BANGI, 11 January 2026 – The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) reaffirmed its continuous commitment to strengthening the national agro-food entrepreneurship ecosystem through the implementation of the Top Agropreneur Incubator Program 2.0, held today at Bangi Avenue Convention Centre (BACC).

The programme, coordinated by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development and Graduate Employability, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), brought together 100 students from various higher education institutions to develop ideas and business models for modern agriculture based on technology, in line with the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and the national food security agenda.

Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) of MOHE, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, said that technological integration is the main pillar of large-scale and sustainable modern agricultural development. Speaking at the opening ceremony, he stated that the programme aims to equip students with the latest technical skills and build their confidence to become job creators in the agrotechnology field.

“This programme aligns with the aspirations of the Ministry of Higher Education, which emphasises holistic entrepreneurial talent development – from exposure and incubation to the commercialisation and business expansion phases. The incorporation of IoT elements, automation and smart farming can significantly enhance productivity and sustainability of national food production,” he said.

He also stressed the need for a whole-of-nation approach involving collaboration between the government, academia, industry and the community to ensure the entrepreneurship and food security agenda can be realised continuously with high impact.

A total of 22 innovative products developed by participants from Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) were showcased, featuring various technology-based smart agriculture solutions with strong commercialisation potential.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia, Dato’ Prof. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah, described the Top Agropreneur Incubator Program 2.0 as a manifestation of UPM’s commitment, together with strategic partners, in empowering young talent and cultivating innovation within the agricultural sector.

According to him, the programme is not merely an entrepreneurial development initiative but also an important platform to produce competitive, progressive agropreneurs capable of contributing significantly to the nation’s agricultural development. Various technology-driven innovations were introduced, including fertigation systems, organic pesticide production and the use of drones for crop monitoring.

The closing ceremony marked the successful implementation of the Top Agropreneur Incubator Program 2.0 as a platform for skills development, practical exposure and the formation of a sustainable agrotechnology entrepreneurship ecosystem, in line with the national agenda to strengthen food security and human capital development.

In addition, Kolej Komuniti Bentong emerged as the champion, winning the overall title as well as receiving the Special Award for Innovation and Creativity. The success of the programme was the result of strategic collaboration between the Strategic Planning Division of MOHE and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as the programme coordinator.

Date of Input: 13/01/2026 | Updated: 13/01/2026 | hidayahyahya