Kota Kinabalu: A Sabahan social entrepreneur has been recognised for his work in empowering rural communities through modern agriculture, receiving a regional leadership award in Thailand recently.
Farm Tokou Founder cum Chief Executive Officer, Gerald Wong, received the 7th Asean Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Award at a ceremony in Bangkok.
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“This award is not an individual achievement, but a reflection of the resilience of rural communities, the commitment of young people and the collective efforts of partners who believe in inclusive and dignified rural development,” Wong said.
He was among 20 recipients from 10 Asean member countries honoured for sustained contributions to rural development and poverty eradication.
The award, presented biennially, recognises individuals who have demonstrated long-term impact in advancing rural communities.
Since 2018, Wong has worked with rural communities across Sabah, introducing modern farming methods including hydroponics, aquaponics and technology-driven agricultural systems.
His organisation also provides skills training and community-based economic development programmes.
Farm Tokou’s initiatives now operate in Telupid, Sook, Papar, Penampang, Kudat and Ranau, involving more than 100 participants.
Over the past two years, these programmes have helped communities generate a combined side income of RM432, 000.
The organisation’s model begins with knowledge transfer and practical skills training in modern agriculture and basic business management.
This is followed by installation of customised farming systems, including hydroponic and fertigation setups adapted to local conditions.
Agricultural produce is then marketed through Farm Tokou’s network or local markets, allowing communities to generate continuous income.
The ceremony was attended by senior Asean leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
