11/05/2026
SANDAKAN, 12 May 2026 - The latest issue of SANDAKANIA Volume 27, a scientific journal dedicated to plant systematics, morphology, and natural history, has been published by the Forest Research Centre of the Sabah Forestry Department in Sandakan, Malaysia. This special volume is dedicated to Dr Wong Khoon Meng, the founder of SANDAKANIA, which was first published in 1992. He also led Sabah’s contribution to the Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak (TFSS) project and served as Curator of the Sandakan Herbarium from 1992 to 1995. Even after his tenure, he remained actively involved as an adviser and contributed numerous articles to the journal over the years.
The publication of SANDAKANIA is supported by its editorial committee, chaired by Dr Arthur Y.C. Chung, with Dr Joan T. Pereira as Editor and Alviana Damit serving as Layout and copy Editor. This commemorative volume is particularly significant as it includes guest editors from Singapore Botanic Gardens, Dr Louise Neo and Dr Chen Junhao, and Dr Goh Wei Lim from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
A total of 24 articles are featured in this edition, making it the largest (463 pages) and most comprehensive volume published to date. The volume encompasses a broad range of topics, including plant systematics, botany, ecology, conservation, and natural history, fields that closely reflect Dr K.M. Wong’s lifelong interests and significant contributions, not only in Borneo but extending to Southeast Asia and the Malesian region. The articles were contributed by both local and international experts including several of Dr Wong’s former postgraduate students, in those disciplines. Publication of this volume was funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Federal Government of Malaysia.
The editorial committee remains committed to promoting high-quality scientific contributions that deepen understanding of, in particularly, the flora of Sabah and Borneo, while advancing botanical research and appreciation of the region’s remarkable biodiversity. Closely connected to this mission are SANDAKANIA and the Sandakan Herbarium, which together serve as important pillars of plant research, documentation, and conservation. Through its invaluable botanical collections and scientific resources, the Sandakan Herbarium supports ongoing studies and conservation efforts, while SANDAKANIA continues to provide a respected platform for the dissemination of botanical knowledge. Together, they reflect the enduring commitment of the Sabah Forestry Department towards scientific excellence and biodiversity conservation.
A copy of SANDAKANIA Volume 27, printed by Natural History Publications (Borneo), was officially presented by Dr Arthur Y.C. Chung, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Research & Development) to Datuk Zulkifli Suara, the Chief Conservator of Forests at the Forestry Headquarters in Sandakan on 8 May 2026. The presentation was witnessed by Dr Joan Pereira and Alviana Damit.
