Discover

MARDI

Contents
Message from Chairman of the Governing Board
Message from Director General
Establishment of MARDI
Vision, Mision & Goals
Client Charter
Organisational Structure
MARDI Stations In Malaysia
Human Resource
Research, Development & Commercialization Focus
Serving the Nation
Ensuring Food Security
Sustaining Livestock and Feed Production
Fruits and Vegetables, Our Export Earners
Mechanisation of Agriculture
Biotechnology for the Future
Value Adding means Business
New Technologies & Products
Bridging Knowledge and Communities
Enriching Agrofood Knowledge
Boosting Countrys Economy
Protecting Technologies
Developing Entrepreneurs
Eradicating Poverty
Thinking Out of the Box
Receiving Recognition
Providing Services
MARDI Holdings Sdn.Bhd.
Establishing linkages
Serving the World
Future Contributions
The Way Forward

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Message from

Chairman of the Governing Board

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to

pen a few words in Discover MARDI. MARDIs
achievements in her core businesses over the
years are highly commendable. The Institute
has a large pool of dedicated researchers under
the guidance of an able management team
that has positioned MARDI as a premier R&D
organization in food, agriculture and bio-based
industries.
The National Agro-Food Policy (DAN)
20112020 has outlined the Government
Transformation Programme, New Economic
Model and the Economic Transformation
Programme which serve as a foundation
towards a high-income developed country.
MARDI has been identified as a significant
player in increasing agricultural production,
development of new products and generating
new sources of wealth of the country. With the
precision of innovation and commitment among
researchers, I believe MARDI will still remain
as a key enabler in contributing towards the
Governments intention to make Malaysia a
developed nation by 2020.
In line with the recommendations of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based
Industry, MARDI, as technology generator,
needs to redouble efforts to help realize the
goals that have been entrusted upon us. It can
be achieved by increasing the generation of
innovative technologies and competitiveness,
and to ensure that the expertise of researchers
is at par with or surpass their global peers.
Coupled with that, the technology transfer and
commercialization activities to target groups
should also be expanded.

A measure of excellence is when there is

competition and recognition within the R&D
circle. MARDIs researchers have the capacity to
compete in local and international competitions
relating to the food and agriculture sector
as can be seen from the awards bestowed.
Many technologies have competed at national
level competitions such as MTE, ITEX
(International Invention & Technology Exhibition),
BIOMALAYSIA and BioInno Awards as well
as international level competitions in Geneva,
Brussels (EUREKA), INPEX, IENA and SIIF.
As an institution, MARDI has also won prestigious
awards such as Anugerah Kualiti Perdana
Menteri 1992 and 2005, Science and Technology
2011 award by Islamic Development Bank
(IDB) and Anugerah Harta Intelek Negara 2015
(Organisation Sector) This is truly a remarkable
achievement and I would like to express my
heartiest congratulations to all involved. InsyaAllah MARDI would achieve its vision to be
a world-renowned R&D organization in food,
agriculture and bio-based industries by 2015.
Thank you.

YB Dato Mohd Fadil b. Osman

Chairman
MARDI Governing Board

ii

Message from

Director General

MARDI has been entrusted to develop and

disseminate appropriate technologies in
agriculture and agro-based industries to be
applied by our designated target groups. Our
research endeavours for the past 40 years had
fruitfully generated many new crop varieties
and clones, animal breeds and management
practices. Cutting edge technologies in food
processing and post-harvest handling are
also developed for horticultural and livestock
products. ICT technologies are being exploited
in farm management and operations such
as precision farming technology for rice
estate and yield estimation using the imaging
technology. New techniques are being developed
in environmental management and optimum
utilization of agricultural resources particularly
soil, water and genetic resources. Significant
research findings in agriculture and agro-based
industries conducted under the 9th Malaysia Plan
are documented in this report.
Technical services and entrepreneurship
development in food, agriculture and other fields
relating to the industry rendered by MARDI
over the years. These are mainly services in
the forms of technical advisory, consultancy,
technical trainings, analytical laboratory services,
processing technology, quality assurance,
new product development and technology upscaling. Farmers and entrepreneurs who had
adopted MARDIs technologies had contributed
to the enhancement of the national agriculture

and agro-based industries. This has made the

agricultural sector a compelling contributor to the
national economy.
I believe the (persistent, never-ending or
unrelenting) search for knowledge amongst
our researchers would continue in contributing
towards achieving our national goal to transform
the food and agriculture industry into an
attractive, vibrant and competitive sector.
It is also hoped that this publication will spur
related scientists, academicians from institutions
of higher learning and individuals in their pursuit
for knowledge and apply the lessons learned
towards the betterment of mankind.
Thank you.

