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Sarawak can learn from Africans -Dr Chan

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Dr Chan says Africans, Sarawakians can share expertise

Africans and Sarawakians can share their expertise in agriculture, food production, forestry and biotechnology development through joint-venture efforts., said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar George Chan.

“I have not been to many countries in the continent but I’ve visited South Africa. I believe we can exchange our expertise in those areas,” he said after opening the First African Convention 2005 at INTI College Sarawak.

Dr Chan, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, said he had spoken to several South African leaders and invited them to visit the State to further discuss future cooperation in those areas.

The chairman of Codewit Global network, Mr. Anthony Claret Onwutalobi (left) and the Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, George Chan (right) during the opening ceremony of the first African Convention (involving 15 African countries) held by African Students Association of INTI College Sarawak at Mary'ek hall, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia in 2005.
The chairman of Codewit Global network, Mr. Anthony Claret Onwutalobi (left) and the Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, George Chan (right) during the opening ceremony of the first African Convention (involving 15 African countries) held by African Students Association of INTI College Sarawak at Mary’ek hall, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia in 2005.

Citing an example, he said South Africa had better experience in plant extraction or bioassay technology, an area, which Sarawak just started to venture into, while the State can assist the Africans in the forest management.

The African Students Association of INTI College Sarawak (ASA) held the one-day convention to provide an avenue for Africans, Malaysians and other nationalities to meet and experience the rich African cultural heritage besides fostering and solidifying the spirit of friendship.

Themed “Effect of Skilled Migration on Economic Development – A global Perspective”, it also gave a preview of business opportunities in Africa and Malaysia.

Dr Chan commended the association for holding the event, saying that it was an opportunity for all participants to share ideas and foster stronger ties among African and Malaysian communities.

He said the presence of Africans and other foreign students in the country has further enriched the multicultural mosaic of Malaysia.

“For example, international students in Sarawak have contributed much to the creation of a diverse and multicultural community.”

“Their participation in our local events and functions such as the annual Kuching Fest enables them to showcase the rich cultural heritage of their respective countries. This has in turn led to an appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage in our country.”

Meanwhile, INTI College Sarawak Managing Director and Chief Executive William Tan said the College was committed to groom African students to be the future leaders of their respective countries.

“Our mission is in providing an holistic education which will seek at enriching the life of each and every students, not only academically but also socially.”

At the function, Dr Chan was also invited to launch the first issue of the ASA magazine entitled “Mind Opener … the African Voice.”