Expected to commercialise modular kits for deployment at homes, office spaces and communities to develop a sustainable urban agriculture ecosystem by 2021

 
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Green Eklan Sdn Bhd (Eklan) and NanoMalaysia Berhad (NanoMalaysia) today launched the Smart Urban Farming and Aquaponics System (SURF X1), an efficient and self-sustaining urban farming and aquaponics kit that uses nanotechnology and the Internet of NanoThings (IoNT) in its system. The launch was witnessed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Yang Berhormat Khairy Jamaluddin during the Malaysia Commercialisation Year (MCY) Summit 2020.
 
NanoMalaysia is working with Eklan to commercialise the modular kits for deployment at homes, office spaces, communities, NGOs, and schools to develop a system that will offer a range of options for expanding food production in cities while creatively redeveloping the urban environment.
 
SURF X1 utilises the use of Nano Light Energy Panels (NLEPs), which enables electrical energy production via natural or non-natural light for a sustainable system. Nano-based Enhancers and Nano Fertilisers are used in the system as a catalyst for better yield of crops at a faster rate.
 
The filtration system also has Nano-Filters made of nanoparticles for particles removal of micro-organism, and Nano-Sensors for real-time monitoring of water and ambient parameters such Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration, waste, pH, humidity, and temperature levels. The Internet of NanoThings (IoNT) platform for SURF X1 allows for smart monitoring online through a mobile app. SURF X1 was co-ideated and developed by Eklan and NanoMalaysia via product development funding.
 
YB Khairy Jamaluddin said: “The commercialisation of SURF X1 will have a transformational impact on how urban communities can play a pivotal role to develop an innovative ecosystem that will help food supply chains to be more resilient and contribute to food safety and security.”
 
Green Eklan Sdn Bhd’s Managing Director, Bryan Yeo echoed this sentiment and added: “We developed SURF X1 as a self-sustaining Urban Farming kit in partnership with NanoMalaysia by utilising advanced nanotechnology to address challenges of aquaponics in terms of waste disposal from aquaculture and the nutrient requirements of hydroponics.”
 
“It is a line of new urban farming solutions and services to address the dynamic needs of food security and agricultural technology through partnerships, developments and commercialisation with our industrial and commercial partners. We expect to roll out 1000 units by 2025 in line with the growing demand for Smart Urban Farming as the commercialisation and adoption of nanotechnology and the Internet of NanoThings (IoNT) in farming is relatively untapped in the domestic market.”
 
In August, the government has announced an allocation of RM10 million under PENJANA for the implementation of the Urban Farming Programme (PPB), which includes assistance such as fertilisers, seeds, infrastructure, equipment and others. Since 2014, some 125,000 people, including those from schools, institutions, individuals and communities in 5,065 locations nationwide, have participated in urban farming programmes in Malaysia. Expanding urban farms will also reduce the country’s reliance on food imports. Malaysia currently imports about a quarter (24%) of its total food supply.
 
NanoMalaysia Berhad's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad explained that SURF X1 uses nanotechnology, entrepreneurship and social innovation to change urban agriculture.
 
Dr Rezal said: "SURF X1 represents a tool for empowerment by improving food security, nutrition, and self-sufficiency for Malaysians. Not only are we addressing our food security, but by collaborating with partners, we are also enabling SMEs and start-ups to co-innovate in making Smart Urban Farming more efficient by utilising nanotechnology solutions. This makes it sustainable financially and environmentally, in line with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) as established by the United Nations (UN).”
 
“Malaysian will have control over their food supply chain to grow their own foods and sell any excess crops and fish, allowing them to generate additional income and foray into entrepreneurship at the same time of feeding their families.”
 
With the increasing demand for organic fruits and vegetables, and the rise in disposable income, the global market revenue for aquaponics was USD466 million in 2017. Out of this revenue, 24% were made by individuals and families while 31% was from commercial ventures with the largest yields being vegetable and fruits followed by fishes. The global market forecast for aquaponics is expected to be USD1,350 million by 2024. From that total, the projected market revenue for Malaysia is likely to be at RM23.6 million.
 
SURF X1 is currently sandboxing at multiple sites including at SK Kampung Tunku in Petaling Jaya for data collection and educational tools. NanoMalaysia and Eklan through a partnership arrangement will approach industry players and retail consumers for placements at residential as well as commercial areas with 22 kits to be deployed at Bandar Utama in the initial phase. The Smart Urban Farming and Aquaponics System will also be available for sale in the market from January 2021 through www.pertanian.com.my.

 
About NanoMalaysia Berhad
NanoMalaysia Berhad was incorporated in 2011 as a company limited by guarantee (CLBG) under the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to act as a business entity entrusted with nanotechnology commercialisation and industrialisation activities. Nanotechnology continues to provide efficient and enhanced solutions to various applications in smart living, smart manufacturing, agriculture, electronic devices, and energy and environment. NanoMalaysia believes that the "Internet of Nano-Things" or IoNT, will be the core driver of Industry 4.0, catalysing revolutionary changes in the industry, business and society.
 
About Green Eklan Sdn Bhd
Green Eklan Sdn Bhd was founded in 2013 as a company limited by share (CLS) specialising in providing systems automation, solutions integration and to develop and commercialise sustainable solutions. Being a specialist in lighting technologies and automation systems, Eklan developed specialised turnkey solutions for events, automation systems and components for commercial and residential clients as well as towards agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture projects.
 
 
SOURCE : NanoMalaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Riznal Abidin
Tel : +6016 660 4606

Name : Nur Fitri Zawani
Tel : +6017 769 2765

--BERNAMA