MIRI: Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin has urged the oil palm plantation industry to embrace technological advancements as a way to attract more young people into the sector.
Speaking at a press conference following the launch of POMtech 2025 in Miri, Chan highlighted the importance of showcasing how technology is transforming the industry into a modern, innovative, and connected field.
During the event, he witnessed the use of drones to deliver seedlings, emphasising that such applications of technology demonstrate the industry’s readiness to adopt modern methods.
“If industry players can utilise technology compactly, it shows they are well-prepared to embrace these advancements,” he remarked.
He stressed that the adoption of drones, mechanisation, and connectivity solutions such as Starlink can reshape perceptions of the sector.
“These technologies are already available. We need to use them to attract young people and prove that this is no longer a ‘3D job’—dirty, dangerous, and difficult,” he said.
Citing his visit to WTK Plantation, Chan noted how technology is bridging the gap between plantations and the wider world.
“I never imagined seeing Starlink installations deep in the plantation areas. This demonstrates how the industry is no longer isolated or stuck in the jungle. It is connected to the world, making it a sector worth exploring for young talents,” he added.
He also called on stakeholders to empower young people and encourage them to see the plantation industry in a more positive light.
“This is an industry with vast potential, and we need to show youths that it offers exciting opportunities,” he concluded.
