The wood industry in Malaysia is important for the country's development, but faces challenges like lack of technology and skilled workers. Malaysia aims to become a fully developed nation by 2020, with the private sector playing a big role in research and development (R&D). The government offers grants to support R&D in the wood industry. A survey of 70 wood-based companies found that only 17% are actively doing R&D, with the main barrier being a shortage of R&D staff.