KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor praised theachievement of Sabahan, Mr. Gerald Wong, a recipient of the 7th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Award, for bringing honor to Sabah and Malaysia at the regional level.
He said Gerald’s success, as founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farm Tokou from Telupid, demonstrates the capability of Sabahans to compete and lead rural development initiatives at the ASEAN level.
“Congratulations on this proud achievement. Gerald’s success should be emulated, especially by Sabah’s youth, proving that diligent effort and commitment in community development can be recognized internationally,” he said during a meeting with Gerald at his office in Menara Kinabalu, here on Thursday.
Gerald is among 20 award recipients from 10 ASEAN countries, placing Sabah alongside regional rural development figures who have shown outstanding leadership in poverty eradication and community empowerment efforts.
Commenting on the recognition he received, Gerald said the award is the result of collective effort with rural communities directly involved in various modern agricultural initiatives implemented.
“Through Farm Tokou, we introduce modern agricultural approaches such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and technology-driven farming systems, supported by skills training and community economic development that help generate sustainable supplementary income,” he said.
He added that Farm Tokou has so far operated in Telupid and Penampang, in addition to guiding over 100 rural communities in 10 districts since 2023, including Telupid, Penampang, Sook, Ranau, Kudat, and Papar.
According to him, this success does not belong to the individual alone, but is a shared success with rural communities committed to embracing change and innovation in the agricultural sector.
“This award belongs to all communities who believe that modern agriculture can be a catalyst for rural economic development,” he stated.-pr/BNN
