UUM, Boustead Plantations Explore Strategic Collaboration to Advance Smart Agriculture and Human Capital Development

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 July 2026: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Boustead Plantations Berhad (BPlant) have strengthened their strategic relationship through discussions towards the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on research, smart agriculture, human capital development, digitalisation and community economic empowerment.

Managing Director of BPlant, Datuk Zulkarnain Md. Eusope, said the collaboration with UUM is expected to accelerate the transformation of the plantation sector through the adoption of modern technology, research and innovation.

He said the company’s recent working visits to New Zealand and Australia had provided valuable exposure to high-technology agricultural practices and precision farming, thus creating opportunities to strengthen its planned grain corn development project.

“UUM possesses expertise that can be leveraged in seed development, precision agriculture, mechanisation, post-harvest technology, production systems management and agricultural innovation,” he said during the discussion held at Boustead Tower.

Datuk Zulkarnain also welcomed the participation of UUM researchers in the Centre of Excellence currently being developed by the company. In addition, he proposed that the University deliver a special presentation to the company’ssenior management to outline potential areas of collaboration and the solutions UUM could offer.

Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, welcomed the proposal and agreed that its implementation should be explored further.

The briefing commenced with a presentation by the Director of Centre for University-Industry Collaboration (CUIC), Professor Dr Chandrakantan Subramaniam, who highlighted that UUM’s strength extends beyond agricultural production to include expertise in systematic management and administration of plantations, supported by research and technology.

He said the University possesses expertise in smart agriculture through the application of drones, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics and integrated plantation management platforms, enabling plantation operations to be monitored in real time.

He added that UUM also has expertise in Environmental, Sosial and Governance (ESG) practices and AI-driven digital marketing, which could help the industry improve productivity, operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Professor Chandrakantan further said that the University is ready to organise engagement sessions with the company, enabling researchers to present technologies and innovative solutions tailored to the industry’s specific requirements.

The discussion also focused on human capital development, workforce planning, leadership succession planning, plantation infrastructure assessment, and the need to expand the adoption of automation and robotics to reduce dependence on manual labour.

Both parties also discussed potential collaboration to empower the asnaf community economically through technology-driven agricultural development.

Director of Research Management Centre (RMC), Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Azam Hussain, said that UUM is prepared to serve as a facilitator by providing training, skills development and technology transfer, including training in drone operations and modern agricultural technologies.

He said that collaboration involving the universities, industry, ministries and relevant agencies could help optimise the use of undeveloped land while improving the socioeconomic well-being of the targeted communities.

BPlant also proposed the development of a more flexible, practical and industry-oriented Executive MBA programme to meet the needs of working professionals. The proposal will be reviewed by the Dean of the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), Professor Dr Hasnizam Shaari, and was well received as it aligns with the organisation’s workforce development requirements.

At the conclusion of the discussion, both parties agreed to continue refining the scope of the proposed MoU, which is expected to encompass joint research, technology development, training, human capital development and community empowerment initiatives.

The strategic collaboration is expected to serve as a catalyst for advancing agricultural technology in the country, strengthening food security and enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysia’s agri-food sector.

Also present were senior management representatives of Boustead Plantations; CUIC Deputy Director (Industry Collaboration), Associate Professor Dr Normalisa Md Isa; and OYAGSB/UUMKL Marketing Officer, Ms. Irdina Iwana Hazree Iruan