In an effort to strengthen national food security and promote climate-resilient urban agriculture, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have launched a high-technology facility known as the Plant Factory UPM-MTDC Signature Programme. This initiative represents a strategic collaboration between academia and industry to advance smart farming and modernize Malaysia’s agro-food sector.

The facility, which began operations in January 2025, adopts a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) system a modern farming method that integrates digital technologies, Industry 4.0 automation, and smart lighting and irrigation systems. These innovations enable consistent, high-quality, and contamination-free vegetable production. Among the initial crops grown are Green Coral lettuce, producing about 100 kilograms weekly. Other crops, including Red Coral, Red Oak, Curly Kale, Baby Spinach, and Microgreens, are also being cultivated to meet local market demand.

According to MTDC, the Plant Factory serves not only as a production center but also as a “living lab” for research, training, and industry development. It provides opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to explore urban agriculture technologies with reduced risk. Through joint funding 40 percent from MTDC and 60 percent from UPM the facility bridges academic research with commercial application, accelerating the transition from innovation to market.

UPM emphasized that this initiative strengthens the university’s role as a connector between knowledge and industry. It serves as a training platform for students and researchers in smart agriculture, while producing skilled talents and innovative solutions to enhance the competitiveness of the national agro-food sector.

The implementation of the Plant Factory aligns with the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 (NAP 2.0) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It underscores the importance of environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and the development of an efficient and resilient food supply system that can withstand urbanization challenges.

Overall, the launch of this facility marks a significant step toward transforming Malaysia’s agriculture from traditional open-field farming to a technologically driven urban model. It not only enhances productivity and food quality but also creates new opportunities for communities and SMEs to participate in a greener, more efficient, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem of the future.

Resources: https://www.astroawani.com/video/video-terkini-x7sio1/mtdc-dan-upm-lancar-plant-factory-pacu-pertanian-bandar-pintar-tahan-iklim-x9sdiyc 

Date of Input: 16/10/2025 | Updated: 24/10/2025 | adibbaharudin