Post-conference Updates

SDI is pleased to share the success of the Organic ASIA – The Way Forward conference organised from 28th -31st October 2008 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

A total of 164 delegates from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Japan, Brunei, Laos, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Australia, Italy and USA took part in this event. Delegates include those from the public & private sectors, lecturers, certification officers, senior officers, business operators, Executive Directors, senior managers, farmers, researchers, project managers and directors. Officiated by YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Chief Minister (1) of Sarawak and Minister of Industrial Development and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, the 4-day conference featured nine plenary sessions, seven concurrent workshop sessions and 12 concurrent forum sessions. Sessions included topics on innovations, productions, challenges, policy recommendations, market development, sector (both public and private) development initiatives, best practice and harmonization and equivalence in organic agriculture.

Please visit http://www.sdi.com.my/ to view all conference materials (under Organic ASIA 2008 - Conference Materials heading) as well as press releases (Latest News heading). The outputs from the discussion forums will be made available in December 2008.

SDI would like to extend our sincere appreciation for all the delegates for your participation. On behalf of the Conference Secretariat of the Organic ASIA 2008 Conference and the government of Sarawak, thank you and we look forward to collaborating with all of you again in the near future.

Event Cancellation

Dear readers,

The Organic & Natural Products Fair scheduled on the 11th - 12th October 2008 has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.We regret any inconvenience caused and hope that you would continue to support us in our future endeavours.

On a different note,interested individuals are encourage to register for the Organic ASIA 2008 conference.Register online or download the conference brochure via www.sdi.com.my

We look forward to welcoming you at our conference!

EVENT UPDATES

The Organic ASIA 2008 Conference will feature some of the best and prominent names in the organic industry:

Dr. Hans Herren (Keynote Speaker)
President, Millenium Institute, Arlington, Virginia, USA

Ulrich Hoffmann (Opening Remarks)
Head of Section, Trade & Sustainable Development, International Trade Division, United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD)

Katherine DiMatteo (Opening Remarks)
President, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)

Andre Leu
Chair, Organic Federation of Australia & IFOAM World Board Member, Australia

Wanlop Pichpongsa
President, Thai Organic Trade Association, Bangkok Thailand

Xi Yunguan
Nanjing Global Organic Food Research & Consulting Centre, Nanjing China

Sununtar Setboonsarng
Senior Researcher, Asia Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Tokyo Japan

Miguel Braganza
Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI), Goa India

Prof. Chong Hyuk Suh
President, Korea Organic Agriculture Institute, Seoul South Korea

Proposed topics for Plenary and Concurrent Workshop Sessions:

DAY 1, 28th October 2008

• Innovations in Organic Production & Processing: Development Challenges and Prospects for the Region
• Sharing of Production Challenges, Successful Methods and Techniques
• Key development challenges, action and policy recommendations for enhancement of production, productivity and product quality
• Social Programme: Theme Gala Dinner

DAY 2, 29th October 2008

• Wholesaling & Retailing
• Supply chain organizing and fair trade
• Sharing of Access to Market; Certification & Regulations; Other Guarantee Systems and Market Communications
• Market trends; key development challenges, action and policy recommendations for enhancement of local markets, fair trade and competition

DAY 3, 30th October 2008

• Public Sector Development Initiatives for the Organic Sector
• Best Practice for Organic Policy & Building Sustainable Organic Sectors
• Social Programme (Tentative): Visit to Sarawak AGRO Fest 2008, State Indoor Stadium

DAY 4, 31st October 2008

• Harmonisation & Equivalence in Organic Agriculture
• Review of Regional Collaboration Follow-up Proposal

Register online now or download the conference brochure via www.sdi.com.my

Organic & Natural Products Fair

Day/Date:

Saturday,11 October 2008 - Sunday,12 October 2008

Venue:

Events Area,Level 1,Green Heights Mall Kuching

Event Opening Hours:

11.00am - 5.00pm daily

Tentative Activities:

Educational talks, table top exhibitions, cooking demonstrations and others

Free Admission.Open to general public.

