Latest news with #SarawakDigitalEconomyStrategy
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
e-Pineapple system to drive agro-digital shift
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak's Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry launched the e-Pineapple System today to support more accurate and efficient decision-making. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said Sarawak was ready to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agro-food sector, in line with the agenda of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy. "We at the ministry is striving to introduce digitalisation in all aspects of the industry," he said, adding that with the use of big data and analytics, the ministry could make more accurate and efficient decisions, from farm management to pineapple product processing. He said researchers and educators played a very big role in providing the data and knowledge needed to ensure that every decision taken is based on the latest evidence and innovation. "With this system, project administration becomes more efficient — farmer and production data can be collected directly and project monitoring can be carried out more transparently and quickly. "This system will become the best example for other states." He said researchers, educators, planters, pineapple product entrepreneurs as well as companies had an important role in boosting the industry.
Barnama
24-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Pineapple A New Driver Of Sarawak's Agricultural Economy
KUCHING, July 24 (Bernama) -- Pineapple is no longer just a secondary crop but has emerged as one of the drivers of agricultural economic growth in Sarawak, said Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. He said Sarawak is not only blessed with fertile land but also holds great potential in high-value agriculture such as pineapple cultivation. "Through strategic cooperation between the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) and the state government, various key initiatives have been implemented, including crop incentive programmes, farm infrastructure, and research into pineapple waste for bioeconomy use. 'This is in line with the government's direction to advance modern, smart and sustainable agriculture,' he said in his speech for the launch of the LPNM Sarawak 2025 Customer Day and Project Assistance Presentation Ceremony here today. His speech was read out by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), Sirai Daha. Dr Rundi said that based on last year's data, the total pineapple cultivation area in Malaysia was 18,135 hectares, and it is not impossible for this figure to increase by 2030, with Sarawak targeting to expand its pineapple plantations to 20,000 hectares by then. He said this achievement, however, would not be possible without the continuous efforts of all parties, with modern technology, digitalisation, and the modernisation of farming practices being key to ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the pineapple industry. 'Not only in the domestic market but also internationally, and most importantly, is the strong cooperation between the state government and LPNM,' he said, adding that it is not impossible for Sarawak to emerge as the country's main pineapple producer. At the event, the e-Pineapple system was also launched, making Sarawak the first state to pioneer its implementation — proving the state's readiness to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agri-food sector, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy agenda.
Borneo Post
24-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak leads digital transformation with e-Pineapple system
Sirai officiates the launch of the e-Pineapple System at the event on behalf of Dr Rundi, witnessed by other distinguished guests. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): Sarawak has become the first state in Malaysia to pioneer the implementation of the e-Pineapple system, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the national pineapple industry. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the launch of the e-Pineapple system demonstrates Sarawak's readiness to embrace digitalisation in agrofood. 'Today also marks a significant milestone with the launch of the e-Pineapple System, with Sarawak becoming the first state to pioneer its implementation. 'This proves that Sarawak is ready to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agri-food sector, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy agenda,' he said in his speech at the Program Hari Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Sarawak 2025, held at the State Farmers' Organisation hall here today. Dr Rundi's speech was delivered by his ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha. According to Dr Rundi, the e-Pineapple system will significantly improve project administration, streamline data collection on farmers and crop production, and enhance transparency and efficiency in project monitoring. 'I believe this system will be a model for other states,' he added. He also noted that the ministry is committed to advancing digitalisation across all aspects of the pineapple industry, including farm management and product processing, through the adoption of big data and analytics. 'With the use of big data and analytics, more accurate and efficient decisions can be made—from farm management to processing. 'Researchers and educators play a major role in supplying the data and knowledge required to ensure every decision is backed by evidence and the latest innovations,' he said. Dr Rundi said Sarawak is set to contribute 20,000 hectares of cultivated land toward the national target of 30,000 hectares under the LPNM by 2030. 'With Malaysia's total pineapple cultivation at 18,135 hectares in 2024, we believe this target is achievable,' he said. He pointed out that the pineapple industry in Sarawak is growing rapidly and is no longer a secondary crop but an emerging driver of the state's agricultural economy. 'Sarawak is not only rich in fertile land but also possesses extraordinary potential in high-value agriculture, such as pineapples. 'Through strategic collaboration between LPNM and the state government, we have seen various key initiatives implemented, including the Crop Incentive Programme, Farm Infrastructure Development, and Pineapple Waste Studies for bioeconomy purposes. This is in line with the government's direction in advancing modern, smart, and sustainable agriculture,' he said. Dr Rundi revealed that over RM23 million has been allocated by LPNM this year to support pineapple-related development in Sarawak. 'This is a major commitment that should be fully utilised by the people of Sarawak, especially young farmers who want to pursue agriculture as their primary career,' he said. Among the support provided are drainage systems for improved water control, fencing for farm security, farm road construction to ease transport, and temporary storage facilities to maintain fruit quality. In areas where needed, micro-irrigation systems are also provided. 'In line with modern agriculture, LPNM has introduced the installation of solar lights under the Night Farming Programme to help maximise productivity and improve operations for pineapple farmers in Sarawak,' he added. He also revealed that efforts are underway to establish a pineapple processing plant in Miri. 'This factory will not only serve as a catalyst for transforming the pineapple industry landscape in Sarawak, but it will also complete the industry ecosystem by providing market assurance to producers. 'This is a symbol of our commitment to building a pineapple industry in Sarawak that is not only more modern and competitive, but also brings comprehensive benefits to the people and the state,' he added. Also present at the event were LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Saleh, Beting Maro assemblyman Razali Gapor, Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, and LPNM Sarawak director Mohd Nazaiful Azdi Rahman.
