Vatican: The Use of AI in Agrifood Systems Needs to Place Humans at the Centre
Modern farming increasingly uses artificial intelligence, sensors and other digital technologies to improve productivity, monitor crops and help farmers respond to changing conditions. The Vatican has called for such innovations to keep human dignity and the common good at the centre, ensuring that technology serves farmers and rural communities rather than reducing them to data […]
Sabah looks to science and technology to build its next generation of innovators
KOTA KINABALU — Sabah wants to build a generation that does more than use technology. It wants young people who can understand how technology works, develop solutions to local problems, and turn scientific ideas into innovations that benefit the state. Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said recently that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) would be crucial […]
From river menace to green gold: Dalat turns water hyacinth into opportunity
DALAT, Sarawak: For generations, the Batang Oya River has been a lifeline for communities in Dalat, carrying villagers to farms, sago plantations and neighbouring settlements. But the same river has also brought an unwelcome passenger. Thick mats of water hyacinth, known locally as terparok, often drift along the waterways, clogging narrow passages, obstructing boats and […]
Sabah puts agriculture at the centre of nearly RM1 billion development push
Sabah’s agriculture remains central to the state’s economy, sustaining livelihoods and communities across its rural areas. Sabah is putting agriculture at the centre of its economic development strategy, with nearly RM1 billion allocated this year for agriculture, industry and tourism as the state seeks to turn the economic potential of its districts into investment, jobs […]
New rice variety offers Sarawak path to greater food security
MIRI — Sarawak is looking to a new perennial rice variety to strengthen food security and reduce its heavy dependence on imported rice after a pilot project in Kuala Baram showed promising results. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the perennial rice technology could mark a significant breakthrough for Sarawak’s agrofood […]
From a Father’s Kitchen to a Village Enterprise: How Ubi Kayu Is Helping Build Healthier Diets and Stronger Communities
What began as one father’s search for safe food for his child has grown into a small but promising example of how local agriculture, food innovation and community livelihoods can work together. In Siak, Riau, Indonesia, Wibowo Nugroho, 33, founded Telarasa after struggling to find suitable food for his child, who has sensitivities to gluten […]
Beyond Palm Oil: How Science Is Transforming a Malaysian Crop into Future Foods
What if one of Malaysia’s most valuable crops could do far more than produce cooking oil? Researchers at Monash University Malaysia believe the answer may lie not in the oil itself, but in a largely overlooked part of the oil palm—the kernel seed. Their work has led to the development of a plant-based milk and […]
CRISPR-Crafted Super Fungi Could Redefine Sustainable Protein Production
Scientists have engineered a groundbreaking strain of fungus that could transform the future of sustainable protein. Using CRISPR gene-editing tools, researchers have redesigned Fusarium venenatum—already known for its meat-like texture and flavour—into a far more productive, nutritious, and environmentally friendly food source. The achievement, reported in Trends in Biotechnology, comes as the world searches for […]
Agriculture still vital to Malaysia’s economy, but urgent reforms needed to secure food future
Agriculture still vital to Malaysia’s economy, but urgent reforms needed to secure food future Agriculture and its related activities remain a critical pillar of Malaysia’s economy, even as its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) has fallen to single digits. Beyond being a food supplier, the sector continues to absorb a significant portion of the […]
Government moves to tighten laws after Mardi-linked release of invasive fish
Government moves to tighten laws after Mardi-linked release of invasive fish The government will amend existing fisheries regulations to prevent a repeat of the recent incident involving the release of invasive fish species during a Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) event. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the amendments […]