Kota kinabalu: The selection of Sabah-born Gerald Wong as a recipient of the 7th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Award has brought honour to the state and Malaysia. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed his pride in Gerald's success, highlighting that the founder and chief executive officer of Farm Tokou has demonstrated the capability of Sabahans to compete and lead rural development initiatives at the regional level.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gerald was among 20 recipients presented with the award on December 12 in Bangkok, Thailand, at a ceremony witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In a joint statement, Gerald said the award was the result of a collective effort with rural communities actively involved in modern agricultural initiatives, such as hydroponics and aquaponics. These initiatives are supported by skills training and community economic development programmes, which help generate sustainable supplementary income.

He stated that Farm Tokou operates in Telupid and Penampang and has guided over 100 rural communities across 10 districts since 2023, including in Sook, Ranau, Kudat, and Papar. 'This award belongs to all the communities who believe in modern agriculture as a catalyst for rural economic development,' said the Telupid native.