Dato Dr. Sharif b. Haron

MARDI

iii

Establishment of MARDI
MARDI was established with the primary
objective of generating and promoting new,
appropriate and efficient means for the
advancement of the food industry, agriculture
and agro-based industries.
MARDI Act 1969 has lead to the
establishment of MARDI on 28 October 1969.
It became operational in March 1971.
The MARDI leadership vision has evolved
from capacity building and establishment
of cultivation and farming system to R&D,
commercialisation of technologies, total
quality management and culture excellence
to achieve recognition at the national and
international level.
Commercialisation became a part of MARDIs
role upon amendments to MARDI Act in 2002.

Vision
To be a world-renowned R&D organisation in food,
agriculture and bio-based industries by 2015

Mission
To generate and transfer knowledge, competencies and technical
services to support the transformation of the national agriculture
and agro-based industries towards competitive, innovative and
commercialised sectors

Goals
Generate agriculture and agro-food technologies and
innovations which are inclusive and competitive for the
benefits of the society and stakeholders
Strengthen the delivery systems for MARDI technologies
and services towards increased productivity of the nation
agro-food sector
Develop agro-based industries and entrepreneurs to be
effective, competitive, modern and of global standards
Enhance the capacity and conducive environment for
research and development of agro-food industries

Client Charter
MARDI is resolute in its efforts to develop
appropriate, efficient and viable technologies
and to provide technology leadership to clients
involved in the development of food and
agriculture sectors with unparalleled dedication
and professionalism. To realise this aspiration,
MARDI continuously strives to fulfil its clients
needs by:
Developing 40 technologies annually which
have the potential to be up-scaled, piloted
or commercialised for the benefit of the food
and agriculture sector and related industries
Enhancing client performance through
technology utilisation
Providing quality and accredited services for
the development of the food and agriculture
sector
Providing client feedbacks for advisory
services, information, training and expertise
based on MARDI technology within seven
working days of request
Settlement of bills for goods and services
rendered within 14 days from full receipt of
the required documents from suppliers

Organisational Structure
Governing Board
MARDI Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

Scientific Council
Director General

Deputy Director General I

Deputy Director General II
Internal
Audit
Centre

Strategic Planning &

Innovation
Management Centre

Integrity
Unit

MARDI State
Directors

Research
Specialists

Biotechnology &
Nanotechnology
Research Centre

Food Science
Technology
Research Centre

Promotion &
Business
Development Centre

Human Resource
Management Centre

Paddy & Rice

Research Centre

Engineering
Research Centre

Asset Development &

Management Centre

Financial
Management Centre

Horticulture
Research Centre

Animal Science
Research Centre

Technical Services &

Laboratory Centre

Information
Management Centre

Agrobiodiversity
& Environment
Research Centre

Plant & Soil Science

Research Centre

Gene Bank & Seed

Centre

Corporate
Communication &
Quality Centre

Economy & Social

Science Research
Centre

MARDI Stations In Malaysia

Spread throughout Malaysia, MARDI stations
play a big role in MARDIs R&D&C. Each station
has its own focus and specialisation depending
on the need and suitability of the region.

