Agro-Tech Innovation: Over 180 experts convene at NAFEC 2025 to advance sustainable food production

PUTRAJAYA, May 7, 2025 – The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF), in collaboration with the Malaysian Society of Agricultural and Food Engineers (MSAE), hosted the National Agricultural and Food Engineering Convention (NAFEC) 2025 from May 6-7 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s Multipurpose Hall in Putrajaya.

Themed “Agro-Technology Driving National Food Production”, the convention brought together over 180 industry players, researchers, policymakers, and academics to discuss advancements in technology and innovation for sustainable and resilient national food security. NAFEC 2025 served as a strategic platform to strengthen collaboration among public, private, and higher education sectors to advance agricultural and food engineering.

Officiated by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, the event highlighted the agribusiness sector’s critical role in Malaysia’s economic and social development. In 2024, the sector recorded a 4.19% GDP growth rate, contributing 11.52% to the national GDP. However, the deputy minister noted a significant RM39.4 billion trade deficit in agribusiness, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive transformation through modern technologies like automation, mechanization, Internet of Things (IoT), and biotechnology to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Arthur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing food security through strategic policies such as the National Food Security Action Plan 2021-2025 (DSMN) and key programs under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12). These efforts will continue under the 13th Malaysia Plan, focusing on high-growth, high-value agriculture aligned with the MADANI economic agenda. He also praised the aquaculture subsector for achieving a 90% self-sufficiency rate in 2024, driven by initiatives like the Quickwin Aquaculture and Integrated Aquaculture Development Programs (PPIA), as well as modern systems like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, IoT, and high-quality breeds.

The convention featured the MSAE 2025 Awards, recognizing significant contributions to agricultural and food engineering. Recipients included:

• Outstanding Professional Award: Dato’ Syed Manshor Syed Mahmood (Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd.)

• Agricultural and Food Innovation Excellence Award: Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai (Universiti Sains Malaysia)

• Inspiration Award: Dato’ Azman Mahmud (former CEO, Malaysian Investment Development Authority) and Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Norhashila Hashim (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

• Excellence Award: Dr. Zaida Zainal (Malaysian Palm Oil Board), Tuan Kamarudin Dahuli (former Muda Agricultural Development Authority), and Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Noor Akhmazillah Mohd Fauzi (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia)

The MSAE 2024 Best Thesis Awards were also presented to students from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for their high-quality research in agricultural and food sciences, technology, and engineering.

A Technical Poster Exhibition showcased 121 posters from leading research institutions and universities, highlighting innovations in post-harvest and food engineering, mechanization, automation, agricultural informatics, marketing, and environmental resource management.

NAFEC 2025 reinforced cross-sector collaboration to build a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. The convention and awards ceremony provided a vital platform for knowledge sharing, policy discourse, and recognition of excellence, paving the way for greater national and global engagement in agricultural and food engineering.