QINGYUAN, Sept 3 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its international presence in artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable agriculture through the participation of its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, at the International Academic Conference on Smart Agriculture: Technology Empowerment and Integration of Industry and Education.

Hosted by Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Trade (GPST) at its Qingyuan Campus from 1 to 3 September 2026, the conference gathered academics, researchers and industry representatives from Malaysia, China, Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries. The event provided a valuable platform to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies and build partnerships for the future of agriculture. The international gathering also highlighted the growing role of technology and innovation in addressing emerging challenges in the agricultural sector.

As an invited keynote speaker, Prof. Ali delivered a presentation titled “UTM: Driving AI Innovation in Smart Agriculture.” He explained how AI, machine learning, big-data analysis, connected sensors and smart decision-making systems can help farmers produce more efficiently, use resources wisely and respond better to climate and environmental challenges.

Drawing on his expertise in AI, data analytics, intelligent systems and digital transformation, Prof. Ali highlighted UTM’s capabilities in precision agriculture, automated farming, crop monitoring, environmental sensing and climate-resilient food production. His presentation demonstrated how UTM research can move beyond laboratories and be developed into practical solutions for farmers, businesses and communities.

Prof. Ali also stressed that meaningful innovation requires universities, industries, governments and communities to work together. Such partnerships, he said, are essential to turn research findings into useful technologies that strengthen food security, support sustainable farming and improve people’s lives. This collaborative approach is also important in ensuring that technological innovation can be translated into solutions that are relevant, scalable and beneficial to society.

His involvement at the conference further raised the visibility of UTM and Malaysia’s research expertise on the international stage. In addition to his leadership role at UTM, Prof. Ali heads the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Cluster at Akademi Profesor Malaysia, reflecting his recognised strength in advancing AI research and its real-world applications.

The conference also saw the launch of the International Industry-Education Alliance for Smart Agriculture, which aims to promote cross-border cooperation, technology sharing, talent development and industry-based learning. Its main discussions covered urban agriculture, agricultural technology, farm management, cultivation, biotechnology and AI-supported innovation.

UTM’s participation opens further opportunities for joint research, staff and student mobility, professional training, innovation projects and technology commercialisation with GPST and other international partners. Through Prof. Ali’s engagement, UTM continues to position itself as a trusted global partner in using advanced technology to address food security, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience.