Dr Rundi (second right) entering the hall for the 20th convocation ceremony accompanied by Dominic (left) and Mawan (right). – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Nov 6): The Department of Agriculture (DoA) Sarawak will raise the monthly allowance for trainees at the Sarawak Agricultural Institute (IPS) from RM250 to RM300 effective January 2026, in a move to better support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The announcement was made by DoA director Dominic Chunggat during the institute’s 20th convocation ceremony here today.
He said the increase aims to ease the financial burden of students who have continued their studies with strong dedication despite facing challenges.
“We understand that some of our trainees face financial challenges, yet they persist with great dedication,” he said.
“This increase is our way of easing their burden so that they can focus on their studies.”
The convocation, officiated by State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, saw 116 students graduating — 92 from the Malaysian Agriculture Certificate Programme and 24 from the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM Level 3 in Crop Production Operations).
Dominic highlighted that all SKM graduates achieved a 100 per cent competency rate, while 78 per cent of Agriculture Certificate graduates obtained a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 and above, including eight who scored 3.5 or higher.
Since its establishment in 1985, IPS has maintained an 86 per cent graduate employability rate, with most graduates serving in both the public and private sectors.
Dominic encouraged graduates to explore agro-entrepreneurship and assured them that the department would continue to provide advisory services and project development support through its District Agriculture offices.
He also noted IPS’ recent achievements, including multiple awards at the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2025 celebration and the successful re-accreditation of its SKM programme.
“We want IPS to remain a place where talent and effort, not financial means, determine success,” he said, expressing pride in the institute’s contribution to developing skilled, innovative professionals in Sarawak’s agricultural sector.
Also present were advisor in the Premier’s Office (Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development) Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, state Agriculture director Dominic Chunggat, and IPS principal Latip Bundan.
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