Uggah: Icaas 2017 timely and important
KUCHING: Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas described the organising of the International Conference on Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Sarawak ( Icaas) 2017 as timely and important.
Uggah, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said Icaas 2017 will provide a platform for speakers from various countries and fields of expertise to share their knowledge, experience and ideas with the delegates that could eventually be adopted by the state in its effort to modernise and commercialise the agriculture sector.
“The theme chosen for this two- day conference is ‘ Transforming Agriculture through Commercialisation’. We strongly believe it is very appropriate, realising the great potential of the state agriculture sector, and the ministry is given the full responsibility to lead and drive the transformation of the agriculture sector through modernisation and commercialisation initiatives,” he said in his welcoming speech at the launching of Icaas 2017 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching ( BCCK) here yesterday.
Icaas 2017 was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who also delivered his keynote address.
According to Uggah, this conference is being held with three main objectives which focus on sharing of knowledge and best practices in agriculture and agrobased industry, and exploring effective agriculture delivery system.
“It is also meant to identify opportunities in the utilisation of digital technologies in order to leapfrog the development of sustainable and competitive agriculture.”
He said the organising committee of the conference had decided that the sessions of this conference are divided into four tracks to ensure that the deliberation on the subject matters will be more focused for the benefit and interest of all speakers, moderators and delegates.
“Under the first track on the modernisation and commercialisation of the agriculture sector, we will focus on global perspective in respect of the present and future trends in agriculture. These will include the application of new technologies, impact of climate change, and the supply and demand of agriculture produce.
“The second track is on the journey towards transformed agriculture. In this track, we will showcase and share the success stories of the agriculture industry from different parts of the world.”
Uggah also said that stakeholders’ integration along the supply chain would be deliberated in the third track.
“The speakers will share with us on the enabling factors and strategies along the supply chain that will transform the agriculture sector into a globally competitive industry.”
In taking cognition of the state’s new strategic focus as expounded by the Chief Minister, he said the fourth and final track is on digital agriculture.
“This track is important as we will focus on how to harness the power of digital technology for real-time decisions and smart agriculture applications to transform the agriculture industry into a modern, competitive and sustainable sector.”
He said the organisers of the conference were able to gather 21 prominent local and international speakers and industry experts to share with all the delegates their latest knowledge, expertise and invaluable experience during this two- day conference.
“We have about 2,000 delegates from private and public institutions and organisations participating in this conference. To all delegates, we believe that your participation in this conference is worth the time and money spent.”
In conjunction with the conference, Uggah said they have also organised an exhibition with 75 booths to give opportunities to local entrepreneurs, institutions and organisations to showcase their new ideas, products and innovations.