Setia SPICE, USM, Al-Ansar Collaborate To Convert Food Waste Into Valuable Resources

GEORGE TOWN, April 13 (Bernama) -- Setia SPICE Convention Centre & Arena (Setia SPICE) has entered a strategic collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Al-Ansar Integrated Sdn Bhd to transform event food waste into valuable resources through a circular economy approach.

The collaboration focuses on the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) technology to process food waste, while supporting the agro-industry and enhancing food security.

SP Setia Bhd divisional general manager Chan Ching Hiong said Setia SPICE generated more than 8.4 metric tonnes of food waste from 57 banquet events in 2025, whereby in landfills, globally, food waste contributes eight to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“This reality compelled us to seek practical, scalable solutions, leading us to USM as a scientific and research partner for BSFL and to date, Setia SPICE has completed two pilot deliveries using BSFL technology, contributing over 319.5 kilogrammes of food waste,” he said at the launch of the sustainability collaboration here today.

Chan said under the initiative, food waste will be segregated and processed as feed for larvae before being converted into animal feed, particularly for poultry, thereby creating a complete cycle from waste to food resources.

Chan said research shows that BSFL is rich in protein and beneficial fats, capable of reducing harmful pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella, while supporting livestock gut health. The residual by-product known as frass can be used as a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser.

He said the collaboration is expected to generate valuable research data for USM, while supporting Al-Ansar Integrated in scaling up sustainable feed production for the agro-industry, and at the same time creating new economic opportunities in the agro and waste management sectors, contributing to the development of a more sustainable ecosystem.

Meanwhile, USM deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya said the university will act as the main research partner, conducting studies on waste composition, bioconversion efficiency and environmental impact to advance knowledge in biological sciences and sustainable waste management.

Al-Ansar Integrated operations manager, Muhammad Muaz Ansaruddin, on the other hand, explained that the company will be providing facilities and a site for Black Soldier Fly farming in Tasek Gelugor, Seberang Perai Utara. 

While USM supports research and development efforts to optimise the use of BSFL as an alternative protein source in poultry feed, Setia SPICE supplies the organic waste, which is processed at the farm using larvae, completing a sustainable waste management cycle from source to feed production, he said.

Currently, the company rears about 5,000 chickens fed partly with BSFL, while larval waste is further processed into organic fertiliser for crops.

-- BERNAMA