LIMBANG: A group of 24 local entrepreneurs has successfully completed the second batch of the Sustainable Modern Agriculture Through Rural Technopreneurship (SMART) Programme 2025.
The programme, held from July 21 to Aug 21 at Purnama Hotel here, was part of the Rural ICT Training and Development Initiative of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development in collaboration with Sarawak Skills.
During the month-long programme, the participants received training in smart agriculture, entrepreneurship development and ICT skills to boost their capacity and competitiveness in the digital era.
The ministry’s assistant Secretary (Regional Development Section) Hilma Rejer described the initiative as a key step towards the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“The SMART Programme is not only about introducing technology, but about transforming how we approach agriculture in a more efficient and sustainable way.
“With the right knowledge and skills, rural communities can harness innovation to increase productivity and improve competitiveness,” she said at the close of the programme.
Sarawak Skills chief strategy officer Mohamad Isham Fauzi, in an online session, congratulated the participants and described the programme as a catalyst for innovation and socio-economic transformation in rural Sarawak.
He also announced that the third batch of SMART Programme will be held in Miri soon, further strengthening efforts to nurture competitive agro-entrepreneurs in line with PCDS 2030.
