KUCHING, July 8: Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (Soppoa) has partnered with the Riam Institute of Technology (Riamtec) to roll out plantation management courses to ensure the industry’s continued viability and relevance.
Soppoa chairman Eric Kiu called on Riamtec chairman Dato Sri Law Kiu Kiong yesterday (July 7) to follow up on the collaboration whereby both parties anticipate the first intake for two courses — certificate and diploma in oil palm plantation management — will be offered by January next year.
Kiu emphasised that it is high time to work with an educational institute like Riamtec to ensure a systematic transmission of knowledge, skills and cultural values within the context of the Sarawak oil palm plantation industry.
“Sarawak’s oil palm plantation industry has existed for more than 50 years. As a result, Sarawak has the largest oil palm planted area, with 1.6 million hectares.
“Over the years, the growers have had the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge on establishing and managing the oil palm plantations here, which are very different compared to other states in terms of topography, type of soils and weather, to name a few,” he said in a statement today.
He also suggested that Soppoa members assist and facilitate course designing, module structuring and setting suitable parameters for the courses’ syllabus.
Meanwhile, Law is confident that the oil palm plantations in Sarawak will benefit greatly from this collaboration.
He emphasised that knowledge-based plantation management is crucial to ensure the continuity of this industry in facing the challenges ahead.
“Oil palm plantation employers are responsible for upscaling the knowledge and skills of their staff and workers through proper educational channels.
“I also believe education is one way to attract more youngsters to participate in this industry,” he said, praising Kiu for his farsightedness and willingness to take up the responsibility to establish an educational platform for the oil palm plantation industry in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
