ULM’s Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) Receives Visit from NTU Singapore Academics, Strengthening International Footprint

BANJARBARU – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) reaffirmed its international role through the visit of Mr. Poh Hee Kim, former Director of Institutional Statistics at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, to the ULM Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The presence of this academic from one of Asia’s leading universities represents an important opportunity for ULM to strengthen global collaboration in education, research, and environmental conservation.

During his visit, Mr. Poh explored the ULM Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK), known as a natural laboratory with a wealth of flora and fauna unique to Kalimantan. He expressed his admiration for the area’s biodiversity.

“It is wonderful and exciting to discover there are so many trees and plants in this area,” he said.

According to him, the ULM KHDTK has the potential to become an extraordinary asset for students, researchers, and the wider community, not only as a learning space but also as a center for understanding biodiversity and the global challenges of climate change.

Mr. Poh also conveyed a special message to ULM students, encouraging them to more actively utilize the KHDTK as an open learning space.

“Please come to this place and appreciate and enjoy what they have here for conservation and diversity, which is going to continue in the face of climate change,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of environmental awareness from an early age and encouraged the younger generation to become directly involved in conservation efforts.

The ULM KHDTK, located in Banjarbaru, serves as a center for conservation, education, and research, supporting the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. With its vast area and diverse ecosystems, the KHDTK serves as a relevant natural laboratory for the development of forestry and environmental sciences, as well as sustainable research.

Mr. Poh’s visit strengthened international recognition of the ULM KHDTK as a strategic asset. The presence of these NTU academics also opened opportunities for broader collaboration between ULM and partner universities abroad, particularly in sustainable forest management and climate change-related research.

ULM hopes that Mr. Poh’s appreciation will further motivate students to further appreciate, preserve, and optimize KHDTK as a learning center. Furthermore, this visit is expected to strengthen ULM’s position as a university that contributes to global issues, particularly in the areas of conservation and environmental sustainability.