For further information,please contact the organiser at 082-415 484/416 484 or email rwong@sdi.com.my/mgider@sdi.com.my

Talk on Organic Value & Quality Assurance

In conjunction with the Organic ASIA 2008 conference,SDI will be organising a talk on Organic Value & Quality Assurance on 3rd September 2008,9.30am at the AZAM Conference Room.

This talk will be presented by Mr.Ong Kung Wai,IFOAM World Board member and President of Organic Alliance Malaysia.Highlights will include topics on common concern related to organic products,challenges faced by Malaysian farmers in production,product processing and marketing as well as the current global and regional organic market potential.

For registration information,please visit the following link -
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/Invitation_Letter.pdf

or contact Rosalind Wong/Marcella Gider at 082-415484/416484.

Seats are limited.Please register by 29th August 2008.

Information on Sarawak

Map of Malaysia

Photo Source: http://www.malaysiamap.org/

Map of Kuching, Sarawak

Photo Source: http://ecycle.com.my/images/Map-Sarawak.jpg

How to get to Kuching, Sarawak
Kuching is connected to the international air transport network via Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Brunei and Singapore. Airlines operating in Sarawak include Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Silk Air, Batavia Air, Royal Brunei Airlines and MAS Wings.

Immigration & Visa Requirements
All international visitors and non-Sarawakians are required to fill in an immigration form upon arrival. For more information on visa requirements, please visit the website for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia at www.kln.gov.my

How to get to Sarawak Cultural Village from Kuching International Airport (KIA)
A taxi coupon can be bought at the Taxi Coupon Counter located on the ground floor of the airport. The fare from KIA to the Village is estimated at RM50 one way and RM18 one way from KIA to the city centre. Car rental companies, AMI Car Rental and Hertz, operate from the airport for those who are interested in renting.

Information Source:
Sarawak Convention Bureau brochure and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuching_International_Airport

Conference Programme & Input Participation

Please visit the following link for the updated and latest Conference Programme and Input Participation:

Conference Programme:
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/SarawakConf_ProgOutline.pdf

Input Participation: http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/OrgAsia_ConfProg.pdf

Be a part of this exciting event and register now! This will be an excellent opportunity for all to come together and exchange information on all things organic.

Damai Beach Resort Room Rates

The following rates are only applicable for delegates of the Organic ASIA 2008 conference:

Single:

Seaview Deluxe at RM148.00 nett

Superior Poolside at RM166.75 nett
Chalet at RM195.50 nett
Executive Suite at RM517.50 nett

Double:
Seaview Deluxe at RM168.00 nett
Superior Poolside at RM189.75 nett
Chalet at RM218.50 nett
Executive Suite at RM517.50 nett

The above rates are inclusive of breakfast, 5% government tax and 10% service charge.

Interested delegates are strongly advised to make reservation directly to the hotel by or before 20th September 2008. After which all bookings are subject to room and rate availability.

Alternatively,reservation can be made by downloading the hotel reservation form at -
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/RESERVATION%20FORM%20(Seminar%20participants%20on%20POA).pdf

Optional Pre & Post-Conference Tour

The followings are pre & post conference tours recommended by the Secretariat which are easily accessible from the Kuching city center. Other tours outside Kuching are also available to suit the delegate & their guest’s preferences. Kindly contact the listed travel agencies or others to make the necessary arrangements.

Bako National Park

Article Source: http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/bako.htm

An introduction to the rainforest of Borneo begins here. As one of the most popular parks in Sarawak, Bako has so much to offer, from abundant wildlife to jungle streams, waterfalls to interesting plant life, as well as secluded beaches and trekking trails. You will get excellent opportunities to observe and photograph various types of wildlife in the likes of Proboscis monkey, oriental small-clawed otter, long-tailed macaques, squirrel, mouse deer and others. Definitely a great place to be for nature lovers!

