Sarawak to host inaugural AgroTourism Conference

Sarawak is set to host the inaugural Sarawak AgroTourism Conference & Expo (SAtCE) from August 28 to 30, 2023, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. The event aims to promote and showcase the potential of agrotourism in Sarawak and the region, bringing together local and foreign participants and experts to collaborate in building up the agrotourism sector in Sarawak and Malaysia.

Organized by Derrisen Sdn Bhd and endorsed by the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), together with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and Business Events Sarawak, the conference and expo will gather 350 delegates and 150 exhibitors from the agriculture, tourism sectors, and agrotourism stakeholders.

The expo offers a one-stop centre for stakeholders of agrotourism ecosystems and key players of the sector to display the best agrotourism products to visitors, which strengthens the industry position and encourages more ventures.

The conference features the theme “Promoting Agrotourism Sustainably” and will host around 20 industry experts from Malaysia and six other countries, including Australia, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Thailand. They will speak and share their knowledge and experience on specialized topics of agrotourism at SAtCE 2023. Relevant ministries and agencies will also unveil at the conference the policy and assistance available to industry players to encourage more ventures in the furtherance of agrotourism in the state.

According to Nor Azmi Sulong, project consultant of SAtCE, “This is the first time such an event to be organized in Sarawak, as well as in Malaysia. We are thrilled that the Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Openg has agreed to officiate SAtCE on 28 August 2023, showing that the authority of Sarawak is highly committed to developing the agrotourism sector.”

Sirai Daha, permanent secretary of M-FICORD, stated, “As the ministry responsible for spearheading the development of agriculture and rural communities in Sarawak, we are delighted to support SAtCE in developing the agrotourism sector. We commend the organizers for their efforts by putting together such an event in Kuching and welcome entrepreneurs, private sector, and farmers to take part in this important event and welcome all delegates to Kuching.”

Datu Sherrina Hussaini, permanent secretary of MTCP, stated, “Agrotourism is a concept rapidly gaining popularity, coupled with the increased awareness of sustainability in tourism. The organization of SAtCE is timely to remind industry players from both agriculture and tourism sectors of the great potential that lies in agrotourism. Sarawak, as a state rich in agriculture resources, has the advantage of further developing agrotourism.”

The three-day event is now open for participation booking, and the organizer has tailored marketing and promotional packages to assist industry players in promoting their products and services to targeted audiences. Interested parties can contact the organizer at [email protected] for further details.

For more information about SAtCE, visit www.agrotourismsarawak.com