ASEAN Award Laureate Appointed to Mentor Sabah’s Next Generation of Agri-Entrepreneurs

Sabah is preparing to roll out a new Mentor–Mentee Programme designed to cultivate a new generation of successful young entrepreneurs across agriculture, fisheries, and livestock farming. The initiative is being led by the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, as part of broader efforts to modernise the state’s agri-food sector and reinforce rural economic resilience.

The programme was announced following a meeting in Kota Kinabalu between Sabah’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Jamawi Jafar, and Gerald Wong, a recipient of the 7th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Award.

 

Recognition of Proven Leadership in Modern Agriculture

 

The Ministry has agreed to appoint Wong as a mentor under the programme, citing his track record in modern agriculture and his ability to translate innovation into commercial success at a relatively young age. According to Jamawi, Wong’s experience offers practical insight for aspiring agri-entrepreneurs looking to move beyond traditional farming models.

Jamawi said the Ministry views mentorship as a critical tool to help young people adopt competitive, technology-driven approaches to farming, aquaculture, and livestock production, while remaining grounded in local conditions and market realities.

 

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Building a Network of Youth Mentors

 

In addition to Wong’s appointment, the Minister confirmed that 12 young individuals who have already demonstrated success across agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors have been identified to serve as mentors. These mentors will work closely with the Ministry to guide other youths interested in entering the agri-food economy.

The approach reflects a peer-led development model, where practical knowledge, on-farm experience, and entrepreneurial lessons are passed directly to new entrants rather than relying solely on formal training structures.

 

Linking Mentorship to Food Security and Rural Development

 

The Mentor–Mentee Programme will be integrated with the Ministry’s upcoming Kitchen Garden Tour Programme, which is expected to be implemented in the near term. The initiative is intended to promote small-scale, productive food systems while encouraging innovation, diversification, and income generation in rural communities.

Officials see the combined programmes as a way to strengthen Sabah’s food security while creating pathways for youth participation in agriculture that are economically viable and aligned with modern practices.

 

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Long-Term Vision for Sabah’s Agri-Food Sector

 

The Ministry emphasised that the mentoring framework is not a one-off initiative, but part of a longer-term strategy to reposition agriculture as an attractive, competitive sector for young people. By pairing recognised leaders with emerging entrepreneurs, Sabah aims to accelerate skills transfer, improve productivity, and support sustainable growth across its agri-food value chain.

Jamawi expressed hope that the programme would deliver tangible benefits for youth development while contributing meaningfully to the resilience and modernization of Sabah’s agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries.