Sabahan wins ASEAN award for rural development leadership

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 13): A Sabahan, Gerald Wong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farm Tokou, has brought pride to the state and the nation after being honoured with the 7th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Award at an official ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 11.

Gerald was among 20 recipients from 10 ASEAN member countries, recognised for outstanding leadership and sustained contributions to rural development and poverty eradication across the region.

The biennial award acknowledges individuals whose initiatives have created lasting and meaningful impact within rural communities.

The recognition highlights Gerald’s work since 2018 in empowering rural communities through agriculture-based initiatives under Farm Tokou.

His approach centres on transferring knowledge and practical skills to community participants, particularly in modern farming techniques and basic business management.

Farm Tokou has introduced technology-driven agricultural systems such as hydroponics, aquaponics and fertigation, tailored to local contexts and community capabilities. These systems are designed to ensure consistency, sustainability and long-term viability.

Agricultural produce is subsequently marketed either through Farm Tokou’s networks or local markets, enabling communities to generate their own income and reduce reliance on short-term assistance.

Commenting on the award, Gerald said the recognition belonged to the rural communities he has worked with over the years.

“This award is not an individual achievement. It reflects the courage of rural communities to embrace change, the commitment of young people who see agriculture as a viable future, and the collective efforts of partners who believe in inclusive and dignified rural development,” he said.

Since its establishment, Farm Tokou has positioned agriculture not merely as a food production sector but as a platform for social and economic development. Community farming initiatives have been implemented in several rural districts in Sabah, including Telupid, Sook, Papar, Penampang, Kudat and Ranau, involving more than 100 participants.

Over the past two years, these initiatives have helped participating communities generate a combined supplementary income of RM432,000, while encouraging a positive shift in perceptions among rural youth towards agriculture as a viable and sustainable career path.

The award ceremony was attended by senior ASEAN leaders, including Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, underscoring ASEAN’s continued commitment to rural development, food security and poverty eradication in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Gerald’s achievement places Sabah and Malaysia among key contributors to inclusive and sustainable rural development efforts at the ASEAN level.