B.C. Shekhar

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Tan Sri Dr B.C. Sekhar revolutionised and modernised Malaysia’s rubber industry and put the crop on the world map. He was fondly known as Mr Natural Rubber.

[edit] Personal History

Sekhar, born near the RRIM’s 3,400-acre experiment station at Sungai Buloh, started as a chemist at the institute in 1949 and led research, particularly in physiochemical changes, in rubber.

He died of a heart attack on September 6, 2006 at the Kalayappa Hospital in Chennai, India at 9am (5am India time). He was 77. His remains were cremated at the Cheras crematorium in Malaysia.

He leaves behind wife Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar, four children and 8 grand children.

[edit] Contributions

Sekhar served the natural rubber industry for about 50 years in various capacities.

He was the first Asian Director of the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia in 1966 and, subsequently, become the first Asian Controller of Rubber Research and chairman of the Malaysian Rubber Research and Development Board.

Under his leadership, the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM), Tun Razak Rubber Research Centre (TARRC) in Hertford, Britain, and the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) rose to great heights and gained international recognition for excellence in research, modernisation of the rubber industry and the vigorous promotion and expansion of rubber usage.

He also founded the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute and the Malaysian Rubber Development Corporation.

Sekhar also oversaw the development of stimulants to paint on rubber trees to double or triple latex yields. He was also responsible for developing the Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) grading to buyers’ specifications.

He was also instrumental in setting up the Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia and was its founder and Chairman. Sekhar established Porim as one of the premier centers for oils and fats research in the world.

Sekhar was a tireless champion for the rights of Malaysian plantation workers and their progeny and made it an important part of his lifes work to make sure that they received a monthly wage and due recognition from the government for their contributions to the economy of the nation.

[edit] Awards and Recognitions

As one of Asia’s most effective scientists, Sekhar received the 1973 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service and many other awards, local and international, for his efforts.

The King and Government of Malaysia, in recognition of his excellent service to the nation, bestowed upon him the title of 'Tan Sri'.