By WU VUIDE
TENOM: Thirty-two rural coffee farmers were equipped with modern agricultural knowledge to improve their livelihoods.
The farmers underwent hands-on training in a one-day community empowerment programme supported by the Tenom Agriculture Department and Yayasan Hasanah, held at Padas Farmstay in Kampung Paal.
Organised by Onsoi Coffee founder Sharon Voo, the programme covered coffee farming technology, pest control, harvest management and a practical session on pruning.
Participants also heard from former accountant-turned coffee farmer Tham Yau Siong, who shared his personal journey, demonstrating that coffee farming can be a sustainable and rewarding livelihood.
“I believe real change begins at the grassroots. Through this programme, our farmers gained practical knowledge and renewed hope.
“My vision is to raise incomes, improve harvest quality and inspire more young Sabahans to see coffee farming as a viable future.
“Tenom coffee is one of Sabah’s iconic products, and I am committed to promoting it through social media and by expanding our manufacturing capacity to make it accessible anytime, anywhere,” said Sharon.
She expressed hope that government agencies and corporate partners would continue supporting local enterprises to grow and bring Tenom coffee to a wider audience.
She said the programme received positive feedback, with farmers expressing greater confidence in applying improved techniques and motivation to increase yields.
She added that Onsoi Coffee is expanding its production capacity to make Tenom’s signature coffee more widely available while maintaining its community focus.
Sharon (ninth, right), with rural coffee farmers.
