Kuala lumpur: The second phase of the Agrovator@Sekolah programme, managed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is scheduled to begin this October to foster interest among the young generation in the agriculture and agrifood sectors. MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil stated that the programme also aimed to develop future talent capable of contributing to the nation's digital economy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Agrovator@Sekolah is a national talent development initiative that exposes primary and secondary school students to artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and smart farming. Implemented in collaboration with DXN Holdings Bhd as a strategic partner, the initiative combines interactive learning with innovation challenges to encourage interest in Digital AgTech. To date, the first phase of Agrovator@Sekolah has involved 500 students from more than 80 schools nationwide.
Anuar Fariz highlighted that through the Digital Agriculture Technology Adoption Platform (i-AGRI), BidFresh, and Agrovator@Sekolah, MDEC is building an ecosystem connecting data, innovation, talent development, and market access. 'In line with Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030), these efforts will support Malaysia's aspiration to become an AI nation by 2030, while also creating more economic opportunities and improving the well-being of the people,' he said. The three initiatives were launched at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2026 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on Aug 30.
The i-AGRI platform consolidates information on technology adoption in the crop, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture subsectors through statistics, maps, charts, and interactive displays. The platform assists the government and stakeholders in identifying digital adoption gaps, planning interventions, and making decisions based on comprehensive and up-to-date data. BidFresh connects agri-entrepreneurs directly with buyers to facilitate market matching, information sharing, and transactions, thereby enhancing transparency and expanding business opportunities.
MDEC has also been appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) as the National Strategic Digital Technology Validator and implementing agency for KPKM's Digital AgTech programme. Anuar Fariz said the appointment entrusted MDEC with ensuring that digital technology and AI translate into tangible benefits for the agrifood sector and the public. 'The goal is clear, to help farmers and agri-entrepreneurs improve efficiency, expand market opportunities and strengthen the resilience of the nation's food supply,' he said.
To date, more than 800 Digital AgTech systems, including over 100 AI-based systems, have been deployed nationwide by local technology companies with 'Malaysia Digital' status. Implementation covers the crop, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture subsectors, while more than 30,000 participants have received training and exposure to Digital AgTech.