By Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photo by Mohammad Izrul Abdul Jabar
BANGI, 11 January – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Graduate Marketability (CEM), continues to strengthen students’ role as catalysts for the nation’s agri-food sector through the IoT Incubator Top Agropreneur 2.0 Programme.
The high-impact programme, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), focuses on developing Internet of Things (IoT)-based entrepreneurship in agriculture, while supporting national efforts to strengthen food security and producing competitive,future-ready graduates.
The closing ceremony of the IoT Incubator Top Agropreneur 2.0 Programme was officiated by the Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) of MOHE, Dato’ Dr. Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian.
UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Professor Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, said the programme went beyond being an entrepreneurial development platform, reflecting the university’s sustained commitment, together with its strategic partners, to nurturing young talents capable of making meaningful contributions to the national agricultural sector.
“This programme is a manifestation of integrated efforts to cultivate innovation, strengthen entrepreneurial skills and shape a new generation of progressive and competitive agropreneurs who are ready to face the challenges of modern agriculture,” he said.
Meanwhile, CEM Director, Associate Professor Dr. Hizmawati Madzin, said the successful implementation of the programme demonstrated the continued commitment of all stakeholders in advancing the entrepreneurship and innovation agenda within higher education institutions.
“The application of advanced technologies in the agri-food sector not only improves operational efficiency but also supports sustainability and national economic growth through the active involvement of students,” she said.
She added that exposure to IoT technology and real-world entrepreneurial practices through the programme helped create a sustainable agrotechnology ecosystem, while supporting the national agenda on food security and human capital development.
Programme Director, Muhammad Nik Baihaqi Taiki, said the IoT Incubator Top Agropreneur 2.0 Programme served as an important platform in producing innovative and competitive young agropreneurs through the application of IoT in agriculture.
“The programme provides comprehensive exposure covering technical aspects, innovation, entrepreneurship and pitching skills, equipping students with practical knowledge and real-world experience,” he said.
For Bachelor of Smart Agriculture Technology student from UPM’s Faculty of Agriculture, Adib Fakhree Borhan, participation in the programme offered valuable hands-on exposure in preparing for his future career.
“The hands-on approach and exposure to actual industry technologies helped me better understand the needs of modern agriculture and the potential of technology-based entrepreneurship,” he said.
The programme saw participation from students of several higher education institutions, including Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Bentong Community College and Santubong Community College.
During the ceremony, prizes were also presented to winners of the Final Pitching Competition of the IoT Incubator Top Agropreneur 2.0 Programme.
Bentong Community College emerged as champion, taking home RM3,000 in cash along with a trophy. UNIMAS secured second place with RM2,000, a trophy and a certificate, while IIUM won third place with RM1,000, a trophy and a certificate.
Additionally, the Special Innovation and Integrity Award was won by Bentong Community College, the Special Competitiveness Award by UMS, the Best Booth Special Award by UMPSA, and the Best Pitching Special Award by UNIMAS.
