KUCHING: This year’s International Conference on Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Sarawak (ICAAS) is expected to draw about 1,500 delegates.
The conference will take place from 21 to 22 August at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
This was revealed yesterday by Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land, and Regional Development, said that it was time for the agriculture industry to embrace the digital era as encouraged by the Chief Minister.
“Agriculture is one of the key sectors in the transformation of the state economy, contributing to about 14 percent of the state’s GDP last year.
“The sector plays an important role in alleviating poverty and uplifting the livelihood of the rural communities in Sarawak.
“In line with the economic transformation initiatives of the state government, there is a need to identify effective policies, development strategies, and approaches as well as innovative business models that can significantly boost the growth of the sector.
“This conference is indeed timely and is a fitting platform for knowledge-sharing on new approaches and mechanisms that have been proven to be successful in other parts of Malaysia and other countries,” he said.
The conference will highlight current issues, challenges, trends, opportunities and the way forward in agriculture and agro-based industry for Sarawak.
The two-day conference will feature exhibitions as well as 20 speakers to share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise.
After the press conference yesterday, Uggah also launched the International Conference on Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Sarawak (ICAAS) 2017 Website.
Those who are interested can visit the website at http://icaas2017.com.my/.