Photo Source: http://www6.worldisround.com/photos/15/284/308_o.jpg

Photo Source: http://www.wunderground.com/data/wximagenew/a/AnneAbrams/794.jpg

Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Article Source: http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-nr-semenggoh.asp

A wide range of wildlife is housed at this Centre. This includes rescued gibbons, porcupines, crocodiles and river terrapins. Brightly coloured lizards and various species of squirrel are also frequently encountered. Visitors will not only have a chance to see semi-wild orang utan, ranging from tiny infants and adolescents to mature adults, they can also join in the feeding sessions that takes place in the morning and afternoon.

Photo Source: http://www.tropicalisland.de/KCH%20Semenggoh%20Wildlife%20Rehabilitation 20Centre%20-%20Orang-utans2_b.jpg

Sarawak Museum

Article Source: http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Sarawak/guide_srkmuz.htm

It is claimed that this Kuching landmark is the finest museum in Southeast Asia. This museum exhibits an extensive range of Bornean history, art and ethnography anywhere in the world. Among the notable exhibits include the history of Sarawak, tribal art, Malay and Chinese artifacts as well as native longhouses.

Photo Source: http://www.monash.edu.my/images/KL%20pics/sarawak%20museum.jpg

Kuching Waterfront

Article Source: http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Sarawak/guide_kucwater.htm

No visit to Kuching would be complete without a stroll at the Waterfront. It is home to modern sculpture, an open-air theatre, musical fountain as well as cafes and restaurants. Sit and relax over a cup of hot coffee and experience sunset in the heart of Kuching city.

Photo Source: http://www.mymalaysiaparadise.com/images/DSC01590.JPG

Cat Museum
Article Source: http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/articles/museum_of_meows.html

The museum is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world and is a celebration of Kuching, otherwise known as 'Cat City' (Kucing means cat in Malay). It is far more than just a collection of artifacts. Material has been collected from, and donated by, countries from all over the globe. It entertains cat lovers but also acts as a useful research centre outlining the history, legends and various beliefs about cats.


Travel Agencies Contact Details

1. Cat City Holidays Sdn. Bhd.
Suite 29.0, Grd Flr. Kueh Hock Kui Commercial Centre
Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce
93150 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: + 6 082 412500 Fax: +6 082 413500
E-mail: sales@catcityholidays.com
Website: http://catcityholidays.com/

2. Borneo Exploration Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
76, Wayang Street
93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6 082 252137/251136 Fax: +6 082 252526
Email: inquiry@borneoexplorer.com.my
Website: http://www.borneoexplorer.com.my/newwebpage/frontpage.asp

3. Insar Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd
2nd Floor Lot 2508
Wisma Sandhu, Green Road
Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6 082 248112 Fax: +6 082 245112
Email: info@insar.com / mailto:sales@insar.com
Website: http://www.insar.com:8034/

4. Pin Sing Travel & Tours (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd.
Grd.floor, Lot 209
Section 51, Ban Hock Road
93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6 082 429999 Fax: +6 082 250319
Email: inbound@pinsingtravel.com
Website: http://www.pinsingtravel.com/

Also visit the link below for other options:
http://www.sarawaktourism.com/content.cfm/ID/A42CCF40-6567-44CE-A8ED428D288275CC

Organic ASIA 2008 Brochure

To download our brochure,please visit the following link:
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/orgasia_brochure.pdf

Interested participants are to submit their completed registration form before or by 30th September 2008.

