July 10, 2023

South Korea and Malaysia strengthen cooperation in smart ICT-mediated farming

The South Korean government is set to enhance its collaboration with Malaysia to promote exchanges in smart ICT-mediated farming technologies, according to the country's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, The Korea Times reported.

On July 5, the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia's livestock businesses in Kuala Lumpur, solidifying their commitment to cooperation.

The MOU signing event was attended by prominent figures such as Animal Industry Data Korea CEO Kyeong Noh-kyum and the Malaysian Poultry Association, represented by president Kwei Yew Tong.

The partnership builds upon a previous contract signed in December, in which Animal Industry Data Korea agreed to provide the Farms Plan, a smart livestock farming and management service, to a chicken farm in Malaysia. This service incorporates livestock healthcare solutions through the analysis of image data.

The Farms Plan encompasses real-time monitoring of farming conditions, analysis of livestock feeding and behaviour, and disease control solutions. Through this collaboration, both Korea and Malaysia aim to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, identifying joint business opportunities in advanced livestock information and communication technologies.

In addition to fostering innovation, South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to support the export of local livestock farming equipment and the expansion of livestock management solution firms into international markets.

The government's focus on smart livestock farming technology development and administrative assistance is expected to help promising local industry players find growth opportunities abroad.

South Korea recently exported ten cattle for the production of "hanwoo," also known as Korean beef, to Malaysia. The approval for cattle imports came after Malaysia witnessed Korea's swift and comprehensive disease control responses following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in May.

-      The Korea Times