SEARCA has partnered with the Regional SEARCA Alumni Association (RSAA) to host a conference, "Cultivating Tomorrow: SEARCA's Insights for Agriculture's Future"on 25–26 April 2024, at SEARCA in Los Baños, Laguna. The conference aims to showcase the research accomplishments of selected SEARCA scholars as of AY 2023–24 and raise awareness of their role in the future of agriculture. It also seeks to provide a platform for sharing information, practices, knowledge, and skills generated from research and development activities; thereby strengthening the relationship among scholars and alumni.
During the two-day conference, 22 scholars will present their research in five sessions: agriculture policy and development, natural resource management, food and biological sciences, agronomy and plant sciences, and innovation in agricultural applications. The event demonstrates SEARCA's support for the scholars' academic achievements and recognizes their dedication to producing quality research that contributes to accelerating transformation through agricultural innovation.
SEARCA has also invited notable alumni to serve as plenary speakers. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Firdaus, education and culture attaché of the Indonesian Embassy to Malaysia will deliver the inspirational message. Ts. Jason Choy Min Sheng, senior assistant director of the Industry and Community Collaboration Division, Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education, Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia, will speak about the Role of Transnational TVET Studies - Malaysia's Experience. Dr. Jonathan Sabiniano, director of the National Livestock Program - Department of Agriculture in the Philippines, will discuss government-led initiatives that will shape agriculture's future. Additionally, Mr. Natalino Babo Martins, deputy project manager of Conservation International in Timor Leste, will provide insights into the NGOs' prospects in strengthening agriculture's future. Dr. Ir. Asdi Agustar, professor at Andalas University in Indonesia, and RSAA president, and Dr. Weerapon Thongma, president of Maejo University and RSAA vice president, will deliver the welcome and closing messages, respectively.
Aside from the conference, SEARCA has organized the SEARCAMustahan on 25 April, an evening of networking and camaraderie with the scholars and alumni as they connect over shared experiences and aspirations. On 26 April afternoon, there will also be a food fest, where scholars will share a rich tapestry of flavors and cultures with their traditional cuisines.
SEARCA, through its Education and Collective Learning Department (ECLD), has revived the conduct of previous regular events based on the setup of the current scholars and alumni and plans to make it an annual occurrence.