Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Pahang Branch Campus and United Tropical Fruit (UTF) Sdn Bhd, via a virtual ceremony on 26th August 2021, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Organic Musang King research and development.
The signatories were between the Rector of UiTM Pahang, Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Ilham Adenan and Managing Director of UTF Sdn. Bhd, Dr Raymond Samy. The signing was witnessed by Deputy Rector Pusat Jaringan Industri (PJI), Professor Madya Dr Wan Mohd Nazri, executive members of UTF Sdn. Bhd, executive members of UiTM Pahang branch campus and its top management.
UiTM Pahang expressed its appreciation and gratitude towards UTF Sdn Bhd for their willingness to collaborate in this research and consultancy program. This project is led by UiTM Pahang’s Rector, Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Ilham Adenan, supported by a research team from the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology (FPA), two lecturers from the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FSG), and a lecturer from the Faculty of Business Management (FPP).
UTF Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysian registered company formed through a joint venture between Dr Raymond Samy and Hong Kong Based Plantations International Agroforestry Limited. The company specializes in growing, marketing and selling Musang King durians and at the same time providing Musang King Durian plantation management and other related services in Malaysia.
One of UTF’s key ancillary activities is pioneering the development of Organic Musang King Durian, also known as Mao Shan Wang or D197. Even though the price of Musang King is high, it’s still the most sought-after durian variety due to its appealing thick and creamy texture, sweet and slightly bitter flavour, and the market demand.
Therefore, this collaboration and consultancy aim to establish an Organic Musang King Durian Research & Development Centre and set up an on-site nursery at UiTM Jengka Pahang, funded entirely by UTF. The nursery will grow the Organic Musang King breed saplings for UTF plantations to fulfil the requirement of improving the quality of Organic Musang King Durian for export purposes.
In addition, this MoU seeks to draw from UTF’s expertise and resources for UiTM’s researchers to learn and enhance their research and development capabilities, particularly in the production of Organic Musang King Durian. Moreover, this collaboration is hoped to extend internship opportunities for students from the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology.
This MoU reflects the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 8, covering decent work and economic growth by technological upgrading and innovation to achieve higher levels of economic productivity. The collaboration between UTP’s expertise in durian plantation and UiTM’s research and development experience also aligns with SDG No. 9, which emphasizes building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation that focuses on enhancing scientific research and upgrading industrial sectors’ technological capabilities.