Unison’s Stingless Bee Innovation Positions Malaysia For Expo 2025 Spotlight

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Unison Technology & Manufacturing (M) PLT is introducing modular hive systems and training initiatives to strengthen stingless bee farming and rural livelihoods in Malaysia in line with the country’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka.

In a statement, the Johor-based company said it has developed patented beehive structures made of concrete composite materials, which are designed to improve hive durability and reduce long-term maintenance.

Senior lecturer at Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and lead innovator at Unison Technology & Manufacturing Dr Mohd Khairuddin Ramliy said the global decline in bee population threatens biodiversity and food security, as bees are responsible for pollinating about 75 per cent of crops consumed worldwide.

“In response, Unison is reimagining stingless bee farming by developing patented bee modular boxes and concrete composite beehives designed to improve honey yields and simplify hive management.

“By modernising traditional apiculture, Unison is linking ecological restoration with economic opportunity, positioning Malaysia as a sustainability-driven innovator ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka,” he said. 

Durable Design for Native Pollinators

Dr Mohd Khairuddin said Unison’s hive technology offers durable and secure habitats for stingless bees, a native pollinator species vital to Malaysia’s ecosystem.

“The use of concrete composite materials reduces the need for frequent replacement, cutting down environmental waste and increasing the lifespan of each hive,” he said. 

He added that the innovation supports higher pollination rates for crops, native plants, and fruits, ultimately boosting agricultural yields.

“In line with the United Nations Environment Programme’s call for nature-based solutions, Unison’s technology directly contributes to climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem resilience.

“Tailored for Malaysia’s tropical climate, the hive design demonstrates how engineering and ecology can work hand in hand to support both productivity and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Inclusive Model for Rural Communities

He also said Unison’s bee farming model goes beyond ecology by supporting rural livelihoods through training, equipment, and tools that lower entry barriers for aspiring beekeepers.

“The model is intentionally inclusive, providing women, youth, and marginalised groups with opportunities to earn sustainable incomes through honey harvesting and the production of value-added products such as propolis, bee pollen, and beeswax items.

“This diversification supports financial resilience and long-term self-sufficiency while revitalising traditional ecological knowledge and enabling communities to adopt climate-resilient practices that are both economically viable and socially inclusive,” he said.

Scalability and Technical Support

Dr Mohd Khairuddin further said Unison’s modular hive system is engineered for ease of use, consistency, and scalability, with a standardised structure that ensures optimal hive conditions, supports bee health, and improves productivity for users ranging from backyard farmers to large-scale producers.

“The company’s work is supported by training, technical assistance, and collaboration with agricultural institutions, enabling Unison to refine its products based on real-world feedback and adapt them to various environments and farming needs.

“By offering a reliable and scalable system backed by rigorous product development, Unison is supporting the growth of a structured, high-quality apiculture sector in Malaysia while advancing national goals in food security, biodiversity restoration, and regenerative agriculture,” he said.

Aligned with Malaysia’s Sustainability Goals at Expo 2025 Osaka

Additionally, he said the company’s work aligns with Malaysia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, which focuses on designing a future society that balances progress with sustainability.

“Unison’s approach demonstrates that pollinator protection is not only an ecological responsibility but also a strategic opportunity to drive prosperity, empower communities, and foster harmony between people and nature.

“As Malaysia prepares to present its sustainability vision on the global stage, Unison stands as a proud example of how local innovation can deliver global relevance,” he said.

Expo 2025 Osaka, a world expo organised and sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), will be held in Osaka, Japan, for the second time from April 13-Oct 13, 2025. It hosted Expo 1970.

-- BERNAMA