KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to become a crucial player in Asean’s economic development, especially in the food sector, according to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
He stated that the state government is committed to transforming Sarawak into a net food exporter by the year 2030.
“With its vast land, expertise, and affordable electricity, I believe that this goal can be successfully achieved,” he said during the 17th Asean Food Conference in Kuching on Wednesday (Oct 25).
The Minister’s speech was delivered by the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Aminuddin Hassim.
Chang emphasized the importance of developing modern technologies and approaches to encourage young people to pursue careers in food production and agriculture.
He highlighted the vital role the younger generation plays in securing the future of the state’s food supply chain, as they are technologically proficient.
“They can leverage the latest technology to benefit from smart agriculture,” he stated.
Chang also mentioned that the economic value of Asean’s food industry is projected to reach USD1 billion (RM4.78 billion) by 2030, accounting for approximately 10.7% of the region’s GDP.
“This underscores the significance of international collaboration in the development and production of food products, ensuring food sustainability and security for our people,” he remarked.
The conference served as a platform for stakeholders in the food industry to explore the future of food and agriculture supply in Asean.
Chang highlighted that it also provided an opportunity to discuss new findings in food science and technology, as well as offering tools and education to support innovative solutions.
These new findings could potentially lead to advancements in food safety and regulatory science, food security and sustainability, Internet of Things and digitalization, halal auditing, accreditation, and technology transfer, Chang noted.
“I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity to network and establish new partnerships, working collectively towards a more sustainable future in food,” he added.
The four-day conference, hosted by the Malaysian Institute of Food Technology, drew participation from over 20 countries, with 600 attendees.
