Sarawak–Malaysia Education Minister Visit to IPB: Agricultural Sector Reinforcement Strategy and Vocational School Development
Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, Minister of Education, Science, Investigation and Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia and his staff paid a visit to Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) on September 3th-4th, 2018. The delegations were welcomed by Vice Rector for Cooperation and Information System—Prof Dr Ir Dodik Ridho Nurrochmat, MScF, Vice Rector for Innovation, Business and Entrepreneurship—Prof Dr Ir Erika Budiarti Laconi, MS, Vice Dean of IPB Vocational School—Dr Ir Bagus Priyo Purwanto, MAgr, Head of Institute for Research and Community Service—Dr Ir Aji Hermawan, MM and Deputy Director for Collaboration and International Relation of Directorate of International Programme—Dr Ing Dase Hunaefi, STP, MFoodSTat collaborative meetings at Rector Meeting Room, IPB Darmaga. Dato Sri Michael brought up specific topic regarding pepper, since pepper in Sarawak is one of the World’s longest planted commodities; however, it requires poles that are costly. As IPB exhibits a pole-less pepper plant type, Dato Sri Michael and his staffs showed the exceptional interest. They also described concerning the recent obstacle in Sarawak agricultural sector that has not progressed well hence the visit to IPB as the top tier agricultural higher institution is one of the solution conducts. First day’s visit series were composed of study and field visit to Agriculture Development Station (ADS) and the Biopharmaceutical Medicinal Garden at IPB Darmaga Campus. The second day was started off by another collaborative meeting at IPB Vocational School and received by the Vice Dean himself Dr Ir Bagus Priyo Purwanto, MAgr who was accompanied with the Head of Production Technology and Aquaculture Management Study Programme—Dr. Ir. Irzal Effendi, M.Si, and the Head of Veterinary Paramedic Study Programme—Dr.drh. Gunanti. As stated by Dr.Irzal, the discussion focuses ranged from students and staff exchange initiation to agriculture, livestock and fisheries field related collaboration development. In particular, pepper and durian potency in small scaled agricultural concrete development actions through Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Vice Dean of IPB Vocational School claimed the immense absorption of their graduates in the job market, as vocational outputs possess notable demand in developing countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
