PAGOH, Dec 5 – The Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Pagoh Campus, in collaboration with Back2Nature Sdn. Bhd., hosted a successful World Soil Day 2024 Celebration to raise awareness on sustainable soil management. Themed “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, and Manage,” the event featured groundbreaking innovations, strategic partnerships, and interactive activities aimed at promoting soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.
Another highlight of the day was ICA Innovates Logo Launch and Research Product Showcase. The unveiling ceremony was officiated by Prof. Dr. rer. Nat. Hesham El Enshasy, Director of ICA, who delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the center’s pivotal role in advancing agritechnology. He highlighted the importance of bridging academic research with industry needs to develop sustainable solutions for modern agricultural challenges. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Norzita Ngadi, Deputy Director of UTM Pagoh Campus.
In conjunction with the logo launch, ICA presented a showcase of five groundbreaking products, now ready for licensing. Among these innovations is the Probiotic Pineapple Drink Powder, a health-boosting creation that combines freeze-dried pineapple, probiotics, and prebiotics to enhance gut health and immunity. The Hydroboost Organic Slow-Release Hydroponic Fertilizer, another highlight, offers a residue-free, eco-friendly solution for sustainable hydroponic farming. The showcase also featured the Variegated Banana Plant Tissue Culture, a visually striking cultivar produced through advanced tissue culture techniques, catering to both ornamental and agricultural needs. Further emphasizing eco-friendly solutions, ICA introduced Fertilla Baja Biokompos Azolla, a biofertilizer enriched with Azolla and effective microorganisms to improve crop yields sustainably. Completing the lineup were Gaharu Blends Perfume & Sacha Inchi Personal Care Products, luxurious botanical-based creations designed to elevate wellness and self-care. These products exemplify ICA’s dedication to developing sustainable, innovative solutions that bridge the gap between academia and industry. The unveiling of the ICA Innovates logo and the product showcase underline the centre’s mission to address real-world agricultural challenges while promoting environmental stewardship.
The day also included events of Seminar, Industry-Academia Forum, and Research Exhibition, which brought together experts, academics, and industry representatives to discuss innovative solutions for soil preservation and agritechnology advancements. The exhibition showcased cutting-edge research and technologies developed by ICA and its collaborators. We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed speakers of the Seminar: Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Dayang Norulfairuz Abang Zaidel, Research Fellow of ICA; Dr. Ahmad Safuan Bujang from MARDI, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Koshy Philip from the Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya (UM). Their insightful presentations on food security, advanced agricultural technologies, and soil microbiome profiling provided invaluable knowledge.”
Also our heartfelt appreciation goes to our distinguished panelists – Prof. Dr. rer. Nat. Hesham Ali El-Enshasy, Director of ICA UTM Pagoh Campus; Dr. Ting Seng Ho from Back2Nature Sdn. Bhd.; and Dr. Faizal Hamid from the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. – and to Dr. Raihana Ridzuan, who skillfully moderated the forum on “Sustaining Life – Soil Health and Its Role in Food Security.” Attendees also participated in a unique Pick Your Own Veggie session at the ICA UTM Pagoh Greenhouse, where they harvested fresh hydroponic vegetables while learning about sustainable farming practices. This interactive activity highlighted alternative farming methods that align with the event’s theme of promoting soil health.
The World Soil Day 2024 celebration at ICA UTM Pagoh Campus was a resounding success, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the community. We extend our warmest thanks to our remarkable sponsors whose support elevated World Soil Day 2024 at ICA UTM Pagoh Campus! To Getting Back to Nature Sdn. Bhd., Sime Darby Property, Evergreen Engineering Resources, Apical Scientific, and UTM Holdings Sdn. Bhd. – your partnership made this meaningful celebration possible. The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants and contributors for their support in making the event memorable.
For more information about ICA’s innovations and sustainable solutions, visit the official product showcase at ICA Product Showcase.
Contact Information:
Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – Pagoh Campus
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