By Zainab Ngaini
KUCHING – Building on the notable success of its first phase, the Stingless Bee Entrepreneurship Project has officially launched Phase 2 with its foundational workshop, “Bengkel Asas Ternakan Madu Kelulut.” This expansion, a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (KEMENTAH) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), seeks to involve a larger number of participants from the military community, specifically targeting wives, children, and prospective retirees at Kem Udara Batu 10 and Kem Udara Batu Kawa. Held on June 20–21, 2026, at Rumah Bakat, Kem Pangkalan Udara Batu 10, the workshop marks the beginning of a dedicated 12-month roadmap aimed at fostering economic resilience through sustainable agro-entrepreneurship.
The two-day intensive program, led by Project Leader Prof. Dr Zainab Ngaini and industry expert Kapten Syed Amran bin Mohamad (B) from Kapten Agro Farm Sarawak, provided a comprehensive introduction to the technical and health aspects of stingless bee farming.
Prof. Dr Zainab Ngaini emphasised, “This project is more than just about honey; it is about building a sustainable future for military families by turning a traditional practice into a viable modern enterprise.”
Participants learned about the medicinal benefits of Stingless Bee honey, which is recognised for its high antioxidant properties and its role in managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The sessions offered hands-on training in colony multiplication, log and topping construction, and the assembly of Stingless Bee traps, providing the 20 new beneficiaries with the tools to manage their own home-based business.
This project aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and No Poverty, by empowering military families to become self-reliant agropreneurs. Kapten Syed Amran bin Mohamad (B) highlighted the venture’s suitability, noting that stingless bee farming is ideal for this community because it requires minimal space and manageable capital while offering high returns.
Following this foundational workshop, the project will enter a phase focused on downstream product development, in which participants will learn to create value-added products such as honey-based soaps, lotions, and balms. Through continuous monitoring and marketing support, UNIMAS and KEMENTAH are committed to scaling the success of the first phase to benefit even more families within the Malaysian Armed Forces.
The event was also graced by the presence of Captain Muhammad Faiz bin Mohd Kassim, the Base BAKAT Officer, along with project team members from UNIMAS who provided essential support for the initiative.
