Miri – 1 March 2022 – Academics of the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently visited three agricultural farms in Miri to find out more about the latest developments in the local agricultural sector and explore potential research opportunities.
They were led by Senior Lecturer Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who is also the Faculty’s Associate Dean of External Engagement, and Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon of the Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering and the Faculty’s Associate Dean of Research and Development.
The farms visited were the eFresh farm operated by Shin Yang Agriculture Sdn. Bhd. where they were received by Executive Director Wong Kai Song; the Organic Fig Farm at Jalan Bakam operated by Wong Chu Kiek, and the Saramanis Sdn. Bhd. Pineapple Plantation at Tukau.
Ir. Dr. Lim said the agricultural industry in Sarawak has undergone rapid development in recent years. There has also been an increasing demand for local produce due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Modern agriculture requires the application of technologies for the production of better quality produce with higher yield, lower manpower demand, and lower operating costs. Hence, there are a lot of opportunities of cross-disciplinary research in this sector,” said Ir. Dr. Lim.
“Researchers at the Sarawak Biovalley Pilot Plant at our campus can also support the needs of the local agriculture industry in developing related food products from the crops,” she added.
She said researchers from various engineering disciplines could work on the development of fertilisers, enzymes for local crops, designs and simulations of greenhouse and irrigation systems, as well as the application of IoT (Internet of Things) in agricultural processes, from planting to harvesting.
At the Organic Fig Farm at Jalan Bakam.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Lau said the Faculty of Engineering and Science will continue its broader efforts to create active research environments for its staff and encourage more industry collaborations.
“One way to create a broader research culture is by expanding our research networks to local SMEs, an initiative aligned with Curtin University’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025. We established several successful local partnerships in 2021and are ramping up the initiative in 2022,” he said.
The initiative focuses on three focus areas – Bioprocessing, Future Energy, and Intelligent and Sustainable Technologies, and according to Associate Professor Lau, the collaborations have fostered a greater appreciation of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research within the Faculty and contributions from faculty staff to the initiative. Their contributions include leading signature areas of research and development to drive breakthroughs that bring significant societal impact.
“We aim to pursue research opportunities to positively impact the quality of life within our communities and the economy of Sarawak, as well as engage in service and outreach activities to share our knowledge and help shape the national agenda. Our overarching vision is to deliver excellence in research and be recognised as partner of choice by industry and our local and international communities,” he said.
At the Saramanis Pineapple Plantation at Tukau.
Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
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Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia)
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