By: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natrah Fatin Mohd Ikhsan
The Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with telecommunications company Ericsson Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), organised the ‘IoT in Mangroves Ecosystem Symposium’ with the theme: Industrial Revolution 4.0 in Sustainable Management of Mangrove Forest.
The programme is a continuation of the Academia-Industry Talent Exchange Programme (AI-xChange): Ceo @ Faculty Programme 2.0 'Coached by the Pro', the second season, which is one of the initiatives implemented by the Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education.
The programme made it possible for two fellows, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natrah Ikhsan from UPM and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad 'Athif Mohd Faudzi from UTM, to be attached to Ericsson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd for six months (September 2018 - February 2019).
Researchers from various disciplines gathered during the one-day symposium to discuss various topics ranging from globalisation of objects, diversity and ecosystem, water quality management, fishery production and climate change in a mangrove environment.
The symposium was officiated by Prof. Dr Zulkifli Idrus, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), UPM.
The symposium, held in conjunction with the 'Connected Mangroves Challenge 2.0 Hackathon' programme, was aimed at exposing participants about the 'Hack for Good 2.0 Connected Mangroves Challenge' programme, which will also be organised by Ericsson, UTM and UPM.
The programme also aimed to educate participants about the current issues and challenges in the mangrove ecosystems as well as provide insights on solving mangrove problems using the Internet of Things technology.
Apart from the Faculty of Agriculture, the faculties of Engineering, Environmental Studies, Science and Forestry were also involved. The symposium was co-organised with the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and the Malaysian Fisheries Society.
Programme director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natrah Ikhsan, said the symposium educated the public on the importance of mangrove conservation for the protection of food security.
"The mangrove forest is a habitat for various organisms, and it is an important buffer against environmental phenomena such as tsunamis," she said.
President of Ericsson Malaysia, Todd Ashton in his speech, mentioned about the potential of using the Internet of Things technology in managing mangrove ecosystems, such as the use of sensors to measure water and soil conditions. - UPM