Conference Registration

Register now or download the registration form using the link below:
http://www.sdi.com.my/organic_asia_2008/registration_form.asp

Sponsorship Opportunities

Your sponsorship would be an excellent opportunity to:

• Make your organisation/company's presence felt in the marketplace
• Establish and/or maintain a high profile within valuable target markets - both during and after the event
• Enhance the credibility of your organisation/company by exposing it to a national and international audience
• Create sales leads and enquiries
• Introduce new products and services to existing and potential customers
• See what your competitors and related companies are doing
• Seize advertising opportunities and create your own mailing list

All sponsors will receive the following:

• Recognition as a sponsor [Platinum, Gold or Silver] on all printed and electronic conference materials
• Complimentary advertising space (full colour) on the Organic Asia blog (http://www.organic-asia.blogspot.com/ and Conference Program Book (artworks to be supplied by sponsor)
• Link from the conference website to the sponsor’s website
• Acknowledgement as a Sponsor [Platinum, Gold or Silver] on the back drop of conference meeting places onsite
• Presentation of Platinum, Gold or Silver Sponsor certificate during the Official Opening Ceremony
• Company brochure to be inserted in all delegates’ conference bags (material to be supplied by sponsor)
• Complimentary conference participation passes
• Reserved seating in conference sessions
• Publicity through conference banners

Platinum Sponsor: RM35,000

As the Platinum Sponsor, your company/organisation shares our vision and mission to promote the sustainable and organic livelihood to the international and local communities. As our main partner, we will ensure your company will receive the highest level of exposure internationally and locally through our network and activities. This partnership is going to provide your company the highest exposure in this niche industry.

Your company will receive additional exposure, benefits and recognition through the following:

• Full page advertisement space in the Conference Program Book (artwork to be provided by sponsor)
• Three (3) complimentary conference passes
• Ten (10) conference banners - 3 horizontal, 3 vertical and 1 electronic banner and 3 fishtails (artwork to be provided by sponsor)
• Hosting the Conference Theme Gala Dinner;
  

A unique opportunity to showcase the culture of Sarawak and your company in a relaxed, fun and enjoyable environment during the conference dinner. The organizers are planning a Headhunters Theme Party to showcase the richness of Sarawak Culture to the delegates. Therefore, it is a perfect opportunity to be the host by introducing the culture of Sarawak to the delegates, speakers and VIPs.

* Recognition at the conference theme party dinner as the event sponsor
* Company signage to be displayed during the Conference Dinner
* Opportunity for company representative to give a five minutes speech at the dinner
* Three (3) complimentary invitations to attend the conference Theme Gala Dinner

Gold Sponsor: RM20,000 [2]

As our Gold Sponsor (2), your company/organisation will receive an excellent level of exposure through the additional following benefits:

• Half page advertisement space in Conference Program Book (artwork to be supplied by sponsor (s))
• Two (2) complimentary conference passes
• Five (5) conference banners - 1 horizontal, 1 vertical and 1 electronic banner and 2 fishtails (artwork to be supplied by sponsor (s))
• Hosting the Conference Cocktail Reception;

The conference cocktail offers a relaxed social environment for the delegates, speakers and VIPs to mingle and network. It is organised on the first day of the conference registration to provide the opportunity for the delegates to unwind and enjoy the hospitality of Sarawak. As a sponsor, you will be playing host to a great number of newcomers to the Sarawak state and Malaysia. It is therefore a great opportunity to create the first impression of your company and country.

* Recognition at the conference cocktail as the event sponsor
* Company signage displayed at the conference cocktail
* Opportunity for company representatives to promote and enhance company’s image through networking and handouts
* Three (3) complimentary invitations to attend the Conference Cocktail Reception
* Recognition of your company’s sponsorship in the Conference Souvenir Program Book

• Conference Bag;

Subscribing to the holistic concept of sustainable development, we invite your company to sponsor a green bag as our conference bag, which can double up as a shopping bag or carrier to minimize the use of plastic and increase the bag’s usability. Sponsorship of this bag will provide your company with exposure that exceeds the duration of the conference.

