By Faezah Mohamad Dun

Photo: Johaidi Ismail

TUESDAY,  01 DECEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) continues to create history by leading the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE) Agriculture Cluster officiated by Deputy Minister cum Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Sabah, Datuk Yahya Husssin last night.

 The establishment of ICoE Agricultural Cluster is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE) to ensure that graduates of Higher Learning Institutions meet with market demands.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Datuk Yahya said, with the presence of highly educated entrepreneurs, the agricultural sector could move quickly with more innovative, creative and adapting the latest agricultural technology.

“I urge the agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Sabah to provide support and cooperation to this ICoE Agricultural Cluster,” he said.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said the appointment of UMS as a leader in agricultural ICoE was a recognition for UMS and the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture.

“It is hoped that with the existence of ICoE, issues and challenges face in the marketability of Malaysian graduates now could be reduced.

“In addition, the number of unemployment amongst university graduates could also be brought to a minimum level,” he added.

Agricultural ICoE cooperates with other institutions and companies within the agricultural industry through four main structures; Agro-Mentor Programme, Agriculture Structured Internship Programme, Training of Trainers and Graduate Employability Programme. – (fl)