Malaysia has an economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture. An approximate 16% of the workforce is employed by it, as it produced 7-12% of the country’s GDP. Large-scale agriculture farms were first established for commercial crops such as cocoa beans and palm oil. In addition to this, Malaysia is a large producer of fruits such as rambutans, durian and pineapple as well as rice.
Oil palm accounted for 38% of Malaysia's 7.3% (or RM99.5 billion) contribution from the agriculture sector to the country's GDP in 2018. However, because most farmers do not possess industrial devices, they must employ a massive force of seasonal workers under contract.
The business sector has been drawn in by this expanding market. A number of multinationals have gradually intervened to transform agriculture. For instance, the Sunway Group is constructing a 50,000 square foot innovation centre for urban farming at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur. It will connect urban farming advocates, tech companies, scientists, and young talent under the name "Sunway FutureX" to develop food and agritech solutions.
Matt Van Leeuwen, Sunway Group’s chief innovation officer and Sunway iLabs director has stated “We hope to build innovations, which will contribute to improved long-term food security and sustainability in our nation, we aim to nourish our communities with the fresh produce grown at our farms and educate them on sustainable living and urban farming.”
The business sector has been drawn in by this expanding market. A number of multinationals have gradually intervened to transform agriculture. For instance, the Sunway Group is constructing a 50,000 square foot innovation centre for urban farming at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur. It will connect urban farming advocates, tech companies, scientists, and young talent under the name "Sunway FutureX" to develop food and agritech solutions.
This sector can also be highly adaptable and open to the younger generation. The young adults should be involved in the agricultural sector because they may be the agents of change that are much required. Employers today demand that graduates be skilled in both primary and secondary agricultural production, including distribution, processing, promotion, and consumer pleasure. This would not only open up new job opportunities for young graduates but also boost the economy greatly.