At just 22, Dickson is managing a durian legacy older than he is

Dickson Tai, at just 22 years old, is managing a durian orchard that has been in his family for over three decades. The orchard, covering 5.6 hectares in Tiang Dua, was established by his grandfather over 35 years ago and later managed by his father. Tai, born and raised in Jasin, has been learning the trade from a young age and now oversees the entire operation, from growth and harvesting to exporting.

Some of the durian trees in the orchard have stood for longer than Tai himself has been alive. He has grown up watching the orchard's history unfold before his eyes, noting how his grandfather first established the orchard and how his father continued the tradition. Now, he carries on the legacy as the third generation of caretakers.

Early in his career, Tai learned the ropes by following his grandfather and father around the orchard, gradually taking on more responsibilities. He has become well-versed in the different varieties of durians on the land and the specific care each tree requires, especially when facing diseases or when fruit quality starts to deteriorate.

While some durian varieties, like durian kahwin, are relatively easy to manage with support nets during the fruiting season, premium varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn demand more attention—almost a nurturing approach like caring for babies.

During peak season, Tai's family orchard can yield nearly a tonne of durians in a single morning, depending on the conditions. His business extends beyond the farm, now handling wholesaling and exporting durians. The family supplies durians from various growers around Melaka, and they export them to markets like China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and Macau.

The shipment to Hong Kong takes about 12 hours, while China receives the fruit in roughly 18 hours. Tai aspires to introduce more of Melaka's lesser-known durian varieties, such as D103 (Mimpi Cinta) and D2 (Datuk Nina), to international markets.

Despite the challenges posed by weather, disease, fruit quality, and market conditions, the responsibility feels overwhelming at times for Tai, especially knowing he is the latest link in the family's long history of durian cultivation. He acknowledges the importance of this responsibility, understanding that his grandfather started it, his father continued it, and now it is his turn to carry on the tradition.