USM Free Access to University Facilities and Technology for Local Farmers and Food Producers
Free Access to Bee Technology and Sustainable Stingless-Bee Innovation
Universiti Sains Malaysia strengthens community-based sustainable agriculture by ensuring that it provide access to university facilities to local farmers and food producers to improve sustainable farming practices, particularly through initiatives that offer free access to technology, laboratory resources and expert support. A key example is AnNaHL, a Translational Centre at USM that advances Malaysia’s honey industry by working closely with networks of stingless-bee keepers across the country. Through AnNaHL, local beekeepers receive free access to specialised technology, scientific guidance and laboratory testing that support sustainable kelulut (stingless-bee) farming. The centre also assists in GMP certification efforts, conducts applied research, trains university students and community beekeepers, and promotes honey as a viable commodity for local and international markets.
Central to these efforts is Kelulunomic, a socio-economic model led by Dr Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa. Kelulunomic focuses on elevating honey authenticity, safety and quality through scientific innovation while empowering communities with sustainable beekeeping knowledge. Local beekeepers benefit from free access to USM’s laboratory facilities, testing services, technology innovation and technical consultations that enhance honey production practices, biodiversity conservation and long-term livelihood sustainability. By enabling the production of authentic, hygienic and high-quality stingless-bee honey, Kelulunomic strengthens community income opportunities, supports pollination and bee conservation, and contributes to national biodiversity and food security.
Free Testing and Consultancy Services by the School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for Local Farmers and Food Industries
USM further demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that it provide access to university facilities to local farmers and food producers to improve sustainable farming practices through the extensive services offered by the School of Industrial Technology. Through its Food Technology Division, USM provides free or low-cost access to laboratory testing, scientific expertise, advanced analytical equipment and professional consultancy to farmers, small food businesses and local food industries. These services empower producers to enhance product safety, quality and sustainability.
The division offers technical guidance on food regulations, labelling, packaging, food safety protocols and nutrition requirements, ensuring producers meet national food standards. It also conducts a wide range of testing and applied research, including shelf-life studies, foodborne pathogen identification, microbiological safety analyses, human clinical trials, plant-based product development and sensory evaluations. Additional analyses, such as rheological and textural assessments, support improvements in food quality and processing efficiency. Training workshops and certification programmes further equip local producers with skills to adopt safer, more sustainable and more innovative farming and production practices. Through these initiatives, USM provides meaningful knowledge transfer and access to university facilities that strengthen the capacity of local farmers and food producers to contribute to a more resilient, sustainable and forward-looking food system.
