - PBF) and is one of the foundations under the Emkay Group. PBF was established in 2007 with the aim of promoting research and eco-tourism through sustainable development for the tropical rainforest ecosystem in Royal Belum Forest, Temengor. The Belum Temengor complex under PBF is one of the areas identified as having the highest biodiversity value in Malaysia.

Vision

Become an international tropical rainforest research centre.

Mission

Ensuring the conservation of tropical rainforests (flora and fauna) as well as services based on natural resources in Banding Island and its surroundings are managed in a sustainable manner in addition to being able to benefit the local community.

Objectives

Tree Icon

Hands-on training learning centre in the field and natural laboratories

Exploring, developing, enhancing knowledge about environmental studies based on direct learning in tropical rainforest.

Tree Icon

Research and innovation in the field of nature management and natural resources

Conduct continuous research and increase efforts in innovation and international cooperation.

Tree Icon

Generate Economic Benefits

Help the local community, state government, and the country through the ecotourism program carried out.

Director's Words

Director Photo

Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Bin Abdul Karim

PhD in Soil Nutrition, University of Aberdeen

UMK Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (UMK-TRaCe) is a strategic collaboration between UMK and Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) to spearhead excellence in promoting sustainability for the tropical rainforest conservation at the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex.

Established on 31st January 2022 by the Faculty of Earth Science, UMK-TRaCe envisioned to be an internationally and locally renowned teaching & learning, research & innovation, and sustainable economic generation centre for the society.

Through entrepreneurial mindset, high-impact community empowerment activities, transformative change, and leveraging on digital technological advancement, UMK-TRaCe aspire to be the knowledge gateway to enhance public awareness and appreciation on scientific discoveries, and biodiversity richness of the highly valued, world oldest, soon-to-be world heritage tropical rainforest site in Malaysia.

Goal(s): Teaching & learning, research & innovation, and sustainable socioeconomic empowerment for Tropical Rainforest Conservation adopting the strategic eco-entrepreneurship approach.

Research niche: Climate resilience & Integrated Carbon Management (biodiversity, geology & soil, environmental sustainability, natural heritage, livelihood, technology and arts) for Tropical Rainforest Conservation.

Strategic Partners

Pulau Banding Foundation Logo

Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF)

In January 2022, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) formalized a collaboration with Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) and Belum Rainforest Management (BRM) to establish the UMK Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (TRaCe) at Pulau Banding, Gerik, Perak. This partnership strengthens efforts in knowledge transfer, biodiversity research, sustainable development and community engagement. Major initiatives include the BMX biodiversity exploration program, tree planting activities and ongoing programs supporting indigenous communities and rainforest conservation.

Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO Logo

Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU)

The Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU) plays a key role in promoting education, science, culture and communication in Malaysia. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like UMK-TRaCe and UNESCO volunteer programs, MNCU advances conservation, sustainable development and heritage protection efforts. Initiatives include engaging local communities, supporting biodiversity research in areas like the Royal Belum State Park and fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among future generations.

Our Services

Discover the facilities and activities offered at UMK-TRaCe for research, education, conservation, and community engagement.

Our research centre provides essential facilities including a dry lab, wet lab and reference library. Researchers can process and analyse samples, access scientific resources and utilize workspace for interim studies between fieldwork and their home institutions. High-speed internet, meeting rooms and library special collections support are also available to enhance research activities.

Twin Sharing and Quad Sharing Accommodation

Our EduStay dormitory offers comfortable accommodations for researchers, featuring twin sharing rooms (with ensuite bathrooms) and quad sharing rooms (with shared bathrooms). Designed for short research stays, the facility includes internet access, a pantry and easy access to labs, providing a convenient base for sample analysis and fieldwork continuation.

Located next to the Pulau Banding Time Tunnel, the Belum Discovery Centre (BDC) features a freshwater pond housing some of the freshwater fish species from the Belum-Temengor lake and rivers, a wildlife gallery showcasing preserved specimens and open exhibition spaces. Visitors can explore the rich biodiversity of Belum-Temengor and learn about indigenous Orang Asli culture. The gallery can accommodate up to 40 people, making it ideal for courses, training sessions and educational tours.

Our Tropical EduVenture Packages offer immersive nature experiences designed for both students and the public, promoting hands-on learning and rainforest exploration.


For students, programs include Weekend@TRaCe and EduStay@TRaCe. For the public, we offer the Boathouse Nature Experience and Night@TRaCe, combining eco-adventure activities with tropical rainforest education.


For the public, we offer the Boathouse Nature Experience and Night@TRaCe, combining eco-adventure activities with tropical rainforest education.

World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) - Royal Belum State Park

A series of annual volunteer projects, in collaboration with UNESCO and local partners, focused on promoting conservation, fostering community engagement and leveraging eco-digital tools to sustain the biodiversity and ecological significance of Royal Belum State Park.
WHV 2024

Aug

Sustaining Natural Heritage through Eco-Digital Community 2024


Objectives: Raise awareness and instil a sense of responsibility among volunteers, local communities and stakeholders about the importance of conserving Royal Belum as a climate stabiliser.

August 2024 – December 2024 - On-site and online activities across the TRaCe framework, including biodiversity conservation, community engagement, partnership building and solutions for sustainable ecotourism.

Partners: Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd, UMK International, Perak State Park Corporation, WWF-Malaysia, TRCRC and local communities.

Click here for pictures
WHV 2023

Sept

Together in TRaCe-ing Royal Belum as a Climate Stabiliser


Objectives: Promote the park’s role in climate stability, encouraging conservation and responsibility.

September 2023 – October 2023 - Training workshops, field visits, wisdom exchange, tree planting and awareness events.

Partners: Pulau Banding Foundation, UNESCO, MOTAC and more.

Click here for pictures
WHV 2022

Aug

Together in TraCe-ing Rainforest Biodiversity, Culture and Education for Preservation and Conservation


Objectives: Raise awareness on the importance of conserving Royal Belum’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

August 2022 – September 2022 - Heritage presentations, camera trapping, tree planting and development of non-formal education tools.

Partners: Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF), UNESCO, MOTAC and more.

Click here for pictures