MalaysianUpdates

Category: Agri-Tech & Sustainability

  • BICSI SEA 2026 Returns: Driving the Future of ICT Infrastructure and AI in Malaysia

    BICSI SEA 2026 Returns: Driving the Future of ICT Infrastructure and AI in Malaysia

    The return of the BICSI Southeast Asia Malaysia Conference & Exhibition 2026 marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a primary digital infrastructure hub for the region. Recently introduced via a soft launch officiated by Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Secretary General of the Ministry of Human Resources, the event is set to take place on July 21 and 22 at Sunway Resort Hotel. This second edition builds upon the momentum of previous successful gatherings in Johor Bahru and Vietnam, specifically targeting the advancement of ICT infrastructure within a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

    Mary Elizabeth Cheng, Founder of TECLA and Executive Director of BICSI Southeast Asia, stressed the importance of investing in specialized training and global certifications to build a sustainable, future-ready talent pipeline for the ICT industry.

    At the heart of this initiative is a focus on human capital. With the ICT sector currently contributing nearly a quarter of Malaysia’s national economy and supporting over 1.25 million jobs, the demand for specialized talent has never been more pressing. Datuk Azman highlighted that with RM342 billion in digital investments approved in recent years, the industry is poised to create over 114,000 new roles. However, the complexity of these roles—ranging from data center management to AI network design—requires a workforce equipped with globally recognized certifications. By aligning with international bodies like BICSI, Malaysia aims to bridge the skills gap and ensure its professionals meet the highest global standards.

    Organized by Tecnoviq Learning Academy (TECLA), the conference serves as a strategic intersection for industry-driven training and national policy, such as the Dasar TVET Negara 2030. Dr. Garies Chong, Executive Chair of BICSI Southeast Asia, emphasized that the organization’s mission remains focused on nurturing a resilient ICT ecosystem through regional collaboration and standardized excellence. This commitment was evident at the soft launch, which saw participation from key government and digital agencies including MDEC, Invest Selangor, and Cyberview, as well as major technology associations like PIKOM.

    The BICSI SEA Beyond 2026 Forum hosted an insightful session where industry partners explored the future of digitalization within today’s AI-driven landscape.

    The upcoming July event is set to be a significant gathering of regional policymakers, educators, and technology providers. Supported by an array of international corporate sponsors—including Softing AG, SENKO Advanced Components, and Datwyler AG—the exhibition provides a unique platform for organizations to showcase innovation and engage directly with the stakeholders driving the digital economy. As preparations continue, the organizers remain open to corporate partnerships, inviting industry leaders to help shape the future of Southeast Asia’s digital landscape.

  • Nestlé Malaysia Goes Fully Local with 100% Homegrown Chillies for MAGGI

    Nestlé Malaysia Goes Fully Local with 100% Homegrown Chillies for MAGGI

    Nestlé Malaysia has officially achieved a landmark milestone in its sustainability journey, announcing that 100% of the fresh chillies used in the production of its iconic MAGGI Chilli Sauce are now sourced entirely from local Malaysian farmers.

    This achievement was highlighted during an official working visit by the Minister of Economy, YB Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah Bin Haji Mohd Nasir, to the IPRINTAN Putrajaya Project. The visit showcased the success of well-structured farmer partnerships in strengthening national food security while simultaneously providing sustainable livelihoods for B40 communities.

    A Milestone in Self-Sufficiency and Economic Empowerment

    The project is powered by the Nestlé Chilli Club (NCC), a contract farming program established in 1995. Today, the initiative supports farmers across 12 strategic sites in Kelantan, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Johor, spanning 146 acres of farmland.

    During the briefing, the Minister was updated on the high-yield farming initiative’s socio-economic impact. Key highlights include:

    • Income Security: Participating farmers in the IPRINTAN Putrajaya project now earn an average monthly income of approximately RM3,000.
    • Economic Contribution: The current 2026 cycle (the project’s fifth) has yielded over 200 tonnes of chillies, with an estimated market value of RM1.5 million.
    • Traceability: By sourcing directly, Nestlé ensures a fully traceable and high-quality supply chain for its locally produced MAGGI products.

    Building a Resilient Food System

    Mr. Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, emphasized that the company’s “Creating Shared Value” (CSV) approach is the driving force behind these partnerships.

    “Supporting the livelihoods of local farmers is integral to both our value chain and the nation’s food security agenda. Long-term partnerships with farming communities and government stakeholders, such as our collaboration with IPRINTAN, reflect our shared responsibility to build a more resilient and self-sufficient food system while empowering B40 households,” said Aranols.

    Expansion and Regenerative Agriculture

    Nestlé Malaysia provides participating farmers with specialized training in eco-friendly regenerative agricultural practices. This modern approach focuses on soil health and farm productivity, ensuring sustainable yields for generations to come.

    Originally established in Kelantan in partnership with Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) Bukit Awang, the program expanded to Selangor in 2021 via PPK Kuala Langat. In 2025, the initiative advanced further with a specialized greenhouse project in collaboration with Chin Siam Chiap (CSS) Johor, ensuring a stable, year-round supply of fresh chillies.

    Broader Impact: The Farmer Connect Programme

    The success of the Nestlé Chilli Club is a cornerstone of the broader Farmer Connect initiative. This program supports hundreds of farmers across various commodities nationwide:

    • Kedah and Perlis: Sustainable rice cultivation and agronomy support.
    • Sabah and Sarawak: Responsible cocoa sourcing in collaboration with the Malaysian Cocoa Board.
    • Kelantan and Kedah: Dedicated coffee farming programs in Gua Musang and surrounding areas.

    By integrating locally grown ingredients directly into its manufacturing value chain, Nestlé Malaysia continues to provide consistent market access and long-term capacity building for Malaysian smallholders, paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future.