GELANG PATAH, Feb 1 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has collaborated with Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tanjung Kupang to implement IoT-based smart farming solutions under the Iskandar Puteri Low Carbon (IPRK) 4.0 grant worth RM23,000. This initiative, part of the Smart Kupang Project, aims to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability through Internet of Things (IoT) technology and automated irrigation systems for teachers and students at SK Tanjung Kupang. The project will conclude on 31 January 2025.
The Knowledge Transfer Program (KTP) focuses on knowledge transfer and hands-on learning. It has engaged more than 44 students and seven teachers in a structured series of seminars and training sessions led by UTM experts. The program began in September 2024 with Series 1: Hands-on Training on Seed Germination Techniques, led by Dr. Raihana Ridzuan from the Department of Biosciences and Dr. Siti Mariam Norrulashikin from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, both from the Faculty of Sciences. This was followed by Series 2: Urban Farming Layout Planning in October 2024, led by Dr. Mohd Alif Mohd Puzi from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU).
In October-November 2024, Series 3-5 introduced concepts related to IoT-powered smart farming technologies. These included an Introduction to IoT-Powered Smart Farming, a Train-the-Trainer (ToT) program for teachers on IoT System Management, and Hands-on Training on Smart Irrigation using IoT for students. The sessions were led by Ts. Dr. Fariza Hanim Suhailin from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, and Dr. Muhamad Amin Abd Wahab from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Science, Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE).
The final stage, Series 6: Implementation of the IoT System for Smart Farming (December 2024-January 2025), involved installing an automated irrigation system in the school greenhouse. This system optimizes water usage while reducing manual labor through real-time monitoring. Additional sensors, including soil quality sensors that measure humidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, and pH, as well as environmental sensors that monitor temperature and humidity, were integrated into the system. As of January 31, 2025, more than 50 vegetable plants are thriving under continuous monitoring. Notably, adopting the IoT-powered smart farming system has resulted in a twofold increase in income generation compared to traditional methods, demonstrating its practical benefits and sustainability.
Moreover, the IoT smart farming program has greatly improved digital literacy and agricultural skills among students and teachers at SK Tanjung Kupang. Before the training, only 6.1% of participants had a strong understanding of IoT irrigation systems, but after the sessions, this figure rose to 73.5%, indicating a significant enhancement in knowledge transfer. This project received a STAR 4 award from the UTM Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN) in 2024 and applied for STAR 5 in 2025. This initiative underscores UTM’s dedication to community empowerment and sustainability, which aligns with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By merging technology with agriculture, the program sets a precedent for future smart farming education in Malaysia, nurturing a new generation of students with digital and sustainable farming skills.