In a significant address at the Pakar Pertanian Expo 2025, Deputy Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin underscored the pivotal role of digital technology, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) in propelling Malaysia’s agri-food and agri-commodity sectors forward. The expo, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), serves as a platform for showcasing innovations and advancements in agriculture, and Chan’s remarks highlighted the urgent need for the industry to embrace these technologies.
Chan emphasised that agricultural innovations are not just aspirations but necessities for boosting yields, optimising resource management, and promoting environmental sustainability. Precision farming, traceability, and a circular economy are key areas where technology can make a significant impact. By adopting precision farming techniques, farmers can maximise yields while minimising environmental impact. Digital traceability technology, on the other hand, enhances transparency, boosts productivity, and strengthens international market confidence in Malaysian products.
The minister urged industry players to embrace modern technology, sustainable practices, and digital transformation to maintain the competitiveness of the agriculture and plantation sector. He noted the effectiveness of Digital Agriculture Technology (Digital AgTech), with over 600 systems successfully implemented nationwide by 2024. These systems have benefited 30,000 agricultural entrepreneurs, who have undergone digitalisation training to enhance their skills in using the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI technology in daily operations.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), as the implementing agency for Digital AgTech, plays a crucial role in ensuring that digital technologies developed by technology partners directly benefit agricultural entrepreneurs. This initiative spans all major agricultural sub-sectors, empowering operations by integrating real-time data-driven digital technology. This approach boosts productivity and revenue while reducing operating costs, contributing to efforts to address food security challenges through technological adoption.
In addition to Digital AgTech, the Ministry of Plantations and Commodities (KPK), through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), has established the Mechanisation and Automation Research Consortium of Oil Palm (MARCOP). This public-private partnership leverages mechanisation and automation technologies to explore, evaluate, design, and implement solutions aimed at increasing productivity in Malaysia’s palm oil plantation industry while reducing reliance on manual labour.
The Pakar Pertanian Expo 2025, running until Feb 22, features 218 booths, 126 exhibitors, and 630 local and international brands. Participants can explore innovations across various sectors, including IoT-based smart agriculture, aquaculture, sustainable food processing, and modern agricultural machinery. The expo provides a valuable opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with the latest advancements and network with key players in the agricultural sector. Admission is free, and more information can be found at www.pakarpertanian.my or https://bit.ly/PPE25VisitorRegistration.
