By Dr. Manvir Singh
Dr. Manvir Singh, a Veterinarian and working as Senior Associate (Productivity Enhancement Services) at NDDB Dairy Services, India, is currently pursuing the Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management (Executive) at Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), Anand. He had the opportunity to work at the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (ANGKASA) under the Project work Module (Internship) facilitated by ICA-AP and IRMA. He shares his experience with ANGKASA below:
Prior to working at ANGKASA, I was unfamiliar with the dairy production scenario in Malaysia and how cooperatives are facilitating dairying in this part of the globe. Interning at ANGKASA was a valuable learning experience. My knowledge about the many roles of the cooperative movement broadened but more importantly, I learnt a great deal about many of its activities for welfare of its members.
My project involved “Examining Factors of Production in Scaling-up Dairy Production”. The goal of this project was to examine the various factors of dairy production in scaling up dairy production to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production and contribute to economic development of Malaysia. Based on findings, recommendations were shared with top Management of ANGKASA. This project gave me an opportunity to research and communicate with various stakeholders in dairying in Malaysia while analysing my findings. I was extended full support with the project by ANGKASA, which enabled me to take initiative while also being able to ask for help as required to complete tasks.
Overall, I believe my internship at ANGKASA was a worthwhile experience. It gave me an opportunity to network and learn more about dairying in different country and context. Most importantly, I learned the importance of cooperative movement in Malaysia in community development and how ANGKASA affects positive change in the lives of cooperatives members. My experience was amazing and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the friendly and supportive staff of ANGKASA, especially to mention Ms. Farihah, my reporting officer.
Cooperation among cooperatives will provide an opportunity to learn from each other and members can be benefitted from other’s competency in the specific area, as dairy cooperative movement in India can be an example of bringing self-sufficiency in milk production and economic development of smallholder farmers through cooperative movement.
During my internship, I was in Kelana Jaya, a bustling suburb of Petaling Jaya city of Selangor state. I made routine to visits to the picturesque Taman Bandaran or Kelana Jaya Lake Park for evening walks, when not out for fieldwork. No other county is "Truly Asia" as Malaysia because there is only one place where all the colours, flavours, sounds and sights of Asia come together. No other country has Asia's three major races, Malay, Chinese, Indian, plus various other ethnic groups in large numbers. Nowhere is there such exciting diversity of cultures, festivals, traditions and customs, offering myriad experiences. In addition, the rich heritage of multi ethnic culture created an amazing variety of food to choose from, with traditional famous Malaysian food like Nasi Lemak or Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Indian or continental cuisines.
Thank you to everyone for an enjoyable learning opportunity!
