BoomGrow Productions and CelcomDigi Partner to Revolutionize Malaysian Agriculture

BoomGrow Productions and CelcomDigi Partner to Revolutionize Malaysian Agriculture

September 2, 2024 0 By Rowena Cletus

BoomGrow Productions Sdn Bhd (“BoomGrow”) and CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) have announced a strategic partnership to transform Malaysia’s agricultural sector by integrating 5G connectivity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Extended Reality (XR) with precision farming technology. This collaboration represents a major advancement in adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance sustainable farming practices and food production in the country.

Under this partnership, CelcomDigi, supported by ZTE, will provide its 5G connectivity to boost the capabilities and efficiencies of BoomGrow’s Machine Farms. By integrating 5G technology with AI and XR, the partnership enables real-time monitoring, precise control of farming environments, and predictive analytics, leading to increased crop yields and improved resource efficiency. Data from all Machine Farms across the nation will be consolidated into a centralized dashboard, allowing for seamless oversight and management, supported by CelcomDigi’s extensive and reliable network across Malaysia.

The partnership focuses on three key areas of innovation in agritech:

  • 5G-Enhanced Precision Farming: BoomGrow’s Machine Farms are now powered by CelcomDigi’s 5G connectivity, enabling real-time data feedback from integrated sensors and monitoring systems. This allows for precise control of indoor farming environments, ensuring optimal conditions for crop growth.
  • AI-Powered Machine Farm Data Analytics: The partnership enables advanced AI-driven analytics to process complex datasets from multiple Machine Farms. For example, if an alert is raised in one farm, the analytics system can quickly identify the root cause, allowing the team to address issues immediately. This enhances decision-making processes and overall productivity.
  • Agronomist Training via XR Technology: Powered by XR Associate, future agronomists can participate in immersive training programs remotely, gaining hands-on experience in managing modern farming systems across different BoomGrow Machine Farm locations. This will also facilitate the onboarding of new agronomists as BoomGrow expands its operations.

The partnership was officially launched at an event held at Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang, one of the locations where BoomGrow has deployed a Machine Farm. The event was officiated by the Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, who praised the collaboration as a prime example of how technology can address critical societal challenges. He emphasized that integrating 5G and other advanced technologies into agriculture not only boosts productivity but also enhances the sustainability and resilience of Malaysia’s food systems. The government fully supports such initiatives, which drive innovation and propel Malaysia toward becoming a digitally enabled, technology-driven high-income nation.

BoomGrow is one of the 40 pioneering partners of CelcomDigi’s AI Experience Centre (AiX), a state-of-the-art facility designed to accelerate the innovation of 5G, AI, and other emerging technologies across various industries, in line with Malaysia’s 5G-AI aspirations.

CelcomDigi’s Chief Innovation Officer, T. Kugan, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with BoomGrow to reimagine farming in the digital age. By empowering BoomGrow’s agritech innovations with CelcomDigi’s 5G services, AI, and XR technology, we are setting a new standard for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. This collaboration highlights our commitment to growing Malaysia’s 5G and digital innovation ecosystem by partnering with local and global tech players. We continue to empower industries with the tools needed to thrive in the digital age, advancing the nation’s transformation into a 5G-AI powered digital society.”

BoomGrow’s CEO and Co-Founder, Murali Krishnamurthy, remarked, “This partnership with CelcomDigi is a significant milestone for BoomGrow as we continue to lead in precision farming. Integrating 5G technology into our operations allows us to achieve new levels of efficiency and sustainability, driving the future of agriculture. With enhanced connectivity, our customers will benefit from better predictability and control, ensuring consistently high-quality produce and reliable outcomes. CelcomDigi’s strong support for tech startups like ours not only advances our capabilities but also contributes to the growth of Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. Together, we are shaping a more innovative and sustainable future for the industry.”

Currently, multiple BoomGrow Machine Farms are operational across Malaysia and the Philippines, with one located at CelcomDigi AiX in Subang Jaya, Selangor.