Arau

Kota Bharu
Bachok
Jeram Pasu
Pasir Puteh

Langkawi
Sintok
Alor Setar
Pendang

Kota Kinabalu

Besut
Kuala Terengganu

Seberang Prai

Bintulu

Jerangau
Kuala Kangsar
Saratok
Cameron Highlands

Parit

Kemaman

Hilir Perak

Cherating

Kuching

Tanjong Karang
Kundang
Ibu Pejabat MARDI
Klang
Seremban

Muadzam Shah
Support Stations

Jelebu

Major Stations

Kuala Linggi
Kluang

Melaka
Pontian

Johor Bahru

Support & Major

Stations
MARDI Headquarters

Major Stations: 8 | Support Stations: 24 | Land Area: 6975.1 ha

Human Resource
Nurturing Expertise
Institutional priority in competency development is an ongoing process to ensure
that human resource development is being collectively undertaken to form a
knowledgeable institution.
Competent, knowledgeable and skillful human capital is a key enabler for the
execution of the institutions tasks and responsibility.
Each year the total allocation for human resource development always gives
priority to research officers to pursue their studies. As such, the human resource
development policy which provides formal academic training, shall be able to
increase and strengthen employees skills and professionalism according to their
respective areas of discipline. Thus, this will drive the institute towards a world
class agricultural and food research institution with competent and credible
research officers.
This will hopefully speed up the process
of strengthening the expertise and
contributing to the countrys agricultural
development. With the availability
of competent, knowledgeable and
highly skilled human capital, it would
indirectly glorify MARDI and thus
increase the organizations image.

Non-Research
(supporting staff)
1665

Research
(officers)
577

MARDI
Staff

Research
(supporting staff)
697

Non-Research
(officers)
72

Academic
Qualification of
MARDI Officers

Master
Degree
266

Bachelor
Degree
244

Ph. D
86

Research, Development &

Commercialization Focus

MARDI technologies have over the years contributed towards the development of
nations agriculture sector. To remain relevant, MARDIs focus evolve according to
current nation and world needs and scenarios.
MARDIs current R&D&C focus are as follows:

Food security and nutrition

Post harvest losses
Early warning system and disease control
High value products
Mechanization and precision farming
Climate change
Wealth creation using biotechnology and
biodiversity
Green technology and sustainable
agriculture
Urban agriculture
High quality seeds
Agrotechnopreneur
Expert consultation
Agro-services

Serving the Nation

MARDI is mandated to fulfil the following

functions:
To conduct researches along the value chain
in the fields of science, technical, economy,
and social with regards to: production,
utilisation and processing of all crops (except
rubber, oil palm and cocoa), livestock and
food and integrated farming
To serve as a centre for collecting and
disseminating information and advisory
services pertaining to scientific matters,
technical and economy related to food,
agriculture and agro-based industry.
These functions are accomplished through
various methods including of publication
of reports, periodicals and related papers
and organising of exhibitions, conferences,
seminars, and lectures
To serve as a centre that provides expert
services in food, agriculture and agro-based
industry such as consultancy services,
laboratory analysis, quality assurance and
contract research and development (R&D)
Provision of various forms of trainings to
cater for the development of the food,
agriculture and agro-based industry
Provision of grant-in-aid for pure and applied
scientific, technical and economic research
and development related to food, agriculture
and agro-based industry
To maintain liaison with local and foreign
public and private organizations engaged
in scientific, technical, economic and social
researches related to food, agriculture and
agro-based industry
To conduct commercial research and
production
To develop, promote and exploit the research
findings
To provide extension services to the
agriculture, food and agro-based industries

Ensuring Food Security

Rice is the most important staple food crop
in Malaysia. The national rice production is
2.67 million tons from planted areas totalling
683,677 ha which only achieved 72% of self-sufficiency level (SSL). To fulfil the
demand, Malaysia has to import a substantial amount of ordinary and specialty
rice including the fragrant and basmati types from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia
and other countries. In 2011 alone, Malaysia imported 960,000 tons of rice.
MARDI is entrusted to conduct R&D to improve rice production in the country.
Among the focus areas are varietal development for high and quality rice,
development of cost-effective, sustainable and environmental friendly production
system, with emphasis on optimum input utilisation and development of efficient
post-handling system. To date, MARDI has developed 42 paddy varities.

MARDI paddy varieties are planted in >90% nations granary areas.

MARDI is the sole producer of Rice Foundation Seeds in Malaysia.
Paddy varieties MR 219, MR 253, MR 263 and
MR 269 are among the significant varieties.
Paddy varieties MR 220CL1 and MR 220CL2 Clearfield were introduced to
combat weedy rice.
MRQ 74 and MRQ 76 were developed to reduce the important of specialty
rice.
Aerobic rice variety MR1A with less water requirement was produced to
utilise the non-granary areas and idle land.

