Brunei is collaborating with Japanese experts on micro-organism research from its rainforests. New micro-organisms can be used to produce new materials, including pharmaceuticals. Picture: BT File

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei will have the opportunity to advance its role in natural science research, once the Forestry Department reaches the final stages of a five-year deal that is expected to be signed with Japan's National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (Nite) next month.

Hiroshi Okouchi, first secretary at the Japanese Embassy in Brunei, said the upcoming project agreement to be signed in December centres on "microorganism explorations" being conducted in Brunei this year.

Specifically, the agreement sets out the terms of collaboration in the research development programme and joint research on forest microorganisms.

The agreement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding under the Heart of Borneo initiative last year between Brunei's Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and Nite, Okouchi explained.

The project agreement is in the final stages of legal process, said Okouchi, adding that it will outline the responsibilities of both sides in terms of financing and training, among other matters.

The agreement will also touch on the publishing of an exploration report. The microorganism exploration project can contribute to microorganism research as a whole, not only to Brunei and Japan, Okouchi said. "Brunei has yet to establish itself in microorganism research, but with the publication of the book, Brunei will cement a strong position in promoting micro-organism research."

The report will include the three micro-organism explorations conducted this year - in March, November and December. However, whether the report would be published or not depends on the outcome of the project agreement, said Okouchi.

The researchers involved in the project are temporarily based at the Brunei Forestry Centre until the much-anticipated Tropical Biodiversity Centre is completed.

The second exploration, which began last month, explores areas in Berakas Forest Reserve and Rampayoh in Mukim Labi. "The second exploration is almost complete. The Nite researchers will be returning to Japan tomorrow with the samples," Okouchi said.

He added that researchers were evaluating the possibilities of exploring other sites, including Temburong. Depending on the outcome of the project, the initial five-year agreement might be extended, the first secretary said.

As Brunei has had no previous experience on microorganism exploration, Nite researchers are currently providing basic training to five Forestry Department officers under the project. 'According to the researchers, they have identified several new microorganism species. This is the main purpose of the project. However, for the real number, you have to ask the researchers themselves," he said.

Okouchi noted Brunei as a lucky country with its oil and gas reserves as it benefits from its high international demand, but added that micro-organism exploration is completely different.

"Micro-organism exploration often results in finding micro-organisms in little quantities. How many microorganisms discovered can actually be used for industrial purposes? Only a small quantity," he said.

"Because of this, we do not know how many years we need to explore. Nobody knows when we can make money. But even if we are lucky enough to find the 'super-microbe', we still need time to conduct research. All this is not easy," he said.

The project is currently facing a shortage of full-time researchers. "Currently, we only have temporary researchers. When the Nite researchers leave for Japan, Brunei researchers will resume their normal jobs. Permanent researchers are needed to ensure the continuity of the project," he said.

"Brunei lacks experience and human capacity in this area. We also welcome collaboration from other potential parties," he added. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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