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak charts bold path to digital future with education-led innovation
Sagah says the ministry is cultivating problem solvers rather than rote learners, emphasising that the digital economy needs thinkers, doers and innovators – the qualities the ministry is determined to nurture. – Photo by Galileo Petingi KUCHING (May 15): The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development is intensifying efforts to reimagine the education system with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) proficiency and digital literacy. Minister Dato Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the ministry is cultivating problem solvers rather than rote learners, emphasising that the digital economy needs thinkers, doers and innovators – the qualities the ministry is determined to nurture. 'Technology alone cannot lead us. It is our ethical, inclusive, and future-oriented leadership at all levels that will shape how these tools are wielded,' he said during the opening ceremony of the 'Sarawak Leadership Talk' held at the Sarawak Skills Kuching premises here today. Sagah added that the event, themed 'Pioneering Progress—Leadership in Shaping Sarawak's Digital Future', was timely as it brought together visionary minds to reflect, reimagine, and realign our collective path toward a digital and knowledge-driven Sarawak. 'Leadership, in the context of today's rapidly evolving world, demands more than vision—it demands action, adaptability, and the audacity to innovate. 'In Sarawak, we are no longer content with catching up. We are now leading the charge in charting our own digital destiny. We envision a Sarawak where digital transformation uplifts every community, data empowers governance, and innovation becomes a shared culture.' In view of this, he pointed out that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has launched bold, strategic initiatives that reflect Sarawakians' aspirations. One of the key initiatives, Sagah said, is the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy (2018–2022) which laid the groundwork for this transformation. 'With 47 strategic actions across nine sectors – from smart agriculture to digital government – we have catalysed a state-wide digital shift.' Other initiatives include the Centexs Digital Academy and the Digital Village, which empower local youth and start-ups with the tools, training, and ecosystem needed to thrive in a digital economy. 'Another initiative is the Integrated Talent Development Agency (INTA), under my ministry, which has been pivotal in aligning the state education system with industry needs,' said Sagah. 'Through collaboration with local universities, industry players, and international partners, we are creating a future-ready workforce.' He added that the Digital Inclusivity Programme ensures that rural and remote communities are not left behind through initiatives like smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and connectivity expansion. Adding on, he said the establishment of Sarawak ID, a digital identity platform, and open-source data frameworks are set to transform how citizens interact with government services – in a transparent, efficient, and people-centric way. 'These are not just projects; they are building blocks for a digital-first Sarawak that are equitable, competitive, and resilient. 'As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves, 'How do we pioneer progress?' The answer lies in partnership. We must foster stronger ties between the government, academia, industry, and civil society. We must create spaces for innovation to thrive and allow our young leaders to lead,' said Sagah. Among the guest speakers at the event were Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong; Sarawak AI Centre chief executive officer Professor Patrick Then; Temasek Polytechnic Singapore director Tang Ming Fa; and Silicon Net Technologies Sdn Bhd general manager Hii Saan Chieng, along with the moderator John Chung Zu An. Also present were Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions executive director Hallman Sabri; Commonwealth Association for Leadership Malaysia president Yap Li Ling; ministry permanent secretary Adana Jed; Sarawak Skills Management Council secretary Maznah Dasmi, i-CATS University College vice-chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi; and the event's organising chairman Dr Gabriel Wee. . STEM digital education Roland Sagah
