SERIAN – The dedication and innovation of four local entrepreneurs were celebrated at the recent Agro-Food Sector Awards, held in conjunction with the Serian Agrofest 2026.
The ceremony recognised outstanding contributions to the agriculture, agro-based industry, inland fisheries, and livestock sectors within the Serian Division, highlighting the diverse talents driving the region’s rural economy.
The awards serve as a testament to the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering a modern and competitive agricultural landscape.
By acknowledging individual successes, the Sarawak Agriculture Department and the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department aim to inspire others to enhance productivity and contribute to the state’s food security goals.
In the crop cultivation category, the Petani Jaya Award was presented to Tan Hock Siang of Evergreen Eco Plantation Sdn. Bhd. Mr. Tan was honoured for his extensive pineapple planting project, which spans 38 hectares. The venture focuses on high-value varieties, including MD2, SG1, and Golden Diamond.
Notably, the project was developed using personal capital, standing as a prime example of successful commercial crop management without relying on initial external funding. His achievement underscores the potential for private investment to drive agricultural growth in the division.
Recognising value-added processing, the Usahatani Jaya Award in the Agro-Based Industry Section went to Prisca Binti Again from Kampung Taee. Her enterprise specialises in the production of buns and steamed pau, representing a micro-scale business that has successfully tapped into local demand.
The project received RM16,000 in assistance from the Sarawak Agriculture Department, illustrating how targeted government support can help small entrepreneurs scale their operations and develop sustainable agro-based industries.
In the aquaculture sector, the Ternak Jaya Award for Inland Fisheries was awarded to Lee Boon Chea of Sarafish Sdn. Bhd. Mr. Lee’s project involves freshwater fish farming, specifically focusing on tilapia and jelawat species. Located in Kampung Cina Buntak, the facility covers 0.70 hectares and comprises seven ponds.
Like Mr. Tan, Mr. Lee developed this venture using his own capital, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial spirit and effective resource management in the fisheries sector.
Completing the list of honourees, David anak Ahon received the Ternak Jaya Award from the Serian Division Veterinary Department for his livestock initiative. Based in Kampung Mentung Merau, his goat farming project currently houses 41 animals.
The venture benefited from RM20,000 in assistance provided by the Veterinary Department, which helped support the development of the local livestock sector. This recognition highlights the importance of animal husbandry in diversifying rural income sources and enhancing food production capabilities.
The selection of these four recipients reflects a broad spectrum of agricultural activities, from large-scale crop cultivation to niche livestock rearing and food processing.
Each winner has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving their operational efficiency and contributing to the local economy. Their success stories provide valuable benchmarks for other aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs in Sarawak.
Government officials emphasised that such recognition is not merely ceremonial but serves as a catalyst for broader sectoral development.
By showcasing these achievements, the authorities hope to encourage more individuals to adopt modern farming techniques and explore new opportunities within the agro-food value chain. This aligns with the state’s strategic objective to transform Sarawak into a net food-exporting nation by 2030.
The awards ceremony also reinforced the collaborative relationship between government agencies and the private sector.
Through financial assistance and technical guidance, departments like Agriculture and Veterinary Services play a pivotal role in nurturing grassroots enterprises.
The continued support for projects of varying scales ensures that both micro-enterprises and larger commercial ventures can thrive.
As Serian positions itself as a key agricultural hub, the success of these entrepreneurs offers a promising outlook for the division’s future.
Their ability to leverage resources, adopt best practices, and maintain sustainability sets a positive precedent for the industry.
The Agrofest platform thus serves not only as a marketplace but also as a stage for celebrating the human effort behind Sarawak’s agricultural transformation.
