Datuk Bernard cutting the riblJon to mark the official opening of the exhibi60n. On his left is Datuk Chau Tet On, a member of the YS Board of Trustees, while on his far right is Tengku D. Z. Ad/in
A total of 191 scholars and researchers from North America, Europe, Australia and Asia attended the Borneo Research Council (BRC) Second Biennial International Conference which was hosted by Yayasan Sabah from July 13-17 at its headquarters building. Chairman of the BRC Second Bienniallnternational Conference Local Coordinating Committee, Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin, who is also the Deputy Director of Yayasan Sabah, said this was the second time that a special session of this nature was held outside the United States and the first to be held in Sabahwith the intention of assembling relevant scholars and researchers on Borneo. "Among others, the objectives of the Conference are to allow scholars and scientists worldwide who have done research on Borneo to exchange ideas and results of research with their local counterparts, " said Tengku Adlin. "It also provides an opportunity to find out the latest progress of on-going researches with reference to Sabah and Borneo studies in general," he added. Among the topics discussed were anthropology, ethnography, culture and conservation, land tenure system, traditional knowledge, language and tourism. According to Tengku Adlin, having this Conference in Sabah is in line with Yayasan Sabah's
Datuk Bernard browsing at some of the exhib60n materials. Behind him is the President of BRC, Dr. George N. Appell and his wife.
objective to provide opportunities for increasing the knowledge and education of the people of Sabah adding that YS Director, Datuk Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan was instrumental in bringing the conference in Kota Kinabalu. He explained that the Local Coordinating Committee was given the task by the BRC President, Dr. George N. Appell, to act basically as a Secretariat for the Conference while all other matters were handled directly by the BRC itself. The Borneo Research Council, Inc. whose main goal is to promote scientific research in Borneo was founded in 1968 and is based in United States. It consists of group of scholars who are professionaily engaged in research on the island's people and cultures. The functions of the Council includes providing counsel and assistance for research endeavours, conservation activities, and in practical application of research results. Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of AgricUlture and Fisheries, Datuk Bernard Dompok officiated the opening on behalf of Chief Minister who was away on a trade mission to Europe while the Chief Minister, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan officiated the closing. Datuk Bernard also declared open an exhibition at the YS Mini Theatre Foyer in conjunction with the conference.
Dr. Jane Bennett of Australia presenting a paper on 'Orang-Utans and Eco- Tourism in Borneo OFFICiAl OPENING OF THE BORNEO RESEARCH COUNCIL 2ND BIENNiAl INTERNATIONAl CONFERENCE
The conference in session: M. P. Lambut of Sarawak presenting a paper. Seated at the centre is Dr. Vinson Sultive, Executive Director of BRC
