APUDG NEWSLETTER MARCH ISSUE 02-25 by APUDG

Innovative Farming:

As cities continue to expand, the integration of sustainable food systems into development has become increasingly vital. Modern farming, including smart and urban agriculture, plays a key role in ensuring food security, economic resilience and environmental sustainability. By leveraging technology, data-driven solutions and innovative land use planning, cities can enhance food production while minimising resource consumption and carbon emissions.

Smart farming utilises precision agriculture automation, and AI-driven systems to optimise efﬁciency, reducing waste and promoting sustainable food production. Meanwhile, urban farming transforms underutilised urban spaces, such as rooftops, vertical walls and community gardens into productive agricultural hubs. Beyond addressing food security, urban farming also lowers the carbon emissions by reducing food transportation distances, enhancing air quality and integrating green infrastructure into city landscapes.

This month's issue explores how modern and urban farming intersect with urban development strategies, highlighting innovative technologies, policy approaches and real world case studies. As cities strive towards sustainability and climate resilience, integrating these farming practices into planning and frameworks will be crucial for shaping environments.

What You’ll Gain from This Edition:

Innovative Farming: A Sustainable Path Forward

Understanding Modern Farming

Modern Farming in Action: Iskandar Malaysia

Global Insights: South Korea's Smart Farming Model

Reﬂections from the Field: Smart Farming Research Insights

Urban Farming: A Key Strategy for Sustainable Low Carbon Cities

Urban Farming in Master Plan: Integrated Sustainable Living (ISL) of Iskandar Puteri

Reﬂections From the Field: Advancing sustainable Urban Living Through Integrated Urban Farming

APUDG Ofﬁce Activities during March and Ramadan

Staff birthday on March & New Staff Announcements

MODERN FARMING

Modern farming is transforming the way we produce food, using technology and smart solutions to increase efﬁciency, reduce waste, and support sustainability. As cities grow and food demand rises, these innovations help to ensure a steady and eco-friendly food supply. Here are some of the key aspects of modern farming that have been strategically found by APUDG.

Precision Agriculture: Precision agriculture harnesses cutting-edge technologies such as Artiﬁcial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and drone-based monitoring systems to optimise resource allocation. By analysing real-time data on soil conditions, climate variables, and crop health, farmers can implement targeted interventions, reducing input wastage, improving yields, and mitigating environmental degradation.

Vertical & Urban Farming: As arable land becomes increasingly scarce, vertical and urban farming provide sustainable solutions by utilizing controlled environments to maximize production efﬁciency. Vertical farms employ hydroponic and aeroponic systems to cultivate crops with minimal water and land usage, signiﬁcantly reducing agricultural footprints. Urban farming repurposes underutilized spaces such as rooftops and vacant lots, contributing to localized food production, lowering carbon emissions from transportation, and enhancing urban resilience.

Smart Farming: The integration of automation, robotics, and big data analytics in farming operations enhances productivity while reducing labor dependency. Automated irrigation systems, AI-powered pest control, and robotic harvesters streamline agricultural processes, ensuring optimal resource utilization and improving climate adaptability within the sector.

Sustainable Practices: environmentally responsible techniques that mitigate ecological impact. Sustainable practices include precision irrigation systems to conserve water, regenerative agriculture to enhance soil health, and the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar-powered irrigation. The reduction of chemical inputs and the promotion of agroecological methods further contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem stability.

Biotechnology in Agriculture: agricultural biotechnology have led to the development of genetically modiﬁed (GM) and biofortiﬁed crops designed to enhance nutritional value, increase resistance to pests and diseases, and improve tolerance to extreme climatic conditions. These innovations contribute to global food security while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, aligning with sustainable agricultural objectives.

The integration of modern farming techniques into urban development frameworks is critical for fostering resilient, low-carbon cities. By incorporating precision agriculture, smart farming, and urban food production strategies, policymakers and urban planners can drive sustainable growth, enhance food sovereignty, and build climate-resilient communities.

MODERN FARMING IN CASE STUDY

ISKANDAR MAL

A comprehensive feasibility study in Iskandar Malaysia has underscored the potential of modern farming as a key economic driver, transitioning the region’s agricultural landscape from traditional methods to cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions. Commissioned by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), APUDG’s Strategic Planning Department led this pivotal study.

Through extensive research and analysis, the department has explored innovative farming techniques, including precision agriculture, automation, and AI integration, to optimize productivity while ensuring sustainability. This forward-thinking approach aims to redeﬁne Iskandar Malaysia’s agricultural future, positioning it as a hub for smart farming and sustainable food production. The key objectives of this study include:

1. Increasing agrofood production: Enhancing local food production to reduce reliance on imported food and ensure national food security.

2. Enhancing local income and reducing food import dependency: Supporting local farmers by integrating smart farming solutions that increase proﬁtability.

