KUCHING: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (Mosti) aims to develop modern technologies and approaches to encourage the younger generation to pursue careers in food production and agriculture.
Minister Chang Lih Kang said this is because the younger generation has a vital role in securing the future of Sarawak’s food supply chain.
“We should also be aware that they are technologically-savvy and can harness the latest technology to benefit from smart agriculture.
“With the state government committed to become a net food exporter by 2030 alongside its vast land and expertise capacity, I believe this intention can be achieved with great success,” he said.
He said this in his speech delivered by ministry secretary-general Datuk Aminuddin Hassim during the opening of the 17th Asean Food Conference (AFC2023) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday (Oct 25).
He said the theme “Future of Food in Asean: What’s Next?” would highlight advances and new findings in food science and technology.
“It aims to provide the underpinning science, technology and innovation (STI) tools, and education to support innovative solutions in food safety and regulatory science, food security and sustainability, Internet of Things (IoT) and digitalisation, halal auditing, accreditation and certification and technology transfer.
“This conference will be of immense interest to scientists, technologists, professionals, academia, policymakers, students, and stakeholders in the agri-food industries from the Asean region.
“It offers a platform for prominent experts from distinguished entities to share ideas on the latest research, innovations, new technologies and developments in the field of Food Science and Technology (FST),” he added.
Chang stated that the AFC2023 also aims to bring together stakeholders from the food industry to explore “what’s next” and future proof the food and agriculture supply in Asean and the world at large.
“The economic value of Asean’s food industry is expected to reach USD1,071 billion by 2030 or about 10.7 per cent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Asean, attesting to the significant contribution of this sector to the socio-economic development of this region.
“This underscores the importance of international collaboration in the development and production of food products, ensuring food sustainability and security of our people,” he added.
Also present during the opening were president of the Malaysian Institute of Food Technology (MIFT) and president of the Federation of Institute of Food Science and Technology in Asean (FIFSTA) Dr Koh Yew Ming, acting chief executive officer, senior director corporate affairs of Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau Zain Azrai Rashid and chief executive officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Amelia Roziman.
