Selangor Pioneers Tech-Driven Agriculture

Selangor is actively pursuing innovative technologies to empower its modern agricultural sector, thereby ensuring a stable food supply for its population. The commitment to advancing the agricultural industry through cutting-edge technologies underscores the state’s dedication to achieving higher yields in response to evolving food demands.

The state executive councillor for investment emphasised the critical importance of modern agriculture in the state’s government agenda. The drive to further enhance contemporary farming practices with the incorporation of new technologies is prompted by a range of challenges, including climate change impacts, labour shortages, and limited land resources. The councillor expressed these sentiments at the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2023, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

A noteworthy aspect of this year’s SIBS is the significant participation of foreign food and beverage companies, comprising 33% of the total exhibitors. This international involvement represents a promising development for promoting the agricultural sector in Selangor.

By collaborating with nations like China, Taiwan, Uganda, and Indonesia, Selangor aims to diversify its sources of food supplies. This diversification strategy not only reduces dependence on a small number of suppliers but also fosters the sharing of knowledge and experiences in modern farming practices among Malaysian agricultural entrepreneurs.

During the event, the executive councillor for investment also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Invest Selangor Bhd (Invest Selangor) and Universiti Putra Malaysia. The primary objective of this MoU is to advance Selangor’s biotechnology sector. Representing Invest Selangor was its Chief Executive Officer while Universiti Putra Malaysia was represented by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International).

The state investment promotion agency released a statement highlighting that this collaboration aligns with the Selangor Biotechnology Action Plan (SBAP). The SBAP focuses on various key areas, including medical and healthcare, agriculture, as well as industries and environment subsectors. This collaboration underlines Selangor’s readiness to play a pivotal role in positioning itself as an attractive investment destination for those seeking to enter the biotechnology landscape.

Selangor’s agricultural sector is on an exciting trajectory, leveraging advanced technologies to ensure sustainable food production. The active engagement of foreign companies at the SIBS event illustrates the global appeal of Selangor’s agricultural advancements.

Collaborations and agreements, such as the one between Invest Selangor and Universiti Putra Malaysia, are crucial in driving innovation and promoting the biotechnology sector. Overall, Selangor’s commitment to modernising its agriculture is poised to yield substantial benefits, not only for the state but also for the broader agricultural industry.

OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the University Malaysia Terengganu (UTM) and a government department collaborated in the domain of agriculture and food security. This collaboration bears similarities to Selangor’s efforts in advancing its agricultural sector through technology and innovation. While Selangor focuses on leveraging modern farming practices and cutting-edge technologies to enhance food security and sustainability, UMT’s MOU underscores a commitment to similar objectives.

Both initiatives acknowledge the importance of agriculture, food security, and agribusiness. Selangor aims to modernize its agriculture sector by embracing new technologies, addressing climate change challenges, and diversifying food sources through international collaborations. On the other hand, UMT is emphasising its role in sharing research findings and technological innovations, particularly in fields such as fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture.

Both initiatives recognise that leveraging technology and research is essential for addressing local and national socio-economic needs, ultimately contributing to food security and the greater good of their respective regions. As these collaborations evolve, they have the potential to bring about substantial socio-economic benefits and advancements in their areas of focus.