Project type: Feasibility Study

Client: Iskandar Regional Development Authority

Year: 2023 - 2024

Status: Completed

Project Team: Datin TPr Noraida Saludin, Peter Ong Kok Vui, Adibah Mohamed Amiruddin, Nor Amirul Najmi Jawanun, Mazyati Abdul Halim, Dato Abdul Kadir Hadir, Azman Yahya, Straits Consult & Faculty of Agriculture Universiti Putra Malaysia

3. Ensuring access to high-quality and nutritious food: Promoting urban and precision farming to provide healthier food options to local consumers.

4. Encouraging investment in modern agricultural infrastructure: Attracting both domestic and foreign investors to support agricultural technology advancements.

The Iskandar Malaysia region has been focusing on agriculture-based economic diversiﬁcation, emphasizing smart farms, urban vertical farming, and the use of precision agriculture. The goal is to establish a model that can be replicated nationwide to enhance food security and promote a sustainable agro-economy.

i. Open Field Farming

ii. Modern Farming Incubator and Accelerator Centre

iii. Market Exchange

iv. Food Processing Park

v. Smart Fisheries

vi. Fishtech Hatchery and Nursery

2. Initiated 2 pilot project;

• Pilot Project 1: Modern Farming Incubator Accelerator Centre

• Pilot Project 2: Fishtech Hatchery & Nursery 3.

Investment and Business Model Considerations

• Involves public-private partnership (PPP), joint ventures, leasing and outright sales. 4.

Infrastructure and Policy Support

• Focus on logistics, technology and ﬁnancing support.

• Requires changes to land use zoning and classiﬁcation to allow farming structures.

FARMING MODEL SOUTH KOREA’S SMART

Global Insights: South Korea’s Smart Farming

South Korea is leading the way in smart farming, with an ambitious goal to convert 30% of its agricultural output to smart systems by 2027. The country’s strategy combines technological innovation, urban integration, and youth participation to build a resilient and sustainable food system.

1. Youth engagement in farming incubators: address an aging farming population, has developed training and incubation programmes that encourage youth to engage in modern agriculture. These initiatives provide access to land, technology, and mentoring, nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy farmers.

2. AI-driven monitoring and automation: Artiﬁcial Intelligence and Internet of Things (ioT), farms are equipped to monitor soil, weather and crop conditions in real time. Automated systems improve efﬁciency, reduce waste and support

Urban smart farming (e.g., Metro Farm in Seoul’s

An innovative example is Metro Farm in Seoul’s subway stations, urban vertical farms that grow fresh produce using hydroponics in controlled environments. These systems reduce land use, cut carbon emissions and promote local food

As part of the feasibility study of modern farming, APUDG team conducted a comprehensive benchmarking exercised across the globe.

limited knowledge of agriculture and modern farming. As town planners, we primarily viewed agriculture in terms of land use activities, zoning, and land conversion from agricultural to urban development. From a policy perspective, we understood its crucial role in national food security and local economic development, as well as how community farming can support low-carbon initiatives by reducing carbon footprints.

However, when questioned about modern farming and agricultural planning in detail, we often struggled to provide comprehensive answers due to our limited expertise in the ﬁeld. Additionally, most of our team members grew up in urban areas with little exposure to farming. As a result, during discussions, meetings, and engagement sessions, we found it challenging to contribute meaningful insights and often remained silent.

Recognizing this gap, our project core team took the initiative to learn humbly from lecturers at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia. We also visited various farms in the Klang Valley and Johor to gain ﬁrsthand insights from agropreneurs. Through these interviews, we gradually developed a deeper understanding of agricultural planning.

Additionally, we enrolled in online courses and attended exhibitions to further enhance our knowledge of agriculture and modern farming.

Our efforts led to significant improvements in both our understanding and confidence. In one of the technical meetings with agencies, we were able to provide valuable input and explain modern farming in detail. By the end of the meeting, some officers were surprised by our level of knowledge and even asked whether town planning courses at universities included agricultural studies. This feedback reassured us that our hard work had paid off.

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Incorporating urban agriculture into city master plans aligns with global sustainability goals by creating resilient food systems and promoting circular economy principles.

As urban centers continue to grow, strategic integration of urban farming will be essential in shaping healthier, more self-sufﬁcient and environmentally responsible cities.

URBAN

FARMING

IN

MASTER PLAN: INTEGRATED SUSTAINABLE LIVING (ISL) OF ISKANDAR PUTERI

Integrated Sustainable Living (ISL) (2016) is a development nestled amidst the pristine mangroves of Iskandar Puteri, Johor and lies over 2,900 acres of prime land - an iconic development by Iskandar Capital Sdn Bhd (IskCap). Within the landscape design, more than 20 parks were included in the ISL urban design. Amongst its priorities included supporting local food security while bonding the community. Thus, a pragmatic approach to landscaping was taken which included prioritizing conservation and contributing towards environmental quality through deliberate design intervention.

Steps to promote green living practices included education & awareness programmes for both the young & older generations, as well as active involvement through urban farming, food waste gathering, gardening & composting workshops. All these were spatially designed within its 800m radius of integrated community facilities (mosque, sports amenities, groceries, clinics, ATM, urban farming and kindergarten) and walkable from home via green connectors.

