Asia Enterprise Boosts Local Paddy In Industry
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - Chai Yum Fatt of Asia Enterprise has not only boosted the local rice production but is currently working towards commercialising his products in Wasan, which was initially a testing ground for a variety of imported paddy seeds.

Instead of selling paddy back to the government at a break-even' cost, Chai made a bold move by growing the paddy, milling them with his heavy machineries and labour, and sell them to customers at a competitive price of $14 for a 10-kilogramme bulk.

His rice production is among the highest grades in the country, as confirmed by an officer from the Agriculture Department.

Chai's 50-hectare rice field in Wasan yields some 10 metric tonnes of milled rice, allowing him three harvesting Seasons a year.

Since he joined paddy farming in 2006, Chai has attempted to plant 20 types of rice grains, which are bearing fruit.

For Chai, farming runs in the family, with his father previously a farmer, and his children now assisting him in managing his businesses - Agri Mart, Research and Development in Kampong Tunggulian and Kampong Kilanas.

Construction is also underway in Bengkurong Masin, which aims to be the largest agri mart in Borneo.

Upon completion, it will sell agrochemicals, fertilisers, animal and vegetable seeds as well as farm machineries.

The sale of machineries has generated an annual turnover of $1.8 million, and Asia Enterprise has been appointed as the authorised agents of many agricultural products, licensed by overseas suppliers and manufacturers.

While Asia Enterprise previously only catered for the agricultural needs of the farming community in the Belait District, the business is now in sync with the agricultural development in the country.

The company is currently packaging and branding 3040 per cent of its products with raw materials imported by reputable overseas manufacturers.

Chai, as Agriculture Bureau Chief, is also awaiting approval for land application in Sungai Liang to replace the Gerai Wawasan.

His efforts in the local agricultural industry earned him Keris Award at the 6th Asia Pacific International Honesty Enterprise 2007 in Kuala Lumpur on January 26.

And last week, Chai was awarded Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) or Service to the State by HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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