JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 4 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and EMRO Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. are advancing a joint research project to strengthen sustainable farming practices for premium durian production, with Musang King (D197) as the target variety.

Supported by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) through the Industry Matching Programme (IMAP) Grant, the project investigates biologically based organic fertiliser solutions that could support soil health, plant performance and more sustainable cultivation of this high-value Malaysian crop.

The research is spearheaded by Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Norahim Ibrahim from the Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, UTM, together with Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab, Dr. Nazrin Abd Aziz and Dr. Fazilah Abdul Manan, all from the same department.

Beneficial Microorganisms for Sustainable Agriculture

EMRO Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is associated with EM Research Organization (EMRO) Japan, which developed Effective Microorganisms (EM) Technology. The technology applies communities of beneficial microorganisms through biological approaches in areas ranging from agriculture and animal farming to environmental conservation.

The UTM–EMRO Malaysia project applies this concept to the development and evaluation of an organic fertiliser for Musang King durian. The research seeks to establish scientific evidence on how biologically based fertilisation can contribute towards more sustainable premium durian cultivation.

Musang King was selected for its premium status, high commercial value, and strong market recognition. The project is particularly timely as international demand for Malaysian durian continues to create new opportunities for the country’s agricultural sector.

Supporting Malaysia’s Premium Durian Industry

According to figures reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Malaysia exported 115,359 metric tonnes of durian products worth RM6.37 billion to China between 2018 and 2025.

Department of Statistics Malaysia data also recorded national durian exports of 24,098.9 tonnes in 2020, 42,765.7 tonnes in 2021, 43,864.5 tonnes in 2022, 41,633.0 tonnes in 2023 and 30,809.8 tonnes in 2024.

A significant milestone was achieved in 2024 when Malaysia secured approval to export fresh durian to China, further expanding market opportunities for premium Malaysian varieties.

Against this growing demand, the long-term development of the industry requires attention not only to productivity and fruit quality but also to soil health, nutrient management and environmentally responsible farming practices.

The research outcomes could therefore provide important scientific knowledge to help shape the future development of organic durian production in Malaysia, particularly for premium varieties such as Musang King.

From Laboratory to Living Lab

On 4 August 2026, the research team welcomed the Managing Director of EMRO Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Yoshitaka Fukugauchi, to the Bionanotechnology Laboratory, T02 Building, Faculty of Science, UTM Johor Bahru, to discuss the progress of the ongoing research under the IMAP Grant.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to review research progress, exchange technical perspectives and discuss the subsequent phases of the project.

Fukugauchi also visited the Faculty of Science Living Lab, where trials involving Musang King durian plants are being conducted. The visit enabled the industry partner to observe how laboratory research is being translated into practical experimentation under conditions closer to its intended agricultural application.

This laboratory-to-Living-Lab approach allows the research team to generate evidence that can be used to refine fertiliser formulations, application strategies and future field-scale studies.

An Active MoA Delivering Tangible Outcomes

The project is also evidence of an active Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between UTM and EMRO Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

The MoA has moved beyond a formal institutional agreement to provide a working platform for research, knowledge exchange and technology development.

The Musang King fertiliser project is a concrete outcome of this partnership, combining UTM’s scientific expertise and research infrastructure with EMRO Malaysia’s industrial experience in Effective Microorganisms Technology.

MOHE support through the IMAP Grant further strengthens this collaboration, demonstrating how government, academia and industry can work together to address challenges of national economic and environmental relevance.

Importantly, the collaboration reflects industry recognition and confidence in the expertise of UTM researchers. It demonstrates how local scientific capabilities can be harnessed alongside industrial knowledge to develop solutions for a strategically important agricultural sector.

Shaping Organic Durian Production in Malaysia

The significance of the project extends beyond the development of a fertiliser formulation. Its longer-term value lies in generating scientific evidence that could support more sustainable approaches to organic premium durian cultivation in Malaysia.

As the industry grows, sustainable production will require cultivation strategies that balance productivity and fruit quality with soil health and environmental responsibility. Research on organic fertilisation and beneficial microorganisms could provide valuable knowledge for developing such approaches.

The project also provides opportunities for students and young researchers to experience industry-linked and translational research, demonstrating how bioscience can progress from laboratory investigation towards practical agricultural applications.

Supporting UTM ASCEND 2030 and Global Impact

The collaboration aligns with UTM ASCEND 2030, particularly its emphasis on high-impact research and innovation, environmental sustainability, and strategic industrial partnerships.

By bringing together bioscience, sustainable agriculture and industry-driven research around a premium commodity of national importance, the project demonstrates how UTM expertise can contribute to challenges extending beyond academia.

The international dimension of the partnership is also significant. Collaboration with EMRO Malaysia, linked to technology originating from Japan, provides a platform for UTM researchers to demonstrate Malaysian scientific capabilities within a wider international technology ecosystem.

Together with the focus on Musang King, an internationally recognised premium Malaysian agricultural product, the project can strengthen UTM’s visibility in bioscience, sustainable tropical agriculture and industry-responsive research.

Ultimately, the UTM–EMRO Malaysia project demonstrates how government support, university expertise and industry capability can converge to advance sustainable farming practices for premium durian production.

More importantly, it shows that a successful university–industry partnership is measured not merely by the signing of an agreement, but by the research, knowledge and impact that the agreement produces. Through its active MoA with EMRO Malaysia, UTM is translating scientific expertise into practical research that could contribute to the future of sustainable premium durian production while strengthening the University’s reputation as a trusted research and innovation partner.