MPB, Swinburne Sarawak to co-develop chemical sensor
KUCHING: Malaysian Pepper Board ( MPB) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus will jointly develop a chemical sensor, which could identify the geographical origins of pepper.
This partnership was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of agreement ( MoA) at the university campus here on Tuesday.
The research would involve the profiling of pepper from Sarawak and samples from other parts of the world, from which the information obtained would be utilised for the development of the chemical sensor.
“The sensor could identify whether a sample is actually grown in Sarawak or elsewhere. This is especially important in view of a lot of imported pepper being in the market now,” said project leader from Swinburne Sarawak Dr Ng Sing Muk, who is an expert in sensor technology.
The project, expected to reach completion by end-2020, is funded by MPB, with Swinburne Sarawak providing the expertise.
“It is hoped that the outcome of this three-year project would assist the state in protecting the geographical status of Sarawak pepper,” said Swinburne Sarawak acting deputy vice- chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Ajay Kapoor.
Yesterday, MPB and Swinburne Sarawak inked a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) to look into the potential placement and internship of Swinburne Sarawak’s Biotechnology students under the MPB, staff development, as well as research and development initiatives
The sensor could identify whether a sample is actually grown in Sarawak or elsewhere. This is especially important in view of a lot of imported pepper being in the market now.
between the two organisations.
“In our partnerships with business and industry, the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of our students is our priority,” said Ajay.
He said that as a university of international standing, Swinburne Sarawak is committed to supporting and providing its students with the best opportunity to acquire the expertise and experience to succeed in their career.
MPB director- general Dr Harry Entebang said the latest collaboration with the university signified ‘a significant milestone in our initiative to bring the development and growth of the industry to another level of height’.
“At the same time, this is in line with our strategic direction to ensure that the industry would remain sustainable and competitive.”
Last year, MPB and Swinburne Sarawak entered into an agreement to look into ways to increase pepper production, as well as to combat pests and diseases affecting the vines.
“It is our hope that through this collaboration, Swinburne Sarawak would become one of the key partners in helping MPB to be the world’s top quality pepper producer,” said Harry.
He added that the Sarawak Pepper Farm project was launched in Bintulu last month as a result of a strategic collaboration between the board, Universiti Putra Malaysia ( UPM), and also Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research.
The project covers five acres for research, 15 acres for commercial production, and five acres for community plantation. The research focuses on pepper planting, production, downstream technology, and humanity dimension to be led by UPM and MPB.
“We believe Swinburne Sarawak can also participate in this collaboration,” said Harry.
Dr Ng Sing Muk, Swinburne Sarawak project leader