* Company name and logo printed alongside the Conference Logo on the conference bag
* Post conference exposure in delegates’ countries of origin
* Company brochure/literature to be inserted in all delegates’ conference bags

Silver Sponsor: RM10,000 [6]

An excellent cost effective package that ensures your company/organisation’s name is constantly displayed throughout the entire conference with the additional benefits as follows:

• A quarter page advertisment space in Conference Program Book (artwork to be supplied by sponsor (s))
• One (1) complimentary conference pass
• Three (3) conference banners - 1 horizontal, 1 vertical and 1 electronic banner (artwork to be provided by sponsor (s))
• Hosting the Conference refreshment breaks;

It is our ultimate aim to serve natural or organic refreshments throughout the conference session to the delegates. Refreshments per day are inclusive of two coffee/tea breaks and a lunch.

* Clearly demonstrates your company/organisation’s support for organic industry
* Recognition of your company’s sponsorship in the Conference Souvenir Program Book
* Company corporate literature/products can be displayed at the refreshments station (sponsor to supply literature/products)

* Company name and logo displayed on table signage at each refreshment station during the sponsored break

* Announcement by the host at sessions before the sponsored refreshment break

OR Conference Writing Materials;

We would like to use environmental friendly produced writing materials during and after the conference. Sponsorship of these green writing materials will provide your company with exposure that exceeds the duration of the conference.

* Company name and logo printed alongside the conference logo on the conference writing materials

* Conference writing materials will be included in all delegates’ conference bags

Companies/organisations who are interested in providing sponsorship below the amount in the stated packages are most welcome to discuss their contribution and expected benefits with the Sarawak Development Institute.

Theme Village Stay at Sarawak Cultural Village

Experience the Sarawakian hospitality and its traditions.

The Theme Village Stay package offers various stay at different ethnic houses of the major tribes in Sarawak. These houses include the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu longhouses and the Melanau tall house. For interested delegates, this special package is inclusive of accommodation, breakfast, dinner and other special activities (upon request) that will ensure your stay at the village a memorable and interesting one!

Below are pictures of the ethnic houses as well as a plank walk map of the village. For further information, please visit http://www.scv.com.my/

Main entrance

Entrance to main hall and restaurant

Iban longhouse

Bidayuh longhouse

Orang Ulu longhouse

Melanau tall house

Lagenda Hall

Lake Pavilion

Plank Walk Map

Latest Conference Concept Paper & Program Outline (PDF)

Background

Organic is an established development trend globally and in the region

Organic is an accepted concept and a growing trend globally and in the Asia region. Statistics show impressive expansion of the sector in recent years. Driven initially by exports, local markets are taking off in the region. Greater sector growth can be expected in the immediate future.

Export, a boon that may turn into a constraint
Market growth in Europe and the USA, which push demand for organic production in the region, is a boon that may turn into a constraint for sector development in the future. Local sector development in the region is in danger of being constrained by governments’ endeavour to establish credibility and gain market access to EU and USA markets through establishing similar regulatory requirements.

Such export inspired requirements, are not all appropriate to the production and sector development conditions in the region. They are likely to inhibit local sector development with stringent production and conformity assessment requirements - requirements the EU and USA organic industry did not have to contend with at a similar early stage of their own development. Moreover, not all production and processing of organic products in the region in the future, will be exported to the EU, USA or Japan.

Future growth lies within
According to the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD], up to 70 percent of trade in agriculture products in Asia is inter-regional. Although inter-regional trade in organic products is not significant today, it can be expected to match conventional trade flows as the sector further mainstream.
There is a need to review as well as collaborate in regulatory development in the region to avoid obstacles to trade and sector development in the near future.

Conference Objectives

• show case Best Practices and Innovations in Production, Processing and Market development in the region
• provide input on Best Practice for Organic Policy and Building Sustainable Organic Sectors
• host policy framework and public - private sector partnerships discussions between stakeholders
• facilitate action planning on harmonisation in organic norms and collaboration in certification to facilitate trade in organic products within the Asia region.

Strengthening cooperation and regional development are the key aims.

Host Organisation’s Objectives

Organic is a well established trend and niche market in Malaysia. Sarawak, the biggest state in Malaysia, believes organic agriculture offers development opportunities in line with sustainable development initiatives taken to develop the State. Organising this conference provides an opportunity for a large number of interested parties in Sarawak and Malaysians, amongst other participants from the region, to learn about the latest developments related to organic agriculture in the region, develop business or research contacts as well as collaborate in sector development in the region.

