ICA UTM Pagoh successfully hosted ICA Research Symposium 2019

Hazim Yusof

On 19 November 2019, Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA) held its second research symposium. The 2nd ICA Research Symposium (ICARS 2019), with the theme “Agriculture & Food Innovation”, was organized by ICA UTM Pagoh with the collaboration of Ministry of Education (MoE), Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM) Pagoh, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Pagoh and Tun Syed Nasir Polytechnic (PTSN) Pagoh. ICARS was a first of its kind event in Muar, Johore and drew over 200 attendees who presented more than 30 scientific posters. The symposium featured three profound industrial speakers, panelists and networking guests from across academia and industry who contributed to an array of scope in agriculture and technology. Building on experience and momentum from last year’s symposium, ICARS 2019 was successfully organized on 19th November at the Convention Centre in Pagoh Education Hub.

The symposium offered attendees a keynote speech from Professor Dr. Mohamad Roji Sarmidi, formerly the Director for the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD) and Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA). Professor Dr. Mohamad Roji is a leading expert on sustainable processes and development of biorefinery for the production of phytochemicals. His speech was on ‘Soil Health and Nutrient Dense Crops.’

The symposium organizing committee also welcomed an excellent array of renowned speakers from REDtone International Berhad, Mr. Lau Bik Soon, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoshitaka Fukugauchi, Country Manager of EMRO Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and Mr. Jeff Tai, Director of Zenxin Agriculture Sdn. Bhd.

Speaking about the event, Dr. Cheng Kian Kai as Director of ICARS 2019 said, “We are very grateful to all the delegates, some who traveled a significant distance to join us for this annual event. Furthermore, the support provided by our collaborators was essential to the success of the event, with special thanks for the supports provided by UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Datuk Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and Professor Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Dean Research Alliance of Health and Wellness UTM. ”

The ICARS 2019 event forms part of a range of activities organized by UTM Pagoh Lifelong Learning Unit throughout the year. It is the second ICARS taking place at Pagoh Education Hub.

ICARS 2019 brought together researchers in the field of agriculture and technology studies in Malaysia. The symposium combined various areas of expertise in organic farming, precision farming, beneficial microorganism, health and wellness, nutrient-dense and functional food, socio-economy in agriculture, sustainable environment and food production technology.