Sustaining Livestock and

Feed Production
Malaysia is self-sufficient in poultry but relies
heavily on imported beef, lamb and dairy
needs. Commercial livestock production is a
challenge, particularly for local ruminants due
to Malaysias environmental conditions with
high temperature and humidity, as well as the
inconsistent supply of quality feeds.
Research is needed to support the
development of local livestock industry,
especially the ruminant sub-sector, to increase
local meat and dairy production as well as
reducing the dependency on importation of
beef, milk and feed ingredients. Livestock
research in MARDI aims to improve animal feed,
genetic materials and production systems.
Focus is most given to animal feed research
where the twin thrusts of animal feed research
at MARDI are the utilization and improvement
of locally available resources as well as the
development of innovative feeds for livestock.
Goat & sheep breeds: Boer, Dorper, Savanna towards improvement of 4%
Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL)
Beef cattle breeds: Charoke, Brakmas towards improvement of 1.5% SSL
MARDI Ayam Kampung to increase egg & poultry production
Designer eggs: Omega 3 & Selenium eggs for healthier living
Animal feed & supplements: NUTRIBLOK, oil palm based feed, Otosil and
silage technologies
RFID traceability system for livestock security
National Animal Embryo Centre (NAEC) quality genetic resources for
breeding & reproduction

10

Fruits and Vegetables,

Our Export Earners
There is a vast potential for Malaysian
tropical fruits to cater for global demand.
The success lies in the ability to produce
fruits at competitive cost and of high quality
that comply with international market access
and demands.
Development of new varieties or clones of
fruits and vegetables through conventional
and/or modern techniques comprises introduction, evaluation and selection of
characters with economic value that is suitable for efficient and modern cropping
systems. Research in cultural practices, pre and post harvest handling focuses
on the development of efficient and cost effective crop production systems with
optimum input utilization for increased yield and quality.
Eksotika papaya and Josapine pineapple have penetrated the international
markets - China, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Minimal processing technologies have enable jackfruit and durian to be
marketed in Dubai and Australia.
Planting of starfruit under netted structure produces high quality fruits
suitable for export.
Growpine fertiliser increases the yield of pineapple on mineral soil.
Urban farming technologies such as Green Kit, Tube Plot,vertical garden and
self-watering system fulfils 5% of urban communitys vegetable demand.
Other than for fresh consumption, VitAto, a high beta-carotene MARDIs
sweet potato is suitable to be incorporated in various food and healthy
products such as frozen puree, flour, premixes for traditional confectioneries,
frozen food, sauce and crisp.

11

Mechanisation of Agriculture

Farm mechanisation in agriculture generally refers to the combination of work

between the prime mover and the agricultural implements. The prime mover
such as a tractor is the power source that drives the machinery while the
agricultural implements will be applied to specific agricultural activities such as
planting, mowing, harvesting and others. The main issue in farm mechanisation
is the appropriateness of agricultural machineries to our local farms or field
conditions that are synonym with high humidity environment as well as moist
soils, especially in the paddy fields, which reduces the optimum efficiency of the
machineries to function. Machines weight also give an impact to its traction as
well as the ground hardness.
The food industry in Malaysia has undergone massive transformation. There is
now more demand for better quality, safe, functional, convenient and ready-toeat food that conform to local and international regulations. Mechanisation and
automation greatly enhance product quality and hygiene and contribute towards
diversifying product range. MARDI have developed technologies to integrate
products and process designs to fulfil demands for higher product quality,
timeliness, safety, reliability, ease of production and low production cost.
In farm management, mechanisation improves production efficiency, encourages
large scale production and improves the quality of farm produce.
Food mechanisation: lemang, sate,
kuih ros, rempeyek, martabak, seed
separator, durian destoner
Field mechanisation: mech-tugal,
MADOX, coconut dehusker, pineapple
mechanisation package
Precision farming UAV, papaya yield
prediction system

12

Biotechnology for the Future

Globally, biotechnology research has
delivered beyond expectations especially
in terms of revolutionizing agriculture in the
context of scale and speed. At MARDI, the
field of Agrobiotechnology has also expanded
and matured significantly over the past
decade through the adaptation of frontier
biotechnological tools.
Voluminous amounts of databases created
and through data mining from complete
genomes of the major food crops and
livestock available in public databases
are allowing scientist and breeders to
translate this information into agricultural
improvements. Agrobiotechnology has also
enabled us to develop better diagnostic tools
for plant diseases, novel enzymes for use in
food processing and also produce safer and
healthier food.
Advanced molecular biology and genomics research
help unravel complex mechanisms for development
of superior breeds and varieties in the future
Molecular biology and genetic engineering
molecular marker for papaya and rice; tissue culture
for banana, orchid and pineapple
Bioprocessing Virgin Coconut Oil, starter enzyme for
tempe & tapai
Biodiagnosis and biosensor- Pest and disease
diagnostic dit, biosensor probe for pest and disease
Centre of Marker Development and Validation (CMDV)

