MUAR, 27 September 2025 – Seeds of innovation were sown at Sekolah Kebangsaan Panchor today during the launch of the RAISE (Rural Agriculture Innovation and Sustainability Empowerment) Project, a community-driven initiative under the Komuniti@UniMADANI Grant. The event, which commenced at 8:45 am, signifies a robust collaboration between the university, local communities, industry partners, and government agencies to advance sustainable agriculture and innovation in the rural Muar region.
The ceremony began with the arrival of guests and a welcoming address, followed by a speech from Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Hesham Ali, Director of the Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA), UTM Pagoh. Tuan Haji Rahman bin Selamat, Ketua Pegawai Pendidikan Daerah Muar, officiated the event, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in fostering community development through education, technology, and strategic collaborations. The event underscores the importance of integrating modern technology with traditional farming practices to enhance agricultural output and sustainability, aligning with Malaysia’s broader goals for food security and rural development.
A symbolic planting of sweet corn seeds marked the official launch, representing the growth and potential of the RAISE project. Attendees then toured the Fertigation Plot and the SEPANCAR Agrotechnology Gallery, showcasing the innovative techniques and technologies being implemented. The project leverages advanced bioprocessing to optimize agricultural yields and reduce environmental impact, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Mohamad Shukri bin Zainal Abidin, RAISE Project Leader, Research Fellow at ICA, and Senior Lecturer at FKE UTM, emphasized the project’s role as a catalyst for community development. Representatives from CCIN UTM, led by En. Muhammad Hanafi bin Md Sah, community leaders including Penghulu Mukim, Ketua Kampung, Pegawai Pertanian Daerah, Ketua Balai Polis Panchor, and industry representatives from Crop Power Sdn. Bhd., Thinker Space (M) Sdn. Bhd., MNA Green Tech Sdn. Bhd., and AKM Tani were also present, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the initiative. The launch concluded with a luncheon, providing an opportunity for further networking and discussion among participants, setting the stage for future collaborations and advancements in rural agriculture.
—
By: Puan Zulaikha Binti Sarobo, Innovation Centre In Agritechnology, Jabatan Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan & Inovasi)
