His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri then proceeded to view the Knowledge Convention 2018 Exhibition. The exhibition, among other things, aim to instil interest as well as encourage entrepreneurship in agriculture by focusing on agricultural technologies that are capable of increasing the farm's productivity.

The Balai Kenangan Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien Special Exhibition highlighted the introduction of agriculture sector that highlights the country's agricultural evolution of the past, now and the future; the agriculture sector from Islam's perspective; as well as the vision and mission in developing the agriculture sector. Among the displays include the agriculture activities from 1950 to 1967.

Among the government's initiatives towards diversification in the agriculture sector include opening a number of agricultural sites nationwide, providing assistance in the form of finance and equipment, sponsoring locals for overseas study and attending agricultural exhibitions overseas.

An exhibition on house models from the past were among the displays that attracted the attention of Their Majesties. The traditional Kedayan farmer house is usually built at farm areas using various types of wood, bamboos and palm leaves. The house was built with safety and convenience in mind for the farmers to work and rest.

At the International Convention Centre's Lobby, His Majesty officiated the Knowledge Convention 2018 Exhibition.

Also on display were a collection of His Majesty's titah.

The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, in its strategic plan, expected an increase in the agriculture and agrifood output from 385 million dollars in 2016 to one billion 80 million dollars by 2020. The Department of Agriculture and Agrifood's strategic plan for 2016 to 2020 was created to ensure its plans are inline with the vision "Towards the Growth of Agriculture and Agrifood-based Industry Output Through Export-Oriented Increased Productivity and High Technology."

Agricultural education was also one of exhibition's focus. This field showcased all education programmes including research and development in agriculture, that also include basic, primary, secondary and tertiary curriculum as well as career path and job opportunities in agriculture.

The theme 'Agricultural Sector: Survivability of Race and Nation' was inline with the aspiration of His Majesty to increase efforts towards developing the nation's economy through agriculture and fishery.

The Agribusiness Ecosystem field displayed the government's efforts through the 'Whole of Nation' approach between the government and private agencies. Among them were the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry, as well as other agencies that play vital roles in the agribusiness ecosystem.

Another field highlighted the Wasan exhibition on entrepreneurship and fresh produce and processing. The exhibition showcased the entrepreneurs and their success; the agribusiness fresh farm produce as well as job opportunities.

Meanwhile, livestock industry remained as the main contributor in the agriculture and agrifood development in terms of overall local output value from 2015 to 2017. The sector's contribution rose nearly 200 million dollars last year compared to 197 million dollars in 2015.

In the period of just two decades, the country's fishery sector also witnessed encouraging development. The fishery sector's output grew at an annual rate of 5 point 1-5 percent from 43 million dollars in 1998 to 112 million dollars in 2017. The aquaculture industry was identified as one of the main contributors of the fishery industry's growth in the country.

Also attracting the attention of His Majesty was the Agrotechnology field that displayed agriculture revolution in upholding the Monarch's aspiration apart from stressing the use of technology in business activities. This year's Knowledge Convention Exhibition was joined by several ministries, departments as well as agencies that are related to the nation's economic activities as well as entrepreneurs from the agriculture, fishery and processing industries.

The 1-week Knowledge Convention Exhibition is open to the public until the 3rd of next month, from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, with the exception on Friday in which the exhibition will be closed from 12 to 2 in the afternoon. The exhibition is hoped to achieve its goal in providing explanation on this year's Knowledge Convention theme which is seen as relevant to be discussed by academics as well as entrepreneurs and farmers.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect

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