KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah-based Idea Company Sdn Bhd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Multimedia University (MMU) to formalise a collaboration on a smart farming programme.
The programme involves utilising farming technology to produce better yields, whilst improving the quality of life for farmers.
In a statement, Idea Company managing director Zachary Aman said the MoU signifies a unique partnership between a private entity and a tertiary institution to produce the next generation of farms and farmers.
He said MMU was a strong and suitable partner for the company in their journey to further develop and strengthen the agricultural ecosystem.
"The programme is designed to recruit and train junior growers in Malaysia to create a pool of next generation farmers, who will not only produce high quality and high yield outputs all year round, but are adept at overseeing the day to day operations at next generation farms where farming technology is optimised," he said.
He said MMU has many relevant faculties that cover the scope and focus required for the success of the entire ecosystem.
"We at Idea Company are constantly looking to push the envelope of technology utilisation with regards to changing how we grow and produce our food, for profit as well as with the aim of alleviating the quality of life for Malaysian farmers.
Zachary represented the company signing the MoU while MMU was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Mazliham Mohd Su'ud.
Zachary said they were solving issues in the agricultural industry by training and certifying people who will be equipped and eventually be qualified to work around the region, in areas earmarked by the company in their expansion.
Idea Company's agricultural and food distribution ecosystem consists of several verticals, namely, JustGood Roots, JustGood Farms, JustGood Grocer and JustGood Meals, spanning the farm to fork supply chain.
Meanwhile, Dr Mazliham said participants of the Smart Precision Agriculture Junior Growers Programme will also be introduced to modules such as engineering and technology, where they will learn how to incorporate more efficient and accurate processes through innovations in telecommunications, robotics, mechanical and bio-instrumentation technologies.
"MMU will provide not just the assessment of participants before, during and after the programme, but also hands-on training modules on subjects such as Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and business management.
There is the possibility in the near future of MMU conducting short courses and micro-credential programmes by identifying and aligning pedagogical and operational content," he said.