NZMBA IN TALKS WITH INVEST PAHANG, MIDA TO BRING AI-ENHANCED VERTICAL STRAWBERRY FARMING TO THE STATE

By V. Sankara

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- New Zealand Malaysian Business Association (NZMBA) is in discussions with Invest Pahang and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to introduce cutting-edge vertical strawberry farming, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, to the state of Pahang. 

NZMBA president, Dave Ananth, said a New Zealand based company which runs the vertical strawberry farm is keen to start the pilot project and explore business opportunities in Malaysia after holding talks with his association. 

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“Food and water is paramount and New Zealand has the products and expertise. I believe that New Zealand should embrace international cooperation and work toward a prosperous future for all, irrespective of race or religion,” he said in a statement to Bernama. 

Dave said his team's ongoing discussions with Invest Pahang and MIDA over the vertical strawberry farming project emphasised their commitment to addressing essential food and water needs, besides their ability to cater to halal requirements. 

On another note, Dave said New Zealand is hosting the Fieldays 2023 (trade show) from June 14-17 which stands as the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. The NZMBA is actively marketing this event to ASEAN countries, with Malaysia taking the forefront.

Fieldays will also welcome ambassadors from Malaysia, Thailand, and Timor Leste through the NZMBA, fostering community-business connections. 

Dave has a vision to create a Southeast Asian networking community in New Zealand, aiming to facilitate business opportunities. 

“I want to create a Southeast Asian Community in New Zealand and do business,” he said, while thanking the Pahang exco member in charge of investment, Datuk Mohamad Nizar Mohamad Najib for being supportive of NZMBA’s business initiatives.

-- BERNAMA