UTAR and Miraico Sdn Bhd collaborate to drive innovation in sustainable farming

The exchange ceremony for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UTAR and Miraico Sdn Bhd (Miraico) was held on 3 December 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus. This partnership marks a landmark collaboration between academia and industry, focusing on advancing sustainable farming practices and fostering innovation through shared expertise and resources.

The ceremony began with video presentations introducing UTAR and Miraico, followed by speeches from key representatives. The Dean of the Faculty of Science (FSC), Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, commended Miraico for its groundbreaking contributions to sustainable farming through Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae farming. He highlighted the alignment of Miraico’s innovation-driven approach with UTAR’s commitment to sustainability and holistic education.

Meanwhile, Miraico’s Founder Mr Alex Ang, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and its potential to drive impactful research and skill development.

The highlight of the ceremony was the exchange of MoU documents between Dr Lim and Mr Alex Ang, symbolising the commencement of this collaborative partnership. This was followed by a souvenir presentation, a group photo, and a visit to the Faculty of Science laboratories and aquaculture facilities. Discussions on potential collaboration activities and research projects took place in the afternoon, concluding the event on a productive note.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between UTAR and Miraico to facilitate the exchange of ideas and resources, including staff attachments and mutual visits, enhance curricula and foster industry-academia development through seminars, workshops, and conferences. It aims to organise industrial study visits for UTAR students and staff to promote professional growth and enriched learning experiences, while also identifying, developing, and delivering skill training and continuing education programmes tailored to industry needs. Additionally, the MoU seeks to provide career development opportunities for students and promote research activities focused on BSF farming and its relevance to food security.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were representatives from Miraico Sdn Bhd, including Technical Sales Director Mr Kelvin Tan, Product Development Director Mr Semuel Tan, and Engineering Director Mr Andre Ong. UTAR was represented by FSC Department of Agricultural and Food Science academics Dr Ong Mei Kying and Ts Dr Teoh Chaiw Yee, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Department of Economics academics Dr Chen Fanyu and Dr Vivien Wong Zi Wen, and FBF Department of Business and Public Administration academic Dr Choe Kum Lung.

This partnership highlights UTAR’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge with industry practices, particularly in addressing global sustainability challenges. By leveraging Miraico’s advanced technologies and expertise in smart farming, the collaboration is poised to drive innovation in BSF farming, food security, and waste management. The joint efforts of UTAR and Miraico will contribute to transformative solutions that benefit the academic community, industry and society at large.

Miraico Sdn Bhd is a leading technology solutions provider specialising in machine software integration, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, smart factory and warehouse systems, and smart farming solutions. Miraico is notably recognised for its expertise in Black Soldier Fly farming and related products, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture and waste management practices.