Innovation Research And Human Capital Development Division (PIMI)

OBJECTIVE:

·         To assist in the development and promotion of a conducive and enabling environment which supports innovation research and facilitates human capital development in the plantation industry and commodity sector so as to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and ensure it continues to remain as a major contributor to the national economic growth.

 MAIN FUNCTIONS:

·         Innovation Research – to study, assess, plan and formulate policies and strategies, as well as, monitor the implementation of programmes/activities in the plantation industry and commodity sector so as to encourage continued research and improvement activities towards creation of new, innovative, productive and  higher value added processes, technologies and products, including:

§         establishing database on innovation indicators, such as productivity level and R&D results;

§         implementing studies and research pertaining to efficiency, productivity, quality and sustainability improvement and enhancement efforts in the plantation industry and commodity sector;

§         monitoring and encouraging efforts pertaining to farm integration and consolidation, mechanisation and automation;

§         monitoring and assessing relevant issues and legislations related to the plantation industry and commodity sector;

§         studying the infrastructure/incentives/assistance for research and development/commercialisation of research results in the plantation industry and commodity sector; and

§         planning and undertaking programmes to promote and enhance innovation efforts among stakeholders in the plantation industry and commodity sector.

·         Human Capital Development – to study, assess, plan and formulate policies and strategies, as well as, coordinate the implementation of programmes/activities in the plantation industry and commodity sector so as to provide adequate and continued focus on capacity develoment and enhancement of human capital, including:

§         establishing database on labour force and employment in the plantation industry and commodity sector;

§         performing the task as Secretariat to the Human Capital Development  Committee in the plantation industry and commodity sector;

§         coordinating the implementation of various action plans and strategies for enhancing skills of workers in the plantation industry and commodity sector;

§         undertaking studies on supply and demand on labour force/employment in the plantation industry and commodity sector;

§         planning and coordinating efforts to enhance the image and encourage the involvement of the younger generation in the in the plantation industry and commodity sector; and

§         planning and undertaking programmes pertaining to human capital development among stakeholders in the plantation industry and commodity sector.