BINTULU: Good relations between the community, industry, and higher education institutions (IPT) that contribute to their respective expertise in related fields will be able to create a society that continues to thrive and be resilient in the face of various challenges in the future.

Senior Sustainability Manager of Glenealy Plantations Sdn Bhd (GPSB) Chieng Kai Soon said, through this relationship will help to create trust and understanding between different groups thus enhancing future cooperation in related fields.

"Through such programs it will help to improve, support and reach the communities within the company's operating area through the transfer of knowledge and the sharing of important information related to their daily lives and welfare," he said.

He made the remarks during his speech inaugurating the Community Outreach Program between the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry of Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) and GPSB themed 'Together with the Prosperous Community' at the Louis Nyagong Lengau House, Seping Long Bala Belaga recently./p>

Chieng said such programs are aimed at creating positive relationships between the community, industry and IPT by contributing joint expertise as joint venture partners in related fields.

Thus, he said, the program was mainly focused on transferring knowledge from the IPT and palm oil industry to the community in Seping Long Bala, Belaga.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry UPMKB Dr Zamri Rosli said the program focused on addressing the specific needs of a community will ensure that all communities benefit from the program.

He said the long-term sustainability and positive impact of the program was emphasized.

JTherefore, he said, monitoring of impact assessment through communication and continuous engagement with the Long Bala community is important to determine the effectiveness of the program.

Some of the activities held in the program were three knowledge sharing sessions on educational awareness delivered by Associate Professor Dr Geoffery James Gerusu from UPMKB.

Followed topics related to developing home composting based on the knowledge process by Sat Maling, also from UPMKB and sharing important information on good agricultural practices to manage and maintain oil palm plantations by GPSB Estate Manager Alexander Takap.

This specific knowledge transfer activity aims to enhance knowledge among members of the Long Bala community and in line with the goals for sustainability and improvement of product outcomes in the community.

A total of 80 Long Bala residents were actively involved and participated in the one-day program to enable members of the Long Bala community to empower, gain knowledge and opportunities to improve their standard of living.

It is also to help strengthen social ties among the palm oil industry, IPT and community through a stronger sense of responsibility, social cohesion, and community spirit. The program is fully funded by GPSB.

Another activity was the planting of local fruit trees in the down-field program led by Tuai Rumah Louis Nyagong Lenjau.

A total of 50 saplings of various fruit species including durian fox king (D197), petai (Parkia speciosa) and dabai (Canarium odonthophylum) were planted in selected Long Bala community land areas.

This activity is also to foster awareness in the community to preserve a greener environment and to strengthen the economy of Long Bala residents.

Through such programs will help to improve, support, and reach the communities within the company's operating area through the transfer of knowledge and the sharing of important information related to their daily lives and welfare. Chieng Kai Soon Senior Manager of Sustainability GPSB.

Date of Input: 19/05/2023 | Updated: 22/05/2023 | lanz