SIBU: The palm oil industry has evolved over the decades to continually improve its sustainability through usage of technology.
This is according to Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SOPPOA) chairman Eric Kiu who stressed that this fact must be communicated to the millennials to encourage and change their mindset to get involved in the industry.
“They are not fully cognisant that the industry is not just about planting trees.
“In all senses of the word, palm oil is a golden crop as it is unparalleled in building benefits throughout a long value chain all over the world.
“And, in targeting millennials, the plantation companies have tie-ups with multiple local and foreign tertiary institutions to showcase the opportunities in the industry, develop innovation through research and provide spaces for internship”, Kiu said during a webinar ‘Bright Opportunities for Millennials Career and Future in Palm Oil Industry’ organised by Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) on Oct 28.
Kiu, who was one of three panelists at the webinar, was speaking on ‘Never Judge a Book by Its Cover – Real Ambiance of Working in Palm Oil Industry’.
He invited millennials to send in applications to palm oil plantation companies for internships and jobs.
Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin was guest of honour at the webinar.
In her address, the minister said the critical importance of the palm oil industry to the Malaysian economy cannot be overemphasised.
She urged millennials to familiarise themselves with the vast scope in the industry to carve out a rewarding career.
Undergraduates and graduates in the fields of biochemical, finance, business, economics, marketing, pharmacy and engineering, amongst others, must explore the scope available in one of the most important industries in the country”, she said.
Meanwhile, another panellist UCSI University lecturer and Fraunhofer Research Network Germany Malaysia senior advisor Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim spoke on how artificial intelligence, drone technology and robotics were continually growing in application through the processes in the industry.
“More effort should be employed by the relevant stakeholders through curated packages to impress upon millennials the innovativeness present in the industry.
“Millennials will engage with something they have an affinity for, and technology is certainly that ‘X’ factor that will resonate with them,” he stressed.
Incorporated Society of Planters chairman Datuk Daud Amatzin, the other panelist, shared that Malaysia has been exporting talents to other palm oil producing countries to lend their experience and expertise in many fields.
“The industry needs more home grown talent and the industry can only grow to cater to the world demand for the almost endless benefits from palm oil that goes way beyond usage in food.
“We are proud of the industry and millennials will be amazed at the positions available and how far they can go”, he said.
