by Ikuko Morota

04 June 1998

Bonn, Germany: Since its inception some thirteen years ago, the UNISTAR programme (United Nations International Short Term Advisory Resources) has been notable for the very broad scope of the advisory services which it has provided globally. A quick survey of the missions undertaken by international UNISTAR advisors provided in recent months shows that this hasn’t changed. The following are examples of three recent UNISTAR assignments in different parts of the world.

The environment in Sarawak, Malaysia

Against a background of rising concern about deforestation and global warming and of the need for productive yet environmentally-friendly forestry production, UNISTAR’s advisory services were sought to examine the issue of reafforestation in Sarawak. In February 1998, two Japanese UNISTAR advisors, Mr. Shigetoshi Kitamura and Mr. Eiji Fujii, travelled to the country. There they conducted a feasibility study for a project designed to combine commercial and environmental activities to benefit the local people through reafforest-ation for commercial purposes such as pulp chip or timber production and plantations of fruit and vegetables, together with eco-tourism development and related activities. The advisory team and the potential Malaysian partners discussed possible sites, finished products, costs, partnership with Japanese corporations and other issues. Both parties also explored the potential of developing eco-tourism at the Orang Utang Rehabilitation Centre in Semengoh and the Wildlife Centre in Metang, which are currently operated non-commercially.

Although the project has been designed with benefit to the local people in mind, its impact will not be limited to Sarawak. This reafforest-ation project has the potential to become a symbolic joint initiative of Malaysia and Japan, demonstrating their shared concern over deforestation and global warming.

Construction-site management in Casablanca, Morocco

A Moroccan construction company building dams at several locations around the country needed technical advice on equipment and on organisation of its work sites. Two Italian advisors - Pietro Bottura, an expert in organising construction sites, and Giuseppe Pennacchi, a diesel engine maintenance specialist - provided the solutions.

The two advisors visited several sites and advised on improving workshop and warehouse conditions, communications and co-ordination between the headquarters office and work sites, relations with clients, and the use of technical personnel, machinery and transportation. The company enthusiastically applied the advisors' suggestions to its operations: the results were better working and living conditions for its workers, more efficiency and better profits.

Reviving manufacturing in Kedah, Malaysia

Following the departure of a key technical resource person, a manufacturer of electric switchboards in Kedah ran into difficulties and ceased production. After a dormant period lasting nearly a year and a half, the company was re-structured and put back in operation under new management with support from the Bank Pembangunan (the Development Bank of Malaysia). To help put it back fully on its feet, the company asked for advice through UNISTAR on strengthening its management.

In February of this year, UNISTAR advisor Patrick Thunder, from Ireland, visited the company. He reviewed its structure and operations and made recommendations on finance, administration - including record keeping, monitoring of sales, costs, and financial controls - production and marketing. As a result of this evaluation, this is another company which is expected to improve its efficiency and management and thus return to profitability.