13

Value Adding means Business

The food industry in Malaysia has undergone
massive transformation over the past two
decades. Modern innovations and increased
disposable income, the lifestyle and food
habits of the population have changed over the
years with the onset of new technologies.
Increasing consumer awareness of nutritional
values has created demands for functional
food, new beverages, frozen products and
minimally processed food.
Research in food science technology involves
three major thrusts as follows:
Food invention - fish products, meat product,
seaweed product, fruits products, functional
food product, healthy kek lapis, granola bar,
cordials, sauces, nutri juice, rice-based product,
Safety & food forensics - pathogen detection,
biological disinfectant bacteriophage
Packaging & food control - edible antimicrobial
packaging film, nano-based technology
container, biodegradable container, modified
atmosphere film

14

New Technologies & Products

Over the years, MARDI has launched
numerous technologies and products. In
2015, MARDI continues its excellence by
launching four products namely:
MARDIApps

A smart phone application that allows MARDI

to reach out to her stakeholders including
farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Currently
nine MARDIapps have been developed
namely MARDI Doktor Cili, MARDI Manual
Lebah Kelulut, MARDI Direktori Usahawan,
MARDI Fertigasi Cili, MARDI Fertigasi Melon,
MARDI Hidroponik Salad, MARDI Padi Aerob,
MARDI Cendawan Tiram Kelabu and MARDI
MyKonsultan.

MRQ 76

A fragrant paddy variety suitable for planting

in non-granary areas. It is flaky, non-sticky,
high yielding, non-lodging and resistant to
Blast disease. This variety has the potential to
substitute imported fragrant paddy varieties and
penetrate organic rice market.

MARDI RICE 284

This new variety complements other important

varieries developed in MARDI. With similar
characteristics to MR 219, MARDI 284 is a long
grain with soft texture, high yield and is resistant
to Blast disease. It also adds to the genetic
diversity of paddy in Malaysia.

Yellow Rain Tree

The yellow rain tree (Samanea saman) is a

popular and attractive landscape tree. It is the
only tree that has the ability to give the autumm
effects in the tropics as its leaves change color
from green to light yellow prior to shedding. The
autumm effect is more pronounced when planted
in rows or as a group.

15

Bridging Knowledge and

Communities
The concept of global knowledge to local
and local knowledge to the world is proven
to be effective in enhancing rediscovery
of agriculture. Agriculture beyond R&D is
demonstrated in four locations providing equal
opportunities for people to gain knowledge
and appreciate nature irrespective of boundary
and socio-economic status.
MARDI agrotourism activities are provided
by the Agrotechnology Parks in Langkawi,
Cameron Highlands, Cherating and Kenyir.
These parks were developed as platforms to
showcase research results as well as medium
for technology transfer.
The parks were established and managed
based on five key concepts namely
technology, innovation, conservation,
education and recreation (TICER).
MARDI Agrotechnology Parks contribute
towards bridging knowledge and communities.
They provide the opportunity to share
agricultural knowledge with people from all
walks of life.

16

Enriching Agrofood Knowledge

The aim of MARDI publications is to transfer
research and development results to the
public. They provide basic information
about the agricultural industry in Malaysia
with examples that are easy to understand.
MARDI publications can be used as a
guide to start an agricultural activity such
as crop cultivation, food processing and
managing of agricultural businesses. MARDI
publications including journal, bulletins,
books (scholarly, general and coffee table
books), manuals, reports, magazine and
newsletters are available at the bookstore
at MARDI headquarters or at kiosks open
during the technology transfer activities
such as exhibitions, events and seminars.

17

Boosting Countrys Economy

Amendments on the MARDI Act in 2002
had enabled MARDI to venture more in
commercialisation. From 2005 until 2015, there
are 85 technologies that had been successfully commercialised through various
mode such as licensing, consultation, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) etc.
The total business value for these commercialisation is over RM250 million.
Here is the list of 10 most successful commercialisation based on the
commercialisation value.
No.

Technology

Mode of
Commercialization

1.

Commercial production of rice varieties

MR220-CL1 and MR220-CL2 plus
onduty clearfield rice production
system

2.

