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Malayasia’s Ministry of Digital is making significant strides in modernising agriculture through digital innovation and strategic partnerships. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has underscored the Ministry’s pivotal role in advancing modern farming practices by fostering collaborations among stakeholders and ecosystem partners. This initiative is poised to empower Malaysia’s agriculture sector with cutting-edge digital technologies.
Central to this effort is the Malaysia Digital AgTech3 initiative, managed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This initiative integrates a range of advanced technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics (BDA), artificial intelligence (AI), and drone technology.
The goal is to revolutionise agricultural practices and enhance productivity, quality, income, and operational efficiency. By optimising plantations and encouraging broader participation, the initiative aims to drive significant growth in the sector.
In his speech at the collaboration ceremony between BoomGrow and CelcomDigi, Gobind highlighted several key pilot projects under the Digital AgTech banner. These include smart fertigation systems, smart water monitoring, and the use of drone technology. These projects are designed to not only improve agricultural output but also to bolster the digital economy of Malaysia.
“The Malaysia Digital AgTech aims to enhance productivity, elevate quality, increase income, reduce operational costs, optimise plantations, and foster greater engagement in the sector,” Gobind stated.
Gobind emphasised that the success of this digital transformation hinges on strong collaborations among various stakeholders. He is confident that the digitalisation of farming methods will lead to substantial contributions to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP). Notably, the agriculture sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP increased to 7.2% in the second quarter of this year, up from 1.7% in the first quarter. This rise underscores the sector’s growing importance to the national economy.
The minister also commended BoomGrow, Malaysia’s first 5G-connected vertical farm, for its groundbreaking achievements in urban agriculture. BoomGrow’s innovative approach involves growing vegetables in containers, with each container capable of producing yields equivalent to an acre of traditional outdoor farming.
This method not only results in fresher and tastier produce but also addresses pressing food security issues. Such innovations showcase the potential of technology to revolutionise food production and enhance sustainability both locally and globally.
Gobind concluded his remarks by stressing the broader impacts of these technological advancements. “Technological revolutions in agriculture will not only help preserve our environment but also secure our food supply, strengthen our economy, and position Malaysia as a leader in sustainable agriculture throughout Southeast Asia.”
He also pointed out that AI and IoT technologies will be prominently featured at the upcoming 100th Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agro Tourism Exhibition (MAHA), scheduled for September 11 to 22 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) in Selangor. The exhibition aims to inspire more farmers to adopt digital technologies and innovations in their practices.
The Ministry of Digital’s proactive approach to integrating digital technologies into agriculture highlights its commitment to modernising the sector and driving economic growth.
OpenGov Asia reported that Malaysia is eager to deploy cutting-edge digital technologies across various sectors to drive national growth and deliver significant benefits to its economy and society. A global leader in test and measurement solutions has invested over RM100 million (about US$ 21.5 million) to set up its first overseas manufacturing facility and R&D centre in Penang, marking a key milestone in Malaysia’s high-tech sector.
The investment will set up production lines for test instruments and, in a second phase, expand capabilities with a new R&D centre. This will boost production, create 150 jobs, and strengthen Malaysia’s high-tech sector.
As Malaysia continues to embrace these advancements, the nation is expected to experience a transformative shift that will enhance productivity, sustainability and overall economic contribution.
