USM Free Events Connecting Local Farmers and Food Producers Through Knowledge Transfer
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen community resilience and sustainable food systems by providing free events that connect local farmers and food producers for knowledge transfer and capacity building. These events promote collaboration between researchers, industry players, and agricultural communities to share scientific insights and practical innovations that advance sustainable food production and food security.
USM Fig@MAHA 2024: Knowledge Transfer with Local Farmers and Food Producers
At the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA 2024), held from 11 to 22 September 2024 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) took an active role in promoting sustainable agriculture through free public engagement and knowledge-sharing sessions.
A key highlight of the exhibition was a knowledge transfer session on fig tree cultivation delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Bee Lynn from the School of Biological Sciences, USM, on 14 September 2024 at the Kingdom of Agrofood Main Stage. Drawing from her experience at USM’s Superfruit Farm, Dr. Chew provided farmers and food producers with practical insights on fig propagation, maintenance, and post-harvest management.
Participants also engaged in a live demonstration featuring natural fig fruit jam and fig leaf tea, prepared without preservatives or artificial sweeteners, showcasing value-added applications for small-scale producers. The event served as a free, open-access platform for farmers and agripreneurs to exchange ideas, learn sustainable cultivation methods, and build networks with researchers and entrepreneurs.
USM X RECODA Engagement Programme on Aquaculture, Tissue Culture, and Rice cultivation
On 12 July 2024, USM hosted the Engagement Programme on Aquaculture, Tissue Culture, and Rice Cultivation, in collaboration with the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) and the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA). The initiative was organised as a free knowledge exchange and field engagement event, aimed at connecting government agencies, local farmers, and university experts in sustainable food production.
Participants visited several USM-led community project sites in Penang and Baling, Kedah, to observe demonstrations of freshwater fish farming systems, fig tissue culture innovation, and polybag rice cultivation methods. These site visits allowed attendees to witness how science, technology, and local knowledge can work together to improve productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in agriculture.
The event facilitated direct collaboration and idea exchange among researchers, entrepreneurs, and rural farmers, helping to disseminate practical innovations that enhance food security and income generation in Sarawak’s rural communities. This engagement reflects USM’s strong commitment to knowledge transfer, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive rural development.
Through free, directly supplied events that promote collaboration and knowledge exchange, Universiti Sains Malaysia demonstrates its dedication to advancing sustainable food production and empowering farming communities. By bridging academic research with local practices, USM ensures that farmers and food producers gain practical access to innovation, expertise, and networks that support long-term food security and community well-being.