Target Groups

The conference offers a great opportunity for all interested parties in the region, i.e. producers, processors, traders, retailers, certification service providers, consultants, researchers, non-governmental organisations, sector associations, civil servants and policy makers, to learn about the latest developments related to organic agriculture, develop business or research contacts as well as collaborate in sector development in the region.


Conference Features

Best practice and Innovations in Production, Processing and Market development Asia boasts over 3 million hectares under organic management. Amongst the 97,000 and more production units live numerous best practice examples and innovations. The conference will seek out and show case examples of best practices and innovations in production, processing as well as in market development in the region.

Best Practice for Organic Policy and Building Sustainable Organic Sectors The conference is projected to be the first in a series of regional conferences on Best Practice for Organic Policy and Building Sustainable Organic Sectors in collaboration with UNCTAD and IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements). Conference programme will incorporate inputs on Best Practice for Organic Policy and Building Sustainable Organic Sectors in collaboration with UNCTAD and IFOAM.

Collaboration for the future
Until recent, organic sector development in the region was spearheaded along two parallel streams, i.e. through rural development projects by NGOs and export projects by business entrepreneurs. Lately, governments in the region have also emerged as active actors, establishing framework rules and support programmes for organic sector development in their respective countries. Collaboration between stakeholders of the different streams is far from optimal in many countries.

The conference invites participation of organic sector stakeholders from all streams and will organise forums to share and discuss sector development experience and strategies to address production and local market development, as well as collaborate in organic norm setting and certification services in the region and respective countries.

Proposed Conference Outputs and Programme

The conference is a working conference where participants’ inputs and discussion is expected to lead to the formulation of national sector development and regional development collaboration priorities for follow up in a subsequent UNCTAD and IFOAM regional development project. We are currently seeking consultations from regional stakeholders to be involved in the content preparation for the conference.

A 4-day conference programme is proposed as follows:

Day 1: Best Practice and Innovations in production & processing

• Morning plenary 1: Best Practice & Innovations in production [2-3 case presentations]
• Morning plenary 2: Best Practice & Innovations in processing [2-3 case presentations]
• Afternoon workshops: Up to 4 production theme basis [Rice; Fruits; Vegetables & Processing] Discussion: Challenges, Innovations, Success factors & Development policy recommendations for enhancement of production, productivity and product quality.
• Afternoon plenary: Workshop reports; Discussion and Summary of Development policy recommendations for enhancement of production, productivity and product quality.
  

Day 2: Best Practice and Innovations in market development

• Morning plenary 1: Best Practice and Innovations in export market development [2-3 case presentations]
• Morning plenary 2: Best Practice and Innovations in local market development [2-3 case presentations]
• Afternoon workshops: Up to 4 sub regional group basis [East Asia; ASEAN; SARD; Others] Discussion topics: Market trends, Challenges, Innovations, Success factors & Development policy recommendations for enhancement of local markets, fair farm gate price, wages and market competition
• Afternoon plenary: Workshop reports; Discussion and Summary of Development policy recommendations for enhancement of local markets, fair farm gate price, wages and market competition

Day 3: Policy and Sector development initiatives

• Morning plenary 1: Public Sector development initiatives [2-3 case presentations]
• Morning plenary 2: Private Sector development initiatives [2-3 case presentations]
• Afternoon workshops: Discussion groups related to Public and Private sector development initiatives as well as project collaboration bazaar

- Challenges, Constraints, Innovations & Success factors in public sector development initiatives recommendations for success in policy development and implementation

- Challenges, Constraints, Innovation & Success factors in Private sector development initiatives recommendations for success in private sector association management, advocacy & public-private sector partnership

- Project collaboration bazaar: free space for participants to initiate project collaboration discussions

• Afternoon plenary: Group reports; Discussion and Summary of recommendations for success in Public and Private sector development initiatives.

