BoomGrow Productions Sdn Bhd (BoomGrow) and CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) have announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize Malaysia's agricultural industry by combining 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and extended reality (XR) with precision farming technology.
This collaboration is a significant step towards using advanced technologies to improve sustainable farming practices and food production in Malaysia. CelcomDigi will utilize its 5G connectivity, supported by ZTE, to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of BoomGrow Machine Farms.
The integration of 5G technology with AI and XR allows for real-time monitoring, precise control of farming environments, and predictive analytics, leading to higher crop yields and better resource efficiency. Data from all BoomGrow Machine Farms nationwide will be consolidated into a central dashboard for seamless oversight and management, made possible by CelcomDigi's reliable and extensive network coverage in Malaysia.
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Three-Tiered Agritech Innovation
The partnership is focusing on three main areas of innovation in agritech. Firstly, 5G-Enhanced Precision Farming is being implemented in BoomGrow Machine Farms utilizing CelcomDigi's 5G connectivity to integrate sensors and monitoring systems. This setup facilitates real-time data feedback, enabling the precise control of indoor farming environments to ensure optimal conditions for crop growth.
Secondly, Machine Farm AI and data analytics will be utilized. This involves leveraging complex datasets and plant visualizations from multiple Machine Farms. Advanced analytics powered by AI allow for in-depth analysis, helping the team identify and address issues promptly if alerts are raised, thereby enhancing decision-making and productivity.
Finally, Agronomist Training via XR technology, supported by XR Associate, will be used to provide immersive remote training programs for future agronomists. This technology offers hands-on experience in managing modern farming systems at various BoomGrow Machine Farm locations and aids in training new agronomists as the company expands and introduces more farms.
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The Importance of Tech-Societal Convergence
The partnership was officiated by Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, at an event in Penang, where one of BoomGrow's Machine Farms is located. The Minister highlighted the importance of technology in addressing societal challenges and boosting productivity in agriculture. BoomGrow is one of the 40 pioneering partners of CelcomDigi's AI Experience Centre (AiX)—a facility aimed at driving innovation in 5G, AI, and other emerging technologies across various industries to support Malaysia's 5G-AI goals.
CelcomDigi's Chief Innovation Officer, T. Kugan, expressed excitement about the partnership with BoomGrow and the opportunity to enhance agricultural practices with 5G, AI, and XR technologies.
BoomGrow's CEO and Co-Founder, Murali Krishnamurthy, emphasized the significance of the partnership in advancing precision farming and sustainability. The integration of 5G technology will improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture, benefiting customers with better predictability and control over produce quality.
Currently, there are multiple BoomGrow Machine Farms in Malaysia and the Philippines, with one located at CelcomDigi AiX in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
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