KUCHING: The Sarawak government is targeting at least 50 per cent of graduates from the Sarawak Agricultural Institute (IPS) become entrepreneurs, compared to only four per cent currently.
This target aligns with the state government’s efforts to produce more young agropreneurs capable of generating their own income while contributing to the development of Sarawak’s agricultural sector.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the main objective of the institute is not merely to help graduates earn an income but to enable them to create income-generating opportunities.
“IPS graduates should use their experience and knowledge to generate income rather than depend solely on employment, as the situation will remain stagnant and the agricultural transformation will not be achieved otherwise,” he added.
Dr Rundi said this in his speech at the 20th IPS Convocation Ceremony at UCSI Hotel today.
He stressed that a mindset change among students is crucial to ensure the success of Sarawak’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Since its establishment in 1985, IPS has produced 2,223 graduates.
A total of 116 graduates were celebrated at the 20th IPS Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, with 92 receiving the Agricultural Certificate and 24 receiving the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM).
For the Agricultural Certificate programme, 27 students specialised in Food Crop Production Technology, 27 in Livestock Management, 25 in Estate Management, and 13 in Agricultural Product Processing Technology.
Meanwhile, all 24 SKM graduates completed their studies in Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 – Crop Production Operations.
Sarawak Agriculture Director, Dominic Chunggat, commended the perseverance of the graduates and highlighted that IPS has produced 2,223 graduates since its establishment in 1985.
“This convocation is not just a certificate presentation ceremony but a testament to the commitment and perseverance of our students to become part of the next generation of agricultural leaders,” he said.
Dominic revealed that 22 graduates had been offered employment immediately after completing their industrial training, underscoring IPS’ success in meeting industry demand.
He noted that IPS has maintained a graduate employability rate of 86 per cent, with 67 per cent working in the public sector, 29 per cent in the private sector, and four per cent venturing into agripreneurship.
He also announced that IPS had recently achieved several milestones, including multiple awards at the National TVET Day competition in Selangor and successful accreditation for its Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 programme.
In recognition of student welfare, he added that monthly student allowances will be increased from RM250 to RM300 starting January 2026.
