In the heart of Southeast Asia, a transformative journey unfolds, led by Farm Konekt, a visionary agribusiness company co-founded by John Gastanes. The destination? Kuching, Malaysia, where Farm Konekt plunges into the vibrant currents of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area), a region poised for accelerated economic development. This strategic move aligns with Farm Konekt's commitment to fostering inclusive agribusiness solutions, marking a significant chapter in its quest to revolutionize the agricultural sector.
Spearheading Sustainable Agribusiness
At the core of Farm Konekt's mission is the drive to serve as a leading clustering and community organizing platform within the BIMP-EAGA. Recognizing the immense potential of inclusive business models, Farm Konekt leverages cutting-edge matchmaking services, fintech integration, and agri-tech solutions. The goal is clear: to catalyze sustainable growth and development, transforming the agribusiness landscape across the region.
Empowering Local Communities
Central to Farm Konekt's strategy is the consolidation of cooperative networks, a bold initiative aiming to galvanize at least 200 cooperatives. This endeavor will mobilize support for approximately 40,000 farmers and fisherfolk, fostering a robust ecosystem where local communities thrive. By enhancing participation in the agricultural value chain, Farm Konekt sets the stage for a future where prosperity is shared and sustainable practices are the norm.
Charting the Course for Future Success
The BIMP-EAGA Strategic Planning event, spanning three insightful days, offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders from both government and private sectors to envision the future of the region. Farm Konekt, entrusted with a pivotal role, focuses on delivering its collaborative project with the Green Growth Group Initiative (GGGI) through 2026. The initiative emphasizes supply chain integration and the cultivation of impactful business collaborations across the four member countries, setting a benchmark for agribusiness excellence.
Visionary Leadership
Reflecting on Farm Konekt's groundbreaking endeavor, CEO John Gastanes shares his perspective: "It is truly humbling to represent not only our nation but also the collective vision of our communities across the BIMP-EAGA region. Our mission is to collaborate with stakeholders who share our commitment to creating sustainable business models that benefit all. Through innovation, partnership, and unwavering dedication, we are poised to drive inclusive growth and transform the agricultural landscape in the region."
As Farm Konekt continues its journey in BIMP-EAGA, its efforts symbolize a beacon of hope and innovation. The company's endeavors in Kuching, Malaysia, are not merely about expanding its footprint but about laying down the roots for a future where agribusiness thrives on inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. In this transformative quest, Farm Konekt stands as a testament to the power of collaborative effort and visionary leadership in shaping the agricultural domain of Southeast Asia.
Project Zacchaeus Eco Kolek (PZC) recently conducted a Solid Waste Management (SWM) training session focused on plastic pollution and waste hierarchy. The training aimed to educate the new cohort of Eco Warriors about the harmful impacts of plastic waste pollution on the environment and the importance of adopting sustainable waste management practices.
During the session, participants learned about the adverse effects of plastic pollution on soil, water, air, and living organisms. They gained insights into the significant environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and the urgent need for collective action to address this issue.
The training also introduced the Waste Hierarchy concept, which serves as a benchmark for proper solid waste management. The hierarchy prioritizes waste management strategies based on their environmental impact, with an emphasis on avoiding, reducing, recycling, and composting waste whenever possible.
With a total of 16 participants in attendance, including 6 males and 10 females, the training session fostered a collaborative learning environment where Eco Warriors could engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas about effective waste management practices.
By equipping Eco Warriors with knowledge and awareness about plastic pollution and waste hierarchy principles, PZC aims to empower them to take proactive steps towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable waste management solutions within their communities.
This training session represents a vital step in PZC's mission to create a cleaner, healthier environment and build a network of environmentally conscious and empowered individuals dedicated to addressing the challenges of plastic pollution.
FarmKonekt's recent participation in the 1st Quarter P-EAGA Agribusiness Cluster Working Group Meeting highlights a significant step in the advancement and diversification of agriculture in the P-EAGA region. The meeting was a vibrant platform for discussing funding opportunities, aiming to support a broader range of agricultural commodities, including coconut, cattle, and rice. This approach indicates a strategic move towards diversifying agricultural focuses within the P-EAGA region.
A key aspect of the discussions was the role of the government in creating enabling policies for agricultural growth, and the expected contributions from the private sector, including organizations like FarmKonekt, in providing support and connectivity through partnerships. This emphasizes a collaborative framework essential for the development of agribusiness.
The meeting also recognized the importance of involving young farmers in agribusiness and explored value-adding activities to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural products. The engagement of younger generations and innovation in the industry marked a forward-thinking approach.
Significant attention was given to regional agreements and partnerships, like SL Agritech’s collaboration with Indonesian counterparts and the Gensan Tuna project’s agreements with Indonesia, highlighting strategic movements in fisheries and other sectors. Innovations in high-value crops like mango, which include advancements for longer shelf life, were also noted, showcasing a shift towards technological enhancements in agriculture.
International trade and cooperation were other focal points, with discussions on the Philippines' chairmanship in BIMP-EAGA in 2026 and China's involvement through the BIMP-EAGA China Cooperation Fund. These talks centered on agricultural trade and investment cooperation, indicating a growing international interest in the region’s agriculture. Additionally, the demand for healthy foods like durian in China presented new market opportunities, particularly noting the rising sector of durian farming due to its high demand.
The meeting also highlighted the BKCF 4th round funding opportunity, offering financial support ranging from $100k to $500k USD, to encourage projects that align with the funding criteria. This initiative marks a significant step in enabling the growth and diversification of agricultural projects in the region.
FarmKonekt's involvement in the P-EAGA Agribusiness Cluster Working Group Meeting signifies a pivotal moment in regional agricultural development, laying down a foundation for a more diversified, sustainable, and technologically advanced agricultural sector. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved are set to foster significant growth and innovation in the P-EAGA agribusiness landscape.