KUALA LUMPUR: Main Market-listed information technology (IT) software and platform provider ARB Bhd, through its subsidiary ARB IoT Group Ltd, has launched the UKM-ARB Smart Laboratory, a modern facility designed for advanced research and data monitoring.
This initiative is in partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia's leading research university.
Officiated by Higher Education deputy minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal and witnessed by UKM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Gs Ts Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, the laboratory sets the stage for groundbreaking work in AI, smart farming and data platforms, aiming to become an epicenter of IoT innovations.
The partnership between UKM and ARB aims to improve Malaysia's agricultural sector by introducing the UKM-ARB Smart Laboratory.
In line with the strategic partnership formed between ARB and UKM, Yusof Apdal said promoting collaborations between academia, industry, government, and communities has always been at the forefront for the Ministry of Higher Education.
He said the UKM-ARB Smart Lab marks a monumental step in fortifying Malaysia's academic stature.
ARB executive director Datuk Sri Larry Liew Kok Leong said the UKM-ARB Smart Laboratory projects the company's steadfast dedication to pioneering technology in agriculture.
"It stands as a beacon of industry-research collaboration, embodying our drive for innovation and growth," he said.
The establishment of this Smart Laboratory primarily seeks to boost efficiency and precision in conducting experiments, especially those related to conductivity and data collection.
It will serve as a central hub for direct data accumulation and instantaneous monitoring from all smart farms under the ARB Berhad umbrella.
By consolidating and analysing this data, improvements to the ARB smart farm IoT system are anticipated, along with bolstered research for enhancing the quality of all crops.
Mohd Ekhwan said UKM focuses on advanced human-computer interaction and IoT, bolstered by ARB's sponsorship, solidifying the university's commitment to meet community and industry needs.
He also shared that ARB has agreed to provide RM400,000 sponsorship to UKM to upgrade the Smart Laboratory.
The Smart Laboratory showcases features like real-time data collection, advanced environmental monitoring, tailor-made configurations for research, and data analytics.
Businesses can now harness this blend of academic and industrial prowess, leveraging innovations to make informed decisions, optimise resources, and enhance profitability in agriculture.
"With the presence of smart labs like this, it will become a discourse that will facilitate sharing thrones and resources.
"Therefore, researchers at universities need to take this opportunity to enhance their knowledge and expertise while producing research results that align with the needs and requirements of the industry.
"The ministry also sees this development as a positive indicator towards strengthening the country's education and making it a smart partnership in education," Mohd Yusof Apdal said.