2.5.3 University access to local farmers and food producers
UTM, Forest Fine Foods jalin kerjasama pertingkat pelestarian pertanian
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kampus Pagoh has pioneered access to its advanced facilities for food producers, exemplified by a strategic partnership with Forest Fine Foods (M) Sdn. Bhd., signed on January 2, 2024. This collaboration establishes a satellite laboratory at UTM Pagoh as a dedicated hub for joint research and innovation in microorganism fermentation, directly providing access to UTM's bioprocessing expertise, advisory services from expert researchers, and cutting-edge laboratory technology to develop sustainable organic fertilizer variants.
The initiative targets improvements in sustainable farming practices by leveraging UTM's Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA). Forest Fine Foods gains hands-on utilization of the satellite lab for creating eco-friendly, microorganism-based products that reduce environmental impacts, such as minimizing chemical use in agriculture while enhancing soil health and crop yields. This access enables the production of innovative fertilizers that promote biodiversity, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support resilient food systems—key to preserving agricultural resources amid climate challenges.
Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, UTM's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation, emphasized: “Through this strategic collaboration… a satellite laboratory… will be the core in enhancing joint research and innovation activities to produce new potential products based on microorganisms, particularly in developing sustainable organic fertilizer variants through advisory services from UTM’s expert researchers.” This setup not only accelerates R&D but also aligns with UTM’s Research & Innovation Blueprint 2025, fostering innovation-driven economic growth that benefits Malaysian society by scaling sustainable technologies for broader agricultural adoption.
By granting such facility access, UTM empowers food producers like Forest Fine Foods to integrate advanced bioprocessing into their operations, yielding high commercial returns while advancing zero hunger goals through environmentally responsible farming. Initial outcomes include increased research funding from the partner, spurring more collaborative opportunities. This model sets a precedent for extending similar access to local stakeholders, ensuring knowledge and technology transfer drives community-level sustainability.
Source :
https://news.utm.my/2024/01/utm-forest-fine-foods-jalin-kerjasama-pertingkat-pelestarian-pertanian/
UTM-Sateera Biotech established a new joint laboratory
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has provided free access to its university facilities for local biotechnology firms involved in sustainable agriculture and food production, as demonstrated by the partnership with Sateera Biotech Sdn. Bhd., a Johor-based company specializing in natural plant-based extracts. On January 10, 2023, UTM and Sateera signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish a joint laboratory at the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), granting the company shared access to laboratories, technology, and facilities at no cost to enhance research on eco-friendly antimicrobial solutions for farming and food systems.
This collaboration enables Sateera to utilize UTM's advanced bioprocessing technology and expertise to develop natural compounds from patented mangrove tree extracts, focusing on antimicrobial efficiency and time-kill kinetics. These innovations promote sustainable farming practices by offering alternatives to synthetic chemicals, reducing environmental harm such as soil contamination and biodiversity loss, while improving crop protection and food safety. By minimizing pesticide use, the project supports resilient agriculture, enhances yield quality for food producers, and contributes to zero hunger through safer, more sustainable food chains.
UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail remarked: “I am pleased to witness the commitment of IBD and Sateera Biotech Sdn Bhd to establish a closer collaboration and ties to leverage each other’s strengths in spearheading translational research in biotechnology. I am convinced that this innovative alliance will lead to a new generation of top-notch biotechnology advancements.”
Sateera CEO Skyler Loh Kok Shen stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with UTM and the institute of bioproduct developments to drive innovation in biotechnology research and development. Our joint efforts will enable us to accelerate the development of new and innovative biotechnology applications and products that will benefit society and the environment.”
Building on collaborations since 2021, this free access includes shared R&D activities, facility tours, and product showcases, adding value to Sateera's offerings for agricultural and functional food applications. The ongoing partnership fosters knowledge transfer, empowering local producers to adopt green technologies for long-term sustainability.
Source :
https://news.utm.my/2023/01/utm-sateera-biotech-established-a-new-joint-laboratory/
University access to local farmers and food producers (Paid)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through its Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA), provides direct, paid access to its advanced laboratory facilities and technology, which are available to local food producers seeking to improve their products and sustainable practices. The laboratory services, as detailed on the research.utm.my/ica/lab-services/ page, are explicitly offered not only to researchers but also to "industry clients" through "contract research" and "analytical services". This access is provided on a paid basis, as evidenced by the availability of "service request forms" and the option to request a "quotation" for these services. These services grant food producers access to sophisticated university technology to analyze, validate, and improve their products. Available analytical technologies include High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC-FID/MS), and proximate analysis for fat, protein, fiber, moisture, and ash, all of which are critical for quality control and meeting food security standards.
Furthermore, the research.utm.my/ica/labratory-info/food-development/ page details the Food Development Laboratory, which is specifically established to support "Research, Development, and Commercialization (R&D&C)" through "industry collaboration". This facility provides local food producers with paid access to essential food processing technology to enhance sustainability, add value, and conduct vital research. The accessible technology includes pilot-scale equipment such as a Spray Dryer, Freeze Dryer, Retort Machine, Texture Analyzer, and Water Activity Meter, enabling producers to conduct shelf-life studies, develop new product formulations, and perform sensory evaluations. By making these high-end university facilities and analytical services available for a fee, UTM enables local farmers and food producers, operating as "industry clients," to leverage advanced technology for product innovation and the enhancement of sustainable, high-quality food production.
Source : https://research.utm.my/ica/lab-services/ ,
https://research.utm.my/ica/labratory-info/food-development/
