KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 22): Johor Corp’s subsidiary FarmByte Sdn Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singapore’s agritech company Archisen Pte Ltd to establish a joint venture in urban farming, focusing on creating an automated vertical indoor farm to produce Asian greens in Johor.

The MOU, witnessed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, was sealed by FarmByte chief executive officer Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar and Archisen CEO Vincent Wei on Monday (Aug 21). This agreement highlights the mutual commitment of FarmByte and Archisen respectively for this innovative venture.

According to a statement, FarmByte will provide the farming infrastructure and invaluable local insights, while Archisen supplies the technical know-how, offering counsel on indoor farming practices and essential technological requirements, including automation systems and data analytics. Additionally, Archisen will facilitate comprehensive training for FarmByte’s employees, ensuring adeptness in the latest vertical farming technologies.

“Embracing a digital-first approach is pivotal to enhancing the way our agrofood sector operates so that Malaysia can become more self-sufficient in the production of high-quality, safe, and nutritious food. As we support farmers to optimise existing practices through the adoption of digital tools, we also recognise the need to innovate farming methodologies to strengthen the entire agrofood ecosystem,” said Syed Aiman.

Reiterating what Syed Aiman said, Wei noted, “Both Archisen and FarmByte are united by a shared vision of enhancing food resilience. Our mutual emphasis on innovation and technology to elevate farming efficiency and product quality is the cornerstone of this partnership. Driven by a common purpose, we look forward to bringing the benefits of vertical farming to Johor and Malaysia, playing our part in ensuring everyone’s well-being and sustenance.”

Established earlier this year as part of the JCorp Agrofood Strategic Plan, FarmByte was incepted to amplify Johor and Malaysia’s food security agenda. Adopting a digital-first strategy, Farmbyte aims to modernise the agrofood sector, elevating the livelihoods of farmers by enabling the production of high-quality and high value produce.