Agro-SAIP training programme introduces locals to swiflet business
KIMANIS: The Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) is holding another agro-business development workshop through its SAIP training programme at the Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP).
Eighty-seven people are attending the two-day course, entitled “Introduction to Swiftlet Farming and the Industry’s Potential”, from yesterday.
The workshop on swiftlet farming and industry began yesterday with a one-day course, and followed today with a visit to a swiftlet farm.
The speakers for the oneday course were Dr Samuil Mopun from the Department of Veterinary Services Sabah, and swiftlet industry veteran Datuk Ng Loi Teck.
The workshop is based on the recognition of potential of the swiftlet industry, and provides opportunities for school leavers, graduates and new or potential entrepreneurs who want to venture into swiftlet farming.
Its objectives are to help participants obtain basic knowledge and skills related to the swiftlet industry; to understand swiftlet conservation, identification of proper farming location, provision of suitable swiftlet farm design, and swiftlet management; to understand rules and regulatory requirements in the swiftlet industry; and to engage with industry speakers for ongoing consultation.
The Agro-SAIP training programme is held at the Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct.
With an estimated area of 185 acres, SAIP is envisaged as a centre of excellence in agro-biotechnology that optimises the state’s biodiversity and abundant natural resources to produce higher value-added food and specialty products based on botanicals, aquatic plants and animals.
As one of the key economic clusters under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), SAIP serves as a test-bed for carrying out biotech-driven research and development and to develop biotech-driven businesses.
Unlike other existing science and technology parks in other states in Malaysia, SAIP has a distinct focus on SNPs, agro-biotech and health food products.
The Agro-SAIP training programme, which haS benefitted 2,020 participants from throughout Sabah over the span of 36 courses since its inception in 2012, is among SDC initiatives to help enhance skills, expertise and capabilities of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The Agro-SAIP training programme was established with the aim to empower technopreneurs in the agrobased industry, by giving the necessary exposure and transfer of knowledge, especially on the processing of agro-food and specialty natural products (SNPs). Through the training programme, participants are given access to experienced speakers and industry representatives in various sectors.
Speakers well-versed in pharma-herbs, controlled environment farming, postharvest handling technology, agro-organic and agrofood industries, business and marketing through e-commence, and bioscience and biotechnology had been invited to come and share their experience and expertise with participants.