Project type: Masterplan

Client:

Year: 2016-2024

Status: Approved

Project Team: Azziqurol Hakim, Bima Aji Purnama, Amanda Risky, Wan Nadrah Yussof, and Consultants Team.

Iskandar Capital (Iskandar Investment Berhad - IIB)

REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIELD:

ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE URBAN

LIVING THROUGH INTEGRATED URBAN FARMING

As project ofﬁcer for the Sustainability Framework Scope, my team and I ensure the masterplan implements the three pillars of Sustainability such as Environmental Sustainability, Socio-Cultural Inclusivity, and Economic Feasibility. The Integrated Sustainable Living (ISL) masterplan now known as “Wawari” aspired to be the future icon for a sustainable and living city in Johor and beyond. The masterplan envisions a world in which everyone will have the opportunity to live to their fullest potential. The masterplan also seeks to shape the future through preserving the natural assets that the site has like Mangrove Forest along the waterfront, while at the same time discovering new knowledge and sharing resources with human beings, and others that we share the earth with. Throughout the process of the development of the masterplan, these core values are always referred to, or even so translated into a set of design strategies & objectives that guide the overall design & continuity of the masterplan.

Our Sustainable Development Goals are being set to ensure its elements to be implemented such as SDG 6: To address the agenda of food security and promote local food production. The masterplan encourages the practice of local food production within the township where urban farming and community gardens shall enable residents to have better access to nutritious and healthy food. Integrating urban farms into the township’s landscape will encourage urban communities to be engaged in a more locally based food system and to develop entrepreneurship in local food productions thus creating a healthy local economy.

REFLECTIONS

We also established a KPI regarding urban farming with the percentage of edible garden/ urban farming within ISL shall not be less than 20% of total green open space provided productive landscape, this follows the existing Green Neighborhood Guideline by JPBD (PlanMalaysia). Neighborhood farms and gardens to be permanent and viable growing spaces within the district according to the density of the area, occupants such as the community group, homeowners and public body. Enhancing the township’s food security by urban farming. Urban Farming in common spaces in between residential blocks, diversiﬁcation of edible plants.

Throughout the process of masterplanning, we find some challenges to ensure the client the importance of sustainable productive landscaping. One of it is urban farming on how this will benefit the master developer or the entire master planning process. We have to convince the client that the benefit is beyond the cost spent to provide this. Looking at the landscape beyond just beautification is the key to changing people’s perspective on the greenery in the context of township planning. Series of workshops we have conducted not only gives an understanding on the overall sustainability but also on how these initiatives will improve their business performance and differentiate from other township developments.

This presents urban agriculture as a dynamic living laboratory for innovation and education with the new technology. Maybe in the future we shall advance urban farming from just a community based-kind of activity towards tackling the national issues of food security. Like vertical farming, in global cities, land prices are high, which makes building up (rather than out) the economically prudent choice.

Project ofﬁcer: Amanda Risky Purnama

Urban Designer (Landscape & Sustainability)

Given that 56% of vegetables consumed in the

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Farming and Cloud System

Our recent Town Hall Session brought together thought leaders and industry experts to discuss the future of modern farming. The session, led by Mr. Peter Ong, the Section Head (Development & Blueprint) of our Strategic Planning Department, focused on crucial insights into sustainable agricultural practices and the role of technological advancements in shaping the future of food production.

Key discussions revolved around innovative techniques and technologies that are driving efﬁciency and sustainability in the agricultural sector. From precision farming to the use of AI and drones, the session provided a comprehensive overview of how these innovations are revolutionizing food production, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.

It was a great opportunity for our team to deepen their understanding of the intersection between technology and farming, and how these developments align with global trends toward sustainability and food security.

APUDG Badminton Night

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The Sport Unit of APUDG’s SRC has recently hosted a fun-ﬁlled evening at the APUDG Badminton Night, where colleagues came together to engage in friendly badminton matches. The event was a perfect blend of team bonding and promoting a healthy lifestyle among staff.

The spirited matches, full of energy and enthusiasm, allowed everyone to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition while fostering collaboration and camaraderie. It was a great way to bring colleagues closer together and highlight the importance of maintaining an active and healthy work-life balance.

Ramadan is a time for sharing and giving, and Alhamdulillah, APUDG had the privilege of hosting a special Iftar Night with anak yatim. This heartfelt gathering allowed us to come together to break fast and strengthen camaraderie among team members, creating a warm and meaningful atmosphere.

The evening was ﬁlled with joy and gratitude, as we shared the blessings of this blessed month with those in need. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of compassion, community, and kindness during Ramadan.

APUDG Raya Box

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In the spirit of Ramadan and Aidilﬁtri, gratitude ﬁlled our hearts once again as we came together to give back to the community. This year, APUDG's Sports Recreation Club (SRC) successfully coordinated the Raya Box Distribution, a meaningful initiative that saw heartfelt contributions from all APUDG staff channeled