Company

Business
Value (RM)

Year of
Commercialization

Exclusive Licensing BASF (M) Sdn Bhd

50 Million

2010

The commercialization of OPF-Based

Feed

Exclusive Licensing Sawit Kinabalu Farm

Products Sdn Bhd

48,000,000

2005

3.

Commercial production of enhanced

virgin coconut oil (EVCO) and its
application on animal

Licensing / profit
sharing

20,460,000

2012

4.

Concerning the commercial production

of enriched and charge Clinoptilolitebased natural organic fertilizer

Exclusive Licensing ABH Mega Sdn Bhd

20,000,000

2007

5.

The use of MARDI patent product for

research and development of New
Modified Virgin Coconut Oil (MVCO)
based productc and branding,
marketing and selling of MVCO based
products worldwide

Exclusive Licensing Biotropics Malaysia Berhad

20,000,000

2009

6.

The Commercial Production of NHA

Derivative Based Products And
Calcium Booster

Exclusive Licensing CCM Fertilizers Sdn. Bhd

12,000,000

2011

7.

The Commercial Production of OPFBased Feed- FELDA

Exclusive Licensing FELDA

10,000,000

2005

8.

Production of Liquid Fertilizer for

Paddy

Share Holding

10,000,000

2010

9.

Production of NUTRIBLOK

Exclusive Licensing Hamata Tech Sdn. Bhd.

5,000,000

2008

10.

Production of Glazing Whole Tilapia

Exclusive Licensing Ambang Wibawa Sdn. Bhd.

5,000,000

2008

EVCO Sdn. Bhd.

Nutri Biotech Fertilizer Sdn.

Bhd.

18

Protecting Technologies
MARDI uses Intellectual Property Act to
provide protection to the technologies
developed as well as incentives to encourage
innovation among researchers.
Since 2011, 65 applications which include
technologies/designs/products have been
granted as MARDI Intellectual Property.
On 10th September 2015, MARDI was awarded
Pengurusan Harta Intelek Terbaik (kategori
Organisasi) by the Ministry of Domestic Trade,
Co-Operatives and Consumerism.
Intellectual Property

Category

Year

Trade Secret

2015

Trade Secret

2015

Web-Based Ruminant Feeding Decision Support System

Copyright

2015

High Caffeic Acid Drink & Standardized Extract from Misai

Kuching (Orthosiphon stamenius)

Trade Secret

2015

Induced Systemic Resistant (ISR) Papaya Seedling To Control

Papaya Bacterial Dieback Disease
A Novel Anti-Diabetic Herbal Formulation Targeting Insulin
Signaling, Fat and Carbohydrate Metabolism

Intellectual properties granted in 2015

19

Developing Entrepreneurs
Efforts are being geared towards creating
SMEs that are capable of being national
champions in the regional and global food
and agriculture sector. This is done with
high growth through branding, increased
production and certification.
44

companies able to penetrate export market

105

entrepreneurs able to penetrate supermarket

48

companies utilise 100% MARDI technologies

Number of entrepreneurs and

amount of sales

1
19
170

>RM10,000,000

>RM1,000,000 <10,000,000

RM>250,000 <1,000,000

88

RM>100,000 <250,000

52

RM<100,000

Total: 330

20

Eradicating Poverty
MARDI is directly involved in the eradication
of poverty projects in the Azam Tani
Programme led by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Agro-based Industry.
The aims to raise living standards of low
income households in agriculture and
agro-food sector. MARDI provides simple
technologies and advice for this purpose:
1,840 participants were selected from
eKasih 2011-2014 database.
Aim for return of RM4 for every RM1
government investment for 3 years.
52.3% of participants manage to increase
their income by RM500-RM2,000 per
month.
Quick win < 6 months.

21

Thinking Out of the Box

National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) is a
national programme that will benefit the public
and the community through the government
delivery system.
Development of idle government land is
one of NBOS initiatives (NBOS3) involving
cooperation between the Ministry of
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry through
its agency, MARDI, and the Ministry of
Defence.
With the goal of producing successful agro
entrepreneurs, NBOS3 project at Sepang
had trained 25 participants consisted of 20
local youths and 5 military retirees who have
no background in agriculture. MARDI also
conducted a technology transfer programme
which provide practical training and basic
economic course that carried out for 6 to 12
months.
Various positive impact can be seen as a result
of this project not only in producing successful
agroentrepreneurs but also optimising the use
of land, through the development of 7 acres of
idle land owned by the Ministry of Defence.

