PutraPintar@Kuyungon

FSKTM UPM Introduces Smart Agriculture Technology in Kampung Kuyungon, Sabah

Driven by the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FSKTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and support by the Faculty of Science UPM, has initiated the PutraPintar@Kuyungon project under the KTGS@PTJ grant. The project spans one year—from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025—and is designed to familiarise local farmers with the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and solar-powered systems in agricultural practices. This initiative aims to introduce smart agriculture technology to the farming community in Kampung Kuyungon, Tambunan, Sabah. It also aims to enhance their knowledge and awareness of such technologies while empowering them to adopt smart solutions in their agricultural practices.

On 22 February 2025, an outreach session was conducted involving 25 local farmers, focusing on the fundamentals of IoT in agriculture and the significance of renewable energy sources such as solar power. Subsequently, from 22 to 23 February 2025, the UPM team, together with participating farmers, carried out the installation and testing of a solar power system near the community greenhouse (Social Lab). This effort was also supported by Tumparak Sdn. Bhd., is a local company that has extended its cooperation on the project. This session was also attended by Mr. Julius Guringki, Village Head of Kampung Kuyungon, and Mr. Oswold V. Iking, Head of the Welfare and Livelihood Bureau, Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

The success of this project is attributed to the multidisciplinary expertise of the project team. From FSKTM UPM, the project team includes Dr. Shafinah Kamarudin, YM Pn. Raja Azlina Raja Mahmood, Mrs. Sazlinah Hasan, and Gs. Dr. Syafulnizam Abd Manaf, an expert in computer science and wireless technology, played a vital role in developing an IoT system. Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Mustafa Awang Kechik, Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Amiruddin Abd Rahman and Dr. Nizam Tamchek, all from the Faculty of Science, bring extensive expertise in solar energy and hardware systems. Furthermore, Afiq Fiqri Mohd Zahir, the FSKTM student, has developed a mobile application named GrowSync, which serves as the primary digital platform for users.

According to the project leader, Dr. Shafinah Kamarudin, the solar system has been successfully implemented at the designated site. Meanwhile, the proposed IoT system is still in the testing phase. The proposed system enables real-time crop monitoring and automates irrigation processes. Once fully implemented, it is expected to serve as a reference model for Kampung Kuyungon and the wider farming community throughout the Tambunan district.

This initiative is aligned with national development policies such as Malaysia Madani, the MySTIE 10-10 framework, and the UPM niche in highlighting the importance of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) technologies in driving agricultural innovation, enhancing food security, and improving national productivity. The PutraPintar@Kuyungon project aspires to become a catalyst for rural agricultural transformation in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on poverty eradication, zero hunger, and inequality reduction.