Modern Agricultural Projects

Press Release

SARAWAK EXPLORES MODERN AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS

Singapore, 7 July 2022: The current food supply disruption and crisis around the world have bolstered interests among many nations to increase their own supplies and also to diversify their sources of food supplies.

This is no difference to Sarawak with only a population of some 2.8 million people. The current supply chain and logistics disruptions have echoed the need for Sarawak to relook at its own food production so as not to be too dependent on imports. Sarawak has the potential to become a major producer and exporter of food products with the right strategy and planning.

Sarawak has vast land, water and is located on Borneo island, relatively free of natural disasters. What Sarawak needs are investors in our agricultural sector including aquaculture and livestock farming. Sarawak welcomes investors to introduce modern farming methods which will increase production yields and have these products exported to Singapore and beyond.

With this objective in mind, Sarawak has on 4th July 2022, through its government agency, the Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore’s Sky Urban Solutions Holding Pte. Ltd, basically to develop modern agricultural projects within Sarawak. These modern agricultural facilities are deemed to be much more appealing to the younger generation of farmers and also reduced the number of manpower, increase of productivity and environment sustainability. Sky Urban’s modern farming is a relatively new and a high-density approach to profitable and reliable farming.

Widely recognised as a pioneer and leading developer of vertical farming technology, Sky Urban’s patented farming system has both local and international design awards and is also a major player in Singapore’s quest to increase local food supplies. This technology uses green urban solutions to produce fresh and safe vegetables while taking up minimal land, water and energy resources. Other notable advantages include, vertical farms can be used anywhere as they do not depend on availability of large tracts of arable land, and such a system is not limited to vegetables but can also be used for fish and shrimp farming in a controlled environment.

According to Sarawak’s Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture & Regional Development (MANRED), Dato Sri Stephen Rundi, he welcomes investors to Sarawak and bring technologies for the transformation on our agriculture sector. Singapore is welcomed to take advantage of the available resources and incentives that Sarawak provides. At the same time, Singapore can assist us in achieving our vision 2030.

To ensure a win-win transformation of our traditional farming community into agropreneurs, we encourage the local farmers to adopt to changes and new technologies. This will help improve the household income to RM6000 per month by the end 2030.

The MOU signing is definitely a step forward and currently, at least 2 other Singapore companies are in talks with STATOS, to set up their agri-food production hubs in Sarawak, said CEO, Chew Chang Guan.

MANRED entourage to Singapore consists of YB Datuk Dr. Malcolm Mussen, YB Datuk Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman, YB Encik Martin Ben, the Permanent Secretary, Datu Edwin Abit, the

Director of Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Adrian Susin and Director of Department of Agriculture, Mr. Dominic Anak Chunggat.

Ends

About Us

The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) is an exciting initiative of the Sarawak State Government to strengthen and develop new trade, investment and tourism linkages between Singapore, Sarawak and the world. Started operation in June 2019, STATOS provides advisory services to traders, inclusive of importers from Singapore and exporters from Sarawak, investors and tourism players who wish to take advantage of Singapore’s unique position as a regional economic gateway, and Sarawak’s diverse range of resources. For more information on how to engage in new business opportunities, log on to www.statos.com.sg

For further information, please contact:

Chew Chang Guan; Chief Executive Officer

Email: chew.cg@statos.com.sg

Tel: +65 9667 8668

Kenny Lau; Manager – Finance, Corporate Affairs, Trade & Investment

Email: kenny.lau@statos.com.sg

Tel: +65 9176 8163

Tan Teng Cheng; Manager – Trade & Investment

Email : tc.tan@statos.com.sg

Tel : +65 9455 3187