MARDI continues to position itself as a key catalyst in the national agri-food ecosystem through the MARDI Perak Customer Engagement Day and Entrepreneur Carnival 2025 held in Kuala Kangsar. The programme highlighted the institute’s ongoing commitment to community outreach, technology dissemination and entrepreneurial capacity building within the agricultural sector.
According to MARDI Director-General Datuk Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani, the initiative reflects the organisation’s intention to remain close to the people, particularly those involved in the agricultural value chain. By engaging directly with communities, he said, MARDI is able to listen to real field concerns, gain better understanding of industrial expectations and ensure that developed innovations remain functional, market-driven and impactful.
The programme served as a strategic bridge between research institutions and the agricultural community. Participants were exposed to a range of activities including technology demonstrations, consultations, technical advisory sessions, business guidance, exhibitions and sales of locally produced products by MARDI-assisted entrepreneurs. Certificates and planting materials were also distributed to selected participants as part of continuous support initiatives.
Mohamad Zabawi highlighted that modern agriculture requires integration between scientific research, technological application and entrepreneurial execution. He stressed that innovations must not remain confined to laboratories, but instead be transformed into viable commercial ventures capable of supporting livelihoods, stimulating economic activity and enhancing food security.
In discussing future outlook, he aligned MARDI’s role with the aspirations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), which emphasises increasing productivity, modernising farming practices, strengthening food supply chains, empowering youth agropreneurs and advancing sustainable green economy initiatives. He acknowledged that collaboration between government institutions, private players and entrepreneurs is crucial to achieving these objectives.
He reiterated MARDI’s position as a key technology provider while entrepreneurs function as strategic commercial partners. Together, he said, they will continue to drive transformation within the agri-food sector while supporting national food security and sustainable economic development. He also expressed confidence that such programmes will continue to inspire participation across various community levels, including youth who are vital to the future agricultural landscape.