KUCHING: Leading coffee experts from around the world will converge on Kuching this weekend for the Borneo Coffee Symposium II, an international gathering aimed at charting the future of tropical coffee cultivation amid a changing global climate.
Organised by Earthlings Coffee Workshop, the symposium will take place from Nov 29 to 30 at The Old Court House, bringing together top researchers, producers and industry specialists to discuss how emerging tropical coffee species can bolster the resilience of the global coffee sector.
Building on the inaugural 2019 edition, this year’s symposium themed ‘Feasibility and Challenges of Tropical Coffee Cultivation’ focusses on the growing importance of climate-tolerant species such as Liberica and Excelsa.
These lesser-known varieties are increasingly viewed as key to diversifying world coffee production and supporting farming communities facing climate pressures.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew researcher Dr Aaron Davis said adopting rare and underutilised coffee species is essential for safeguarding the future of coffee farming.
“In a changing world, it is vital that we understand and implement lesser-known and rare coffee species to safeguard the future of coffee farming,” he said.
The event will be officially opened by Deputy Permanent Secretary to Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry Sayed Ismail Nasiruddin Datuk Seri Wan Hashim.
Speakers are expected from England, Germany, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico, Sudan, South Africa and India, alongside a strong representation of Sarawakian experts, farmers and industry leaders.
To complement the main programme, Earthlings will host several community-oriented activities to engage the public in coffee science and culture, including a Liberica Team Brewing Competition, Mini Coffee Exhibition, Cross-Species Coffee Cupping and a Liberica Farm Visit.
Following the symposium, Dr Stephen Swartz of Coffee Consulate will conduct a Coffee Farmer Education Programme at the Agriculture Research Centre Semongok from Dec 2–7, offering hands-on training to enhance the skills and knowledge of local coffee growers.
For detailed programme information, the public may visit the organiser’s website https://earthlings-coffee.com/borneo-coffee-symposium-2025.
