KUCHING: The inaugural Borneo Coffee Symposium will take place on April 6 to 7 April at the Old Court House here.
Dedicated to converging coffee experts from around the world from renowned coffee scientists, experienced coffee farmers and estate owners, as well as researchers to Kuching, this symposium aims to be a knowledge exchange catalyst and to promote the limitless potential of Sarawak’s homegrown coffee, Liberica.
Tackling present day issues such as the cultivation of sustainable high-quality lowland coffees that come in various species and varieties will be the key to unlocking Sarawak’s coffee industry’s potential.
Highlights of the event include the world’s first Sarawak Liberica International Roasting Competition which will be held concurrently with the symposium and the cupping (coffee tasting) session will be open to the public.
In a press conference prior to the symposium at Earthlings Coffee Workshop HQ in Taman Supreme on March 1, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Sarawak (Manred) support further research and development (R&D) for the state and is committed to linking smallholders to buyers.
“On a global scale, coffee is one of the most sought-after commodities and Sarawak has what it takes to become a leading producer in this region.
“The local coffee industry will be met with strong support from the government and we would explore more avenues to expand its potential. The Borneo Coffee Symposium sets a new precedence as the sessions taking place marks a new era for the industry in Sarawak,” he said.
With coffee industry heavyweight Dr Steffen Schwarz, founder of the Coffee Consulate, Germany delivering his keynote address on the “Current Global Challenges to Coffee Cultivation” to Taiwan’s frontrunners, Fang Cheng Lun (receiver of Special Award title in the Taiwan Specialty Coffee Evaluation in 2007), Lin Che-Hao (founder of Taiwan Coffee Laboratory), and Sarawak’s very own, Dr Kenny Lee (Kaldi Award Winner for Green Coffee Findings (Stuttgart, Germany) and co-founder of Earthlings Coffee Workshop), delegates of the symposium will be let in on the industry’s secrets.
The event is organised by Earthlings Coffee Workshop in collaboration with the Malaysia Coffeeology Collective, which is supported by Sarawak Convention Bureau and endorsed by Manred.
This is a non-profit event and wholly supported by the community such as Brooke Museums, Batik Boutique Hotel, Old Courthouse, Singgahsana Lodge, Marian Boutique Lodging House, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, the Department of Agriculture Sarawak and Sarawak Convention Bureau.
Borneo Coffee Symposium aims to bring together top-class baristas, local artisan roasters, independent specialty cafes, coffee bean suppliers, coffee trade industry players as well as aspiring coffee aficionados.
Tickets for the symposium can be purchased via earthlings-coffee.com/borneo-coffee-symposium. For more information, please refer to the website or contact Earthlings Coffee Workshop on 011-1003 1208.
