Yogyakarta, October 29, 2024– The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB) at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), held a guest lecture themed “Adoption of IR4.0 in the Agricultural Sector in Malaysia: The Role of Agricultural Engineers.” This event is part of the Joint Supervision and Research Program 2024, funded by the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations of UGM, and attended by undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from the Agricultural Engineering study program at FTP UGM.
The guest speaker for this lecture was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazmi Mat Nawi, Head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Dr. Nazmi is an expert in agricultural engineering, focusing his research on agricultural mechanization and non-destructive plant sensing technology. He presented the developments and challenges of implementing Industry 4.0 technology in Malaysia’s agricultural sector, as well as the crucial role of agricultural engineers in driving modernization and innovation in this field.
The guest lecture was moderated by Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., from the Smart Agriculture Research Center DTPB FTP UGM. The event opened with remarks from Prof. Lilik Sutiarso, the Head of DTPB FTP UGM, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the application of modern technology in addressing future agricultural challenges.
Participants showed great enthusiasm, as evidenced by the numerous questions posed during the Q&A session. The interactive discussion between Dr. Nazmi and the attendees provided valuable insights into the latest developments and opportunities in technology-based agriculture. This engagement highlighted the importance of agricultural productivity and the need for innovative solutions to enhance the sector’s efficiency.
In addition to the guest lecture, the Joint Supervision and Research Program 2024 also includes other activities such as faculty/student exchanges, the preparation of research collaboration proposals, and international publications. This program is expected to strengthen cooperation between UGM and UPM, as well as improve the quality of research and education at both institutions.
The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies in agriculture is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable practices. Dr. Nazmi’s insights into the role of agricultural engineers in this transformation are particularly relevant, as they are at the forefront of implementing innovative solutions that can revolutionize farming practices.
As the agricultural sector faces increasing challenges from climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity, the adoption of advanced technologies becomes imperative. The collaboration between UGM and UPM aims to address these challenges by fostering research and development in agricultural engineering and technology.
The event concluded with a call to action for students and researchers to actively engage in the ongoing discourse surrounding agricultural innovation. By embracing the principles of Industry 4.0, the next generation of agricultural engineers can contribute significantly to the advancement of the sector, ensuring its resilience and sustainability in the face of future challenges.
