PUTRAJAYA: In a momentous event, Cell AgriTech, the pioneering cultivated meat company, has joined forces with leading academic institutions, including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), International Medical University (IMU), and Taylor’s University, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that mark a significant leap towards reshaping the landscape of biotechnology and food technology in Malaysia.
The ceremony was witnessed by YB Ooi Tze Min, Political Secretary to the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Malaysia on July 20.
Ooi stated that the collaboration aligns with the Ministry’s vision to promote sustainable and innovative practices in agriculture.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
“Through this partnership, we are fostering a transition from traditional farming methods to a more advanced, sustainable, and high-tech approach that uses technology and innovation to address our food security problems and challenges,” he affirmed.
Jason Ng, the Director and Vice President of Manufacturing at Cell AgriTech, in his welcoming speech, emphasised the visionary partnership that extends beyond just technological advancement.
“This partnership is not just about creating a new food technology cultivated meat, but it is also about nurturing future leaders in the field,” he said.
One of the key initiatives unveiled was to support the commercialisation of final-year projects from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), International Medical University (IMU) and Taylor’s University.
“Cell Agritech will sponsor ten final-year projects for USM, IMU and Taylor’s University with a minimum of RM 10,000 for each project,” he announced.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic achievement and commercial success, ensuring students’ hard work and innovative ideas don’t just contribute to their grades and the field of science, but also offer a tangible impact on the market.
Together with USM, Cell Agritech will be launching a course called “Professional Certification in Cultivated Meat: From Fundamental to Industrial Application” to equip graduates with essential knowledge and skills to venture into the emerging field of cultivated meat technology.
Mr Farid Wajidi Mat Yusoff, Group Managing Director from USains, USM said: “Through these professional certificates and our ongoing academic programs, USM seeks to make a significant impact on the future of sustainable food production.”
“Emerging topics under the course such as cellular preculture, tissue engineering, bioprocessing, food safety and current global regulatory aspects of cultivated needs,” he added.
With Taylor’s University, Cell Agritech is working on the possibility of setting up a Culinology Centre by jointly planning and organising activities to promote and increase awareness about cultivated meat.
Prof Dr Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of Taylor’s University shared insights into the collaboration’s diverse aspects.
“Our focus in the collaboration is the research and development of high-quality meat products; developing the training courses to improve the level of professionalism within the cultivated meat industry; establishing a cultivated meat innovation centre at Taylor’s University; promoting the awareness of cultivated meat and its benefits to the food industry through cultivated meat culinary competitions and seminars,” he enumerated.
Cell Agritech remains committed to talents and workforce development, including offering internship and mentor mentorship programs.
Using the Graduate Trainee Programme (GTP) at IMU as a reference, Jason said: “This programme will serve as a “training ground” for students and provide ample opportunity for a smooth transition for the student to fulfil the needs of industry.”
“GTP is a very important program that will provide our students with a unique learning experience to foster a strong talent pipeline for the needs of the biotech industry,” highlighted Prof Abdul Aziz Baba, the Vice Chancellor of IMU.
He further underscored the symbiotic collaboration between Cell Agritech and academia, which exemplifies a vision to promote planetary health by recognising the interdependence of human health and the health of the Earth.
The collaboration is not just a ceremony, but a seed of partnership that will bear fruits in terms of research, innovation, and advancement in agritech solutions, reshaping the global future of food.[/ihc-hide-content]
