In a significant development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) in Malaysia hosted representatives from the World Bank to explore collaborative efforts for agrofood digitalization. The meeting, held on May 13th, 2022, in Putrajaya, aimed to leverage technology’s potential to drive advancements in the industry.
Led by the World Bank’s Representative to Malaysia and Country Manager, the delegation included prominent figures from the East Asia Agriculture Global Practice of the World Bank.
During the events, it was revealed that MAFI’s Agricultural Modernization Division (BPP) is undertaking a study to develop an Agrofood Digitalization & IR4.0 Action Plan. This study, proposed under the Framework Agreement for Reimbursable Advisory Services (FA RAS), aims to evaluate current policies, strategies, and programs related to agrofood modernization. It also seeks to analyze the existing digitalization structure and propose effective solutions for industry modernization.
Secretary General of MAFI emphasized the importance of digitalization in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and highlighted how emerging technologies can transform the global economy. She also acknowledged the role of technology in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the agrofood sector’s supply chain, posing long-lasting food security consequences. However, Secretary General of MAFI expressed optimism, stating that digitalization offers an opportunity to enhance collaboration and optimize supply chain efficiency. By leveraging technology, the agrofood industry can significantly improve productivity.
The events concluded with a call for collaboration between MAFI and the World Bank to scrutinize the scoping mission in detail. Secretary General of MAFI commended the joint effort to embrace modern technology in agriculture and expressed anticipation for forward-looking recommendations that would drive digital transformation in Malaysia’s agrofood industries.
The courtesy call also witnessed the participation of key MAFI representatives, including Deputy Secretary General, Secretary of the Policy and Strategic Planning Division, Secretary of the Agricultural Modernization Division, and Principal Assistant Secretaries.
The collaborative efforts between the World Bank and MAFI hold immense potential for advancing Malaysia’s agriculture and food industries through digitalization. As Malaysia embraces technological advancements, the agrofood sector is poised to undergo transformation, ensuring its sustainability and growth in the global market.
On May 25, 2022, MAFI (Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Malaysia), Economy Planning Unit (EPU), and the World Bank visited Melbourne Wealth’s Farm at Projek Pertanian Moden, Kluang, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia. The purpose of the visit was to gather information and perspectives as one of the growers and industry players in the vegetable sector.
The visit aimed to gain insights into modern farming practices and technologies used at Melbourne Wealth’s Farm, as well as gather information about the successes and challenges faced by vegetable farmers and industry players. MAFI, EPU, and the World Bank hoped that this visit would contribute to better policy planning for the agricultural and vegetable sectors in Malaysia.
It is expected that this visit will provide a better understanding of the vegetable farming sector, aid in the development and improvement of productivity, and offer valuable input in advancing the vegetable industry in Malaysia.
