KUCHING: Sarawak will play host to the 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (WVPAC) 2025 for the first time ever, marking a major milestone for the state’s livestock and agri-food sector.
The congress, themed ‘Sustainable Healthy Poultry for a Healthier World’, will take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from October 6 to 10, with over 1,500 delegates from nearly 50 countries expected to attend.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said Sarawak successfully outbid several countries, including China, to bring the prestigious international event here.
“This achievement is significant as it provides a platform for sharing ideas and strategies to strengthen the poultry industry globally,” he told reporters during the press conference on the upcoming event here today.
Dr Rundi said the congress ties in with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to transform agriculture from a subsistence-based sector into a modern, technology-driven industry.
He stressed that Sarawak must both adopt and adapt international best practices in order to strengthen food security.
“What is good in other countries might not be directly applicable here, which is why adaptation is just as important as adoption,” he said.
He was confident that WVPAC 2025 would leave a legacy for both the poultry industry and Sarawak’s broader agri-food agenda.
“It is not only about poultry, but also about sustainability, food security and positioning Sarawak proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Organising chairman, Prof. Dr Abdul Rahman Omar, said the congress would be timely in addressing global challenges facing the poultry sector, such as infectious diseases, rising feed costs, and climate change.
“The congress theme reflects our goal of ensuring sustainable and healthy poultry production that contributes to a healthier world. It will also provide opportunities for young veterinary researchers to learn and contribute to the industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Business Events Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Jason Tan, said the congress would deliver more than scientific exchange, with strong potential for economic benefits and long-term legacies.
“By hosting this prestigious event, Sarawak does not only gain economically but also enhances its reputation as a preferred destination for international conventions and exhibitions,” he said.
The event is supported by the Sarawak Government, the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and industry sponsors including Boehringer Ingelheim, Ceva Animal Health, Zoetis, Elanco, MSD Animal Health and Malaysia Airlines.
