KUCHING: 98 graduates of the Agriculture Certificate Programme Session 2015/2017 yesterday received their scrolls during the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Sarawak Agriculture Institute (IPS) at Rafflesia Hall of the institute here.
The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“Congrats to the graduates! You have contributed to the development of human capital in agriculture skills and become the next generation to continue the development of the agriculture field,” said Uggah in his text of speech.
Uggah said he was informed that most of the IPS graduates were working in either the public sector or private sector.
“The Agriculture Education Programme is still relevant and popular among youths, especially from the rural areas.
“Society nowadays realises that knowledge and skills in agriculture are important to ensure that farmers use the information and latest technology in their daily agro-management,” he said.
Five awards were presented including the Academic and Co-curriculum Excellent Award and Best Student in Major Course Award which were won by Edmand Anak Gani, the Best Student in Minor Course Award which was won by Bilbian Anak Gendie and the Sarawak Agriculture Director Special Award which was won by Alfie Asin.
Meanwhile, five winners who were best in their respective courses were Allan Des Anak Jack (Technology Production of Food Planting), Erni Bt Suhaili (Agriculture Products Processing Technology), Bibiana Cynthia Ak Maraga (Livestock Management), Fuenzlina Ak Medek (Landscape Management) and Bilbian Anak Gendie (Estate Management).
At the same time, Uggah also launched the Malaysia Skills Certificate (MSC) in Planting Field Programme, an addition to Agriculture Training Programme.
“18 trainers were selected to join the first series of this two-year programme,” said Uggah, adding that that the extension programme by IPS needed to be reviewed in order to produce expert technicians in agriculture.
“The technicians in agriculture will become advisors and informers to farmers, livestock smallholders and those engaged in fish farming.
“By attending this programme, the technicians will, at least, have knowledge in various agriculture fields and become the mediums to inform and assist the people,” Uggah said.
Also present was the director of IPS, Datu Lai Kui Fong.
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