TFNet and long-time Associate Member CABI had the opportunity to strengthen ties during the visit of Dr. Ulrich Kuhlmann, CABI’s Executive Director of Global Operations to the TFNet’s headquarters in Serdang, Malaysia on the 1st July, 2022. Joining him was CABI Senior Associate, Dr. Sivapragasam Annamalai. TFNet was represented by its Advisor and Board of Trustees Expert member, Mr. Yacob Ahmad, with Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Dorothy Chandrabalan.
Ms. Dorothy Chandrabalan welcomed CABI colleagues and highlighted of TFNet’s unique position in facilitating collaboration and creating awareness on issues prevalent in tropical fruits through its wide network of partners. She also provided an overview of TFNet’s mission, operations, and involvement in recent initiatives, while underlining TFNet’s past and present roles in influencing developments in the tropical fruit industry.
Dr. Sivapragasam then proceeded to deliver some successful case studies of CABI’s initiatives on tropical fruits, before dwelling on past collaborations between CABI and TFNet. Dr. Ulrich provided a broader overview of CABI’s areas of expertise and some strategic areas for working together. Other highlights from Dr. Ulrich’s presentation were the establishment of the Bioprotection portal, Crop App Index, and the various training and digital learning products for capacity building.
Discussions between both organizations centered on complimenting the strengths of the two organizations, and identifying potential synergies for partnership. Both organizations were committed to pursue partnerships in areas of interest including the sharing of knowledge to TFNet’s partners on the application of the Bioprotection portal, a free, web-based tool which enables users to discover information about registered biocontrol and biopesticide products.
Keen interest to foster partnerships in some of the areas were expressed, and future dialogues will continue to cement fruitful engagements between the two organizations.
