29/02/2012 (Borneo Post) - Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok has directed the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to come up with more courses suitable for graduates interested to continue their studies in fields related to plantations.

He said many fresh university and college leavers were interested in working in the industry but might not get the job they were applying for as they did not have the right qualifications.

Speaking to reporters after officiating at the Technology Transfer Seminar for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) here yesterday, he said currently opportunities were already available for diploma and degree holders to take up courses and training offered by the Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC) but this could be further improved to encourage more participation from job seekers.

“I am concerned about the graduates, some of whom have even come to see me to ask for jobs. They may not get the job they wanted, which is why I encourage them to take the intensive courses provided by IMPAC.

“The plantation industry offers a lot of potential for employment, not only for labour but also in the management level,” he said. He said employment opportunities in the plantation sector were opened to everyone but the ministry was currently giving emphasis on training and grooming those with diploma and degree to help boost the industry forward.

The seminar provided a platform for small and medium enterprises to collaborate and forge smart partnership with the MPOB.

To date, the agency has identified close to 100 technologies relevant to the SMEs, of which 49 have been commercialised and generated some RM35 million in market value.

Among the technologies available for commercialisation are farm mechanism, production of farm biomass products, animal feed, various food formulations and palm-based oleochemical products such as cosmetic and detergent.

The seminar also involved participation of government agencies and financial institutions to encourage business matching among potential partners.