Food security is one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and diminishing natural resources. As a leading agricultural research institution, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Leveraging its strong research foundation, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainability, UPM is driving the development of resilient and sustainable food systems for Malaysia and beyond. Its mission focuses on tackling critical issues such as developing climate-resilient crops, enhancing efficient food supply chains, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating advanced technology and fostering high-impact collaborations with industry leaders, UPM bridges the gap between academic research and practical solutions, delivering tangible outcomes for industries, communities, and policymakers. Advancing Agri-Technology Innovations UPM has solidified its position as a leader in agri-technology innovation through research and strategic collaborations with agricultural technology pioneers. These efforts have accelerated the transformation of Malaysia’s agricultural sector, introducing cutting-edge technologies tailored to meet the needs of industry players and local communities. Significant advancements include the adoption of IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of soil, moisture, and weather conditions, enabling farmers to make precise, data-driven decisions. UPM has also partnered with tech companies to develop AI-powered crop management platforms that offer production forecasts, crop care recommendations, and early disease detection. Additionally, drone technology for precision spraying and mapping has been introduced, covering vast farmland areas while reducing operational costs. One major success is the pilot project for automated irrigation systems implemented in Selangor’s agricultural regions. This project enhanced water-use efficiency by 25% while maintaining high crop yields. These initiatives demonstrate that smart technology not only boosts productivity but also minimizes resource wastage and environmental impact. UPM also actively supports local startups in the agri-tech sector, providing a platform for young innovators to test and refine their products. For instance, collaborations with startups have led to the creation of portable devices enabling smallholder farmers to rapidly analyze soil quality, saving time and costs. Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture, Livestock, and Aquaculture Facing climate change challenges, UPM actively promotes climate-smart agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture practices through innovative research and strategic approaches. The university introduces sustainable solutions to enhance the resilience of these sectors while adapting to environmental changes. In agriculture, UPM focuses on developing climate-resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods. Collaborations with international biotech firms have resulted in pest-resistant rice varieties, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and fostering healthier, more productive ecosystems. In livestock and aquaculture, UPM introduces climate-smart technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability. For example, IoT-based pond management systems in aquaculture monitor water quality in real time, enhancing fish survival rates and minimizing resource wastage. In livestock farming, research into alternative proteins, such as insect farming and plant-based proteins, opens new avenues for environmentally friendly and resource-efficient food production. As a key player in these fields, UPM emphasizes community and industry engagement. Its research and innovations are translated into practical applications, enabling stakeholders across agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture to leverage climate-smart technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Empowering Urban and Rural Communities UPM continues to empower urban and rural communities through integrated approaches aimed at enhancing skills, technological innovation, and sustainability. Through its Continuing Education and Professional Development programs, UPM provides access to modern technologies, eco-friendly practices, and the latest tools tailored to the diverse needs of these communities. For rural communities, UPM focuses on improving agricultural yields and resource efficiency. Collaborations with rice farmers in Kedah introduced GPS-guided planting techniques, increasing yields by 30% while reducing labor and input costs. These efforts demonstrate that smart technologies can help rural farmers achieve higher productivity sustainably. In urban areas, UPM empowers communities through projects such as urban farming, encouraging vegetable cultivation in limited spaces like balconies and rooftops. By introducing technologies such as hydroponic and aquaponic systems, urban residents gain access to fresh produce, reduce costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability. UPM also conducts awareness programs and hands-on training, including modern farming workshops that promote eco-friendly practices and green technologies. These initiatives not only improve community living standards but also create supportive ecosystems for sustainable development at local and national levels. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Solutions UPM's unique strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, which combines expertise from various fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, engineering, economics, and environmental science, enabling the university to produce comprehensive and effective innovative solutions. In this context, the Centre for Industry Relations and Networks (CiRNeT) UPM plays a crucial role by connecting academia and industry, fostering collaborations that result in practical and competitive solutions. This approach leverages the synergy between UPM’s faculties and research centers to develop new technologies and methodologies. In agriculture, UPM focuses on the development of resilient crops and smart technologies such as automated irrigation systems and real-time soil analysis. Additionally, in biotechnology, UPM researchers have successfully created eco-friendly biofertilizers, genetic technologies to enhance crop yields, and are exploring alternative proteins to meet future food needs. In engineering, UPM has introduced drone technology for farm monitoring, as well as IoT systems for smart farm management. Research in environmental science includes efforts to preserve biodiversity, practice low-carbon agriculture, and manage water resources sustainably. Through close collaboration with industry partners, UPM ensures that its research outcomes are translated into scalable and commercially viable solutions. For example, a controlled planting project with a green technology company has led to the development of a smart greenhouse that automatically controls temperature, humidity, and lighting. This innovation not only boosts yields but also enhances energy efficiency. Moreover, UPM’s food processing technology helps preserve nutrients and extend product shelf life, meeting consumer demand for healthy, fresh food. Research supported by strategic funding has resulted in solutions that can be integrated into the agricultural value chain. Key initiatives include large-scale projects to introduce smart farming systems in rural areas, which have successfully increased crop yields and farmer incomes. Additionally, training programs and technology transfer to small and medium-sized enterprises ensure they can benefit from the latest innovations.UPM's holistic approach has not only addressed food security issues but also stimulated economic growth and environmental sustainability. The technologies and innovations introduced have helped industries reduce costs, increase productivity, and lessen environmental impacts. Future Vision: A Global Outlook UPM’s commitment to food security extends beyond national borders. The university actively strengthens international collaborations, particularly in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems. Plans are underway to expand research on resilient farming practices, establish more living labs, and reach underserved communities across ASEAN. Through its pioneering efforts, UPM demonstrates how academic institutions can catalyze change, uniting stakeholders from various sectors to secure a sustainable future. As UPM continues to innovate, its role as a trusted partner in food security grows increasingly vital, reaffirming its mission to lead with excellence in addressing one of humanity's most urgent priorities. Zaidi Tajuddin CiRNeT UPM 140125

19 December 2024, Rawang – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its strategic collaboration with Perodua Sales Sdn. Bhd., successfully conducted a two-day training session on Emotional Intelligence and Resilience at Work (EIRA) for the company’s staff. The program featured Prof. Dr. Shamsul Bahri, Director of CiRNeT UPM, as one of the key speakers, who shared valuable insights to enhance participants’ emotional intelligence and resilience. This collaboration underscores UPM’s ongoing commitment to supporting industry talent development through high-quality training programs.