BINTULU: Strategic collaboration between academia, industry, government agencies, and the community serves as a key driver in strengthening Sarawak's agricultural sector, thereby realising the state's aspiration to become a net food exporter by 2030.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom explained that efforts to achieve this target cannot rely solely on government initiatives, but must instead be supported by research, innovation, and technology transfer capable of delivering a direct impact on agricultural sector development.

“However, achieving this aspiration requires more than government initiatives alone. It relies on robust collaboration between academia, industry, government agencies, and local communities.

“Research institutions such as Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) play a vital role in generating new knowledge and innovative technologies, while collaboration among the government, universities, industry, and local communities is essential to ensure research findings translate into tangible benefits,” he said.

He said this when delivering his welcoming address during the 3rd Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (COSAFS 2026) prior to the officiating ceremony graced by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, here on Monday.

Meanwhile, he explained that initiatives such as AgriHub demonstrate that innovation can be translated into practical solutions that boost agricultural productivity, reinforce food security, and support rural development; furthermore, this approach will be expanded to more strategic locations across Sarawak.

At the same time, he noted that the establishment of the School of Veterinary and Animal Science (SVAS) will strengthen local veterinary expertise development in supporting livestock health, food safety, and biosecurity aspects.

“Discussions throughout this congress will not only advance scientific knowledge, but also contribute to better policy formulation, stronger industries, and a more resilient food system in the future.

“I encourage all delegates to fully leverage this opportunity to build networks, initiate research collaborations, and explore solutions that can benefit not only Sarawak, but the region as a whole,” he added.

Also present were the Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers, Bintulu Resident Datu Nyurak Keti, UPM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, heads of departments as well as community and tribal leaders (KMKK). — UKASnews

Prepared by: Firdaus Materang
Photos by: Ameerul Syafik
Translator: Ryan Lim

Date of Input: 17/08/2026 | Updated: 17/08/2026 | lanz