Norhayati Nordin

Head of Corporate Communication
FRIM

Norhayati Nordin is a senior research officer heading the Corporate Communication Unit (CCU) of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). She has nearly 30 years experience in the field of customer and stakeholder relations, technology transfer, and communication.

Trained as a civil engineer with electives in creative writing and literature, Norhayati's interest in communication started in 1988 when she was appointed as the editor for RIC Bulletin, a publication of the Rattan Information Centre funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) which was based in FRIM. Her initial interest was to be a researcher in wood performance for which she applied. Nevertheless, she gained new knowledge on technology transfer and understanding the needs of the industry. Her aptitude in soft skills subsequently had her assigned to head the training and public relations unit culminating in her present position.

With FRIM opening its campus as a Science Park in 1995, visitor number increased and more public activities were organised by FRIM. Close collaboration with the media, corporate bodies and NGOs resulted in increased public awareness and media reports to highlight the role FRIM plays in the sustainable management of forests and the environment. Since 2010, Norhayati has been active in promoting FRIM as the enabler for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. She initiated the 'Friends of FRIM' for corporate members and introduced the 'Forester for a Day' Tree Planting Programme.

Increased awareness on FRIM Campus as an icon for rehabilitation and reforestation resulted in FRIM being recognised as a Natural Heritage Site in 2009 and a National Heritage in 2012 under the National Heritage Act. FRIM is working towards the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage by 2020.

Norhayati Nordin graduated with a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, a Bsc in Civil Engineering from the University of Hartford Connecticut USA and an MSc in Technology and Innovation Management from Sussex University, UK.