19 November 2025 | Lemanak Oil Palm Estate & Lubok Antu Palm Oil Mill (LAPOM)

SALCRA recently welcomed six undergraduate students from Tohoku Gakuin University, Japan, led by Associate Professor Dr Sakuma Kyoko, for an educational visit designed to provide first-hand exposure to Sarawak’s palm oil industry.

The students participated in a series of structured learning activities covering both plantation and milling operations. At Lemanak Oil Palm Estate, they gained practical experience in Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) harvesting, collection and supervised loading using a mini crawler. This was followed by a guided tour of key processing operations at LAPOM. An interactive session, comprising overview briefings and field visits led by the Estate Manager and Mill Engineer, further enhanced their understanding of SALCRA’s operational standards, sustainability practices and contributions to rural communities.

Before departing for Mulu the next day, Dr Sakuma Kyoko expressed her appreciation for SALCRA’s warm hospitality. She noted that the visit provided a comprehensive overview of SALCRA’s operational framework and deepened the students’ understanding of its strategic role in advancing rural community development through sustainable and responsible palm oil practices. She also shared that the visit offered a meaningful introduction to Sarawak’s natural landscape and cultural heritage, enriching the overall learning experience.

Special appreciation is extended to the General Administration and Quality Manager, Madam Jee Siaw Kee; the Area Manager of the Sri Aman Region, Mr Charlemagne Joanes Jose; the Mill Manager of LAPOM, Mr Gira Enggam; and the Senior Sustainability Officer, Madam Patricia Chan, for their presence and support throughout the programme. Appreciation also goes to the dedicated teams from Lemanak OPE, LAPOM and the Corporate Communication Unit for ensuring that the visit was well-organised, informative and productive.

Looking ahead, SALCRA will continue to welcome both local and international students, supporting hands-on learning experiences, strengthening knowledge exchange and showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices, economic development and rural community empowerment.