TECHNOLOGY
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TECHNOLOGY
@ AGROBiz | May-June. 2026
AI powers agro education
• Malaysia’ s AI push is now extending into agriculture, TVET and classroom learning, reflecting a broader strategy to embed digital technologies across key economic and social sectors.
• The collaboration aims to modernise agriculture through generative AI, smart farming knowledge and agropreneur development, while helping attract younger talent into the sector.
• AI-driven personalised learning, industrial training and community programmes are being positioned as critical tools for preparing Malaysia’ s future workforce and supporting its ambition to become an AI-driven nation by 2030.
MALAYSIA’ S push to become an artificial intelligence( AI)-driven nation by 2030 received a boost through a strategic partnership involving MARDICORP Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Permodalan Sahabat Terengganu Berhad( KOSA- HABAT), Showme Kidz International Sdn Bhd( Showme School), and Ember AI Sdn Bhd.
The partnership, established through the signing of two memoranda of understanding( MoUs), is expected to support the country’ s goal of becoming an AI-driven nation by 2030 while strengthening digital learning, agropreneur development and community empowerment initiatives.
Under the first MoU, Ember AI will work with MARDICORP and KOSA- HABAT to promote the adoption of generative AI across the agri-food and agriculture industries, with a focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training( TVET), smart farming knowledge, and entrepreneurship development.
Another agreement between Showme School and Ember AI will focus on bringing generative AI into classroom environments to create
DIGITAL LEARNING EXPANSION: Representatives from MARDICORP, KOSAHABAT, Showme School and Ember AI during the signing ceremony for the strategic collaboration focused on AI-driven education and agriculture initiatives.
A sustainable rice farming programme in Laos has recorded continued growth in regenerative agriculture practices, with output for the 2025-2026 dry season exceeding 1,500 tonnes of rice.
The initiative, led by Lao Brewery Co., Ltd., is being implemented in partnership with the Rice and Cash Crop Research Center under the Institute of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development Research. It focuses on producing rice under Good Agricultural Practice( GAP) and organic standards while improving long-term farm sustainability.
Central to the project is the use of Alternate Wetting and Drying( AWD) technology, a water management method that alternates between flooded and dry conditions in rice fields instead of continuous flooding. The system is designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmenmore adaptive and personalised learning experiences for students.
SMART FARMING
Ember AI chief executive officer Billy Ng said meaningful partnerships between industries and communities were important in ensuring AI could benefit education and workforce development.
“ Our goal is to create learning ecosystems that are scalable, adaptive and capable of supporting students, young agropreneurs, and communities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” he said.
Ng noted that the company’ s AI platform was designed with infrastructure capable of supporting up to 5 million users nationwide through personalised, data-driven learning experiences.
MARDICORP Managing Director Mohamad Zamir Ghazali, meanwhile, stressed that stronger cooperation across industries, educational institutions and grassroots communities would be essential in modernising the country’ s agriculture sector. SMARTER LEARNING
He said:“ To strengthen Malaysia’ s food security agenda and attract more young people into agriculture, we need ecosystems that combine education, technology, industry knowledge and practical implementation. Agriculture cannot continue depending solely on ageing farmers or subsidies.
“ We need to cultivate interest among young people again and create pathways where technology and innovation make agriculture more competitive, sustainable and future-ready.”
Among the initiatives planned are AI learning programmes for TVET agriculture and K-12 education, agropreneur incubation projects, industrial training and community workshops. Pilot programmes are expected to begin in Semenyih in mid-2026 before expanding nationwide across Showme School campuses.
Smart rice farming in Laos
tal pressure from conventional rice cultivation.
Khamsaen Somphandi said the AWD approach helps advance sustainable farming by conserving water resources, lowering environmental impact and enhancing overall rice productivity for farmers.
In a separate remark, Sitthixay Kettavong noted that AWD technology can reduce water consumption by up to 30 per cent and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 per cent.
Over six years, the project has expanded significantly from just 16 hectares involving 14 farming families to more than 600 hectares across Hadxaifong, Xaythany and Pakngum districts, now involving over 400 farming families. It also includes 15 hectares of certified organic rice production.
Farmers participating in the programme have benefited from
EXPANDING REGENERATIVE FARMING: The initiative promotes Good Agricultural Practice( GAP) and farmers benefit from lower costs, improved rice quality, and more stable incomes.
lower production costs, improved rice quality, reduced water use, and more stable incomes, supported by training and guaranteed market access.
The project highlights Lao Brewery’ s ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture, increased local sourcing of raw materials, and stronger cooperation among privatesector players, government agencies, and farming communities in Laos.
- @ AGROBiz