Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen.
Yang Bahagia Datuk Luqman Ahmad, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security;
Yang Bahagia Datuk Hadithaul Ahmad Zin, Chairman, Incorporated Society of Planters and Deputy President, International Institute of Plantation Management;
Yang Bahagia Teknologist Wan Abdul Manan Wan Abdullah, Registrar, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu;
Yang Bahagia Halid Hasbullah, Executive Director, International Institute of Plantation Management;
Yang Bahagia Chairman for the Third International Stingless Bee Conference and Workshop 2025;
Distinguished guests, invited speakers and panelists, participants of the Third ISBCW 2025, organizing committee members, ladies and gentlemen.
Tonight, it is truly an honor and a distinct pleasure for me to welcome all the great minds and expertise in front of me to Kuala Terengganu for the Gala Dinner of the International Stingless Bee Conference and Workshop 2025. On behalf of the Government and the people of Terengganu, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to every distinguished participant, researcher, entrepreneur, and dedicated beekeeper. Hopefully, I won’t get confused with Jason Statham the beekeeper or Adam Clay the beekeeper — but I warmly welcome all of you from across Malaysia and around the globe to our beautiful state of Terengganu.
Allow me to express my deepest gratitude to the International Institute of Plantation Management and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for bringing this important conference and workshop to our shores — to forge a living bridge where science meets tradition. I would encourage all delegates to use this conference as a space to exchange insights, forge interdisciplinary partnerships, deepen your knowledge and ours, and spark collaborations that will endure for years to come, inspiring the next generation on stingless bees.
While you are here, I invite you to immerse yourself in the treasures of Terengganu — to experience our coastal serenity and calmness, our timeless heritage of batik as we wear tonight, and our culinary mastery found in our nasi dagang, keropok lekor, and colorful local desserts.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is very interesting to note that the bee is not just a small creature we see before us on the screen, but it is also mentioned in the Qur’an — not only in a verse, but in an entire Surah named An-Nahl (The Bee). The Qur’an makes no specific reference whether it refers to stingless bees or sting bees, as embodied in Surah An-Nahl, verses 68–69:
“And your Lord inspired to the bee: Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees, and in what they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down for you. There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed, in that is a sign for people who give thought.”
The varying colors also explain why we have different breeds of bees and varieties of honey — whether from stingless or sting bees.
It is often said, “No bees, no food.” Bees — including our stingless bees — are among the most important creatures on Earth. Though small in size, their role in pollination sustains our farms, forests, and food supply. Without them, many of the fruits, vegetables, and seeds we enjoy today would disappear from our tables.
For generations, our local communities have nurtured bee colonies — their honey, propolis, and bee bread — products of both livelihood and culture. They are living symbols of sustainability, connecting our people to the land and the environment. Our vision is to ensure that this heritage is preserved and transformed into opportunities for future generations.
Tonight, I am heartened to see researchers, beekeepers, and entrepreneurs gathered under one roof. This is the collaborative spirit we must harness. Let us recognize the role of science and innovation in unlocking new potentials — from product development to health applications, from sustainable farming practices to international trade.
As we enjoy this evening’s fellowship, let us renew our shared purpose — to protect the small but mighty creatures that sustain our food systems, to nurture the surroundings where all life can thrive, and to build an economy that honors the environment and uplifts our communities.
We see the stingless bee sector as a strategic contributor to at least three integrated pillars of development:
1. Economic growth — by fostering value-added products, championing rural entrepreneurship, and promoting sustainable trade.
2. Social well-being — by empowering our smallholders, women, and youth.
3. Environmental sustainability — by ensuring that pollination and biodiversity are protected for generations to come.
Ladies and gentlemen,
There is one reflection I would like to share tonight. Coming from the same generation as many of you here, we all have heard the famous quote from the boxing legend Muhammad Ali: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
But tonight, we are here for the other bee — not the sting bee, but the stingless bee. For most people, including myself, our understanding of honey from stingless bees is still limited compared to our knowledge of regular honey from sting bees. Whether it is Manuka honey from New Zealand, Sidr honey from Yemen, Elish honey from Turkey, or Acacia honey from Hungary — these varieties enjoy a high level of protection, standardization, and premium value due to their unique ingredients and origins, supported by strong research and strategic marketing.
On the other hand, stingless bee honey faces notable challenges — limited production scale and yield, harvesting and processing difficulties, price and market access constraints, and various geographical and cultural factors.
As a fellow scientist and researcher myself, in what I call the second phase of my life — after my first phase as an engineer and researcher, then as a university lecturer — I now see that despite all the challenges mentioned earlier, none of us should feel sorrow or powerless. Challenges and problems are part of life. Otherwise, we would be living on a different planet altogether. In fact, this is precisely why we have this conference and workshop.
When I look at the issues at hand, and the comparison between stingless and sting bee honey — the enjoyment and privilege given to the latter — there must be something that policymakers, lawmakers like myself, and of course the government, need to address. Nothing much can be done immediately, but we can start by working together, forming partnerships, and finding ways to fulfill the aspirations of experts and stakeholders.
I would like to remind everyone, including myself, to be ready with proposals and policy papers. When the time comes, insya-Allah, we will revisit this discussion and move forward with the ideas shared tonight.
While you are here, I invite you to make lasting memories beyond these walls and immerse yourself in the soul of Terengganu — whether by savoring our cuisine while enjoying the sea breeze, admiring the craftsmanship of our batik and songket, or simply embracing the warmth of our people.
And one more important reminder for everyone, including myself: while we enjoy all the delicious food in Terengganu, don’t forget to visit your general practitioner for a blood test afterwards — to check cholesterol and sugar levels! Enjoy first, but be mindful of your health later. After all, that’s the cycle of life — and it gives our doctors something to do too.
I wish you all an enjoyable evening and a pleasant prelude to the important work ahead. May your discussions be fruitful, and may the collaborations forged here lead to lasting progress. For our guests who have traveled far, I wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Insya-Allah.
Thank you.
0 Comments