SHAH ALAM, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The 5^th International Plantation Industry Conference and Exhibition (IPiCEx2016), jointly organized by the International Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM) and UiTM Melaka is a premier forum for the presentation of issues, new advances, and research findings in the plantation and commodities sector. Besides providing a platform for participants to establish and strengthen their network with renowned scientists, agriculturists, policy makers and plantation industry professionals, the conference will also hold an exhibition, an IPiCEx Challenge, and organize a post-conference tour.
 
With the theme “Shaping the Future of the Plantation Industry: Changing Trends, Opportunities and Sustainability”, topics ranging from talent management, transformation of the industry, integrated farming, challenges and sustainable solutions, technological developments and applications will be deliberated in depth by expert speakers.
 
The conference will be officiated by the Honourable Minister of Plantation Industry and Commodities (MPIC), Malaysia, YB Datuk Mah Siew Keong. Among the notable keynote speakers will be the highly renowned YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Yusof Basiron of Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), and YBhg. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Akbar Md. Said, FiiPM, the  Director General of the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM). Thirteen papers will be presented by local and international speakers. A dinner will also be held in conjunction with the IIPM Professional Fellow Membership awards, to be presented to the recipients by YAB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, the Chief Minister of Johor.

Why Johor?
 
IPiCEx 2016 will be held in Johor in recognition of the state being a showcase of agricultural vibrancy and a top food producer in Malaysia. Johor is located at the southernmost tip of Malaysia, and close to Indonesia. Indonesia and Malaysia produces most of the world’s palm oil, are major producers of natural rubber, and forest products.
 
In addition, Johor Bahru is emerging as  an established and much sought after venue for meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibition (MICE) purposes. It is conveniently accessible from most parts of the world, offers modern infrastructure with a wide range of well-equipped facilities, a stable political landscape and a growing local economy with well-developed systems in banking and finance. The Iskandar Development Corridor, at the southern tip of the country, covers an area of 221,634 hectares, is one of the growth catalyst of the Malaysian economy.
 
With a robust economy in Johor, the MICE industry also grows – as exemplified by the Thistle Johor Bahru where this conference will be held. Thistle Johor Bahru is the only 5-star hotel in the booming Zone A of Johor Bahru City, within the Iskandar region. The hotel lies nearby to Edu City, the Persada Convention Centre and two upcoming high-end shopping malls. It is just a 10-minute drive away from the causeway connecting Johor and Singapore.
 
Who, and  why should you attend?
 
We therefore invite participants from all sectors of the industry – government and private, individuals, researchers and scientists, academics and students – to join us in this highly informative biannual event not only to see the exhibits on technology and innovations, but to join in the knowledge expanding discussion as well as the educational post conference tour. The participants and audience will have the opportunity to share experience and ideas, discuss, and collate knowledge with policy makers, plantation professionals, scientists and academics on many issues in the plantation and commodities industry.

What is IIPM?
 
The International Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM) is a professional body representing all sectors of the plantation industry. It was founded in May 2005 as an offshoot of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM), registered under Trustee Company limited by guarantee. IIPM aims to upgrade and uplift the profession of planters, to provide an organization and membership for planters, to enhance their continuous professional development, and serve as a national reference centre for the plantation industry.
 
The established professional training programs offered by IIPM include the MQA recognized Certificate in Plantation Industry Management (CPIM), the Professional Diploma in Plantation Management (PDPM), and the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) in Plantation Industry Management. The CPIM is equivalent to Level 3 while the PDPM is equivalent to Level 4 in the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF). The PQE is equivalent to the Bachelor’s Degree. Another prestigious program is the Specialist Professional Qualification Course for Visiting Agents and Planting Advisors, in collaboration with the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM), specializing in oil palm and rubber. Graduates of this course will be awarded the post initial title “Certified Planter (CP)”. 
 
For more information on IPiCEx 2016, professional courses and membership offered by IIPM, please visit our website at www.iipm.com.my.
 
HALID HASBULLAH BOESTAMAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IIPM
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, IPiCEx 2016

SOURCE : The International Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name : Mr Mohd Najid bin Abd. Rashid 
Tel: 03-5522 5534/ 03 - 5522 5531 / 019-282 2850
Fax: 03-5522 5534
Email: najid@iipm.com.my

--BERNAMA