22

Receiving Recognition
Over the years, MARDI has won several
awards and has charted many firsts in national
and international competitions. These achievements would not have been possible
without the drive and dedication of her staff. Medals and awards won by MARDI
cover a wide range of activities and among them are innovations and techniques.
MARDI competed at national level competitions such as MTE, ITEX (International
Invention & Technology Exhibition) and BioInno Awards and at international level
competitions in Geneva, Brussels (EUREKA), INPEX, IENA and SIIF.
Among the most prestigous awards won by MARDI are:
1. Anugerah Kualiti Perdana Menteri 1992 and 2005
2. Science and Technology 2011 award by Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in
the category of Scientific or Technology Outstanding Contribution to the
Development of a Member Country Award
3. Woman Inventor of the Year 2006 award by the International Federation of
Inventors Association (IFTA)
4. Main winner of Anugerah Harta Intelek Negara 2015 (Sector Organisation)

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Providing Services

Other than carrying out research, MARDI also provides technical services and
consultancy to support the development of agriculture and food industries. The
majority of participants are entrepreneurs, individuals and personnel from government
agencies.
1. Technical and industrial training
2. Consultation and advisory
3. Analysis laboratories
4. National Animal Embryo Centre (NAEC)
5. Centre for Marker Discovery and Validation (CMDV)
6. Incubators and Test Beds

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MARDI Holdings Sdn.Bhd.

MARDI HOLDINGS STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
MARDI Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (MHSB) was established by MARDI to
replace MARDITech as a more comprehensive privatisation strategy
to harness MARDIs asset.
MARDI Holdings operates programmes consistent with other roles
of MARDI to support industry development and create enterprises
and agribusinesses. It continues value-adding MARDI to chart new
frontiers, locally and globally. Ultimately, MARDI Holdings shall be
effective business vehicle capitalising on MARDIs assets that will be
used to complement its Research and Development function.
The companies under MARDI Holdings are;

a) Maeps Management Sdn. Bhd.

b) Mscape Management Sdn. Bhd.

c) MARDITech Ventures Sdn. Bhd.

d) MARDITech Development Sdn. Bhd.

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Establishing linkages

International

National

26

Serving the World

Qatar Date Palm

Pest Management

Russia Market
Promotion for Canned
Pineapple and Corn

Syria Fruit Post

Harvest Management

Dubai Market
Development of Brunei
Traditional Food

Afghanistan
Fruits Processing

India Herbal
Bioinformatics

Jeddah Islamic
Development Bank

Japan Marketing
of Brunei Traditional
Food

Nigeria Rice
Development
Project (2009)
Agro Industrial
Development (2002)

Myanmar Rice
Production
Programme

Cairo
Egypt Malaysia
Agriculture
Development

Philippines
Sugarcane Varietal
Upgrading Programme

Guinea Food
Security
Programme
Ondo State, Nigeria
Islamic Development
Bank
Zimbabwe Agriculture
Rural Development
South Africa Boer
Goat Breed Partnership

Cambodia
Community Foundation
Development Project &
Reverse Investment In
Grain Corn Industry

Rwanda Food
Processing

Brunei
Development Of
Traditional Food

Australia Boer Goat

& Cattle Production
Partnership

Aceh Agro
Industrial
Programme

27

Future Contributions
MARDI will play a major role in the agriculture sectors four main programmes
of the 11th Malaysia Plan. The expected outcomes of these programmes will
help transform the agricultural industry in the near future.

Productivi

SSL (paddy & ruminant)

ty

farmer income
fruit market
urban farming

export (floriculture)
acreage (mushroom)
infra & infrastructure (database)
local resource

n
i
a
h
C
e
u
l
Va

cost (import)
health product
socio economy

Mechanisa
& Automat tion
ion

system development (food security &

traceability)
early warning system (pest & disease)
R&D

guided entrepreneur

al
t
i
p
a
C
n
a
Hum

organisation reputation

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The Way Forward

MARDI will continue its mission to remain relevant in improving the nations
agriculture sector by focusing on critical R&D areas in the 11th Malaysia Plan.
MARDI hopes to further contribute to the nation with its technologies,
knowledge and expertise by having greater international linkages and
advance usage of ICT which will push the country towards a developed
nation in 2020.

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