Day 4: Policy and Development Options for sector development

• Morning plenary 1: UNCTAD & IFOAM study input: Best Practice for Organic Policy and Building Sustainable Organic Sectors
• Morning workshops: Country based group discussion: National sector development and regional development collaboration priorities.
• Afternoon plenary: Country group report; Discussion and Summary of recommendations for regional collaboration and follow up.

Also see attached draft programme schedule outline.
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/SarawakConf_draftProg_080425.pdf

Table Top Exhibition

Depending on interest, table top exhibition space for participants and local suppliers to showcase their products or promotional materials will be available during the conference.

Call for Papers

Plenary presentations
An open call for interested parties to forward case presentation proposals for the following sessions:

• Best Practice and Innovations in production & processing
• Best Practice and Innovations in market development
• Public Sector development initiatives
• Private Sector development initiatives

Workshop input and moderators
An open call for interested parties to forward input presentation proposals and suggestions for moderators for the following workshop sessions:

• Challenges, Innovations, Success factors & Development policy recommendations for enhancement of production, productivity and product quality.
• Market trends, Challenges, Innovations, Success factors & Development policy recommendations for enhancement of local markets, fair farm gate price, wages and market competition
• Challenges, Constraints, Innovations & Success factors in public sector development initiatives - recommendations for success in policy development and implementation
• Challenges, Constraints, Innovation & Success factors in Private sector development initiatives – recommendations for success in private sector association management, advocacy & public-private sector partnership

Input proposals

Input proposals of up to one page should be sent to Ong Kung Wai, Conference Programme Coordinator at kungwai@tm.net.my by the 31^st July 2008.

Disclaimer: Conference programme is subject to change based on consultations with regional stakeholders.

Tentative Programme

More to come!
Conference tentative programme to be posted soon.

Continue to visit our blog & stay updated with the latest news.
We sincerely thank you for your support!


Organic Asia - The Way Forward!

3rd Voice, Borneo Post

3rd Voice is a weekly column initiated by SDI and AZAM on sustainable development. This column will feature articles on a monthly basis on various issues concerning organic.

Please visit the following webpage, http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=33420 for the full article on our first attempt to promote this conference through 3rd Voice.

Organic Asia - The Way Forward!

Our Background

The Organiser

Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) is an autonomous non-profit research institute entrusted to undertake inter-disciplinary research on pertinent development issues related to the state and nation for policy inputs to the government and other private organisations/clients. Through conferences, seminars, workshops, talks and briefings, professionals, policy makers and practitioners get to meet, discuss, exchange views and opinions on these issues, resulting in reports, recommendations and sharing of information and knowledge with the public through formal and informal channels.

For more information, please visit http://www.sdi.com.my/

The Host City

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, is simply unique. Home to over 26 ethnic groups, the residents of Kuching take great pride in their fascinating city, a pride that is reflected in their attitude to visitors.

General Information on Kuching:

• Sarawak, the state of Kuching city covers an area of 125,000 sq. km., the largest of Malaysia’s 13 states. It is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, nestled between Peninsula Malaysia to the west and Indonesia to the south and east.
• Sarawak enjoys a tropical climate with average daytime temperatures of 23 to 32 degrees celsius.
• Our national language is Malay, however, English is widely spoken throughout the State.

For more information, please visit the links below:

http://www.kuching.net.my/
http://www.sarawaktourism.com/

The Venue

Tucked away on the foothills of legendary Mount Santubong, 35 km away from Kuching is Sarawak's fascinating cultural showcase, the award winning "Sarawak Cultural Village".
This living museum depicts the heritage of the major racial groups in Sarawak and conveniently portrays the respective lifestyle amidst 14 acres of equatorial vegetation. Here, it is possible to see Sarawak's ethnic diversity at a glance.

For more information, please visit http://www.scv.com.my/

The Supporter

Please visit http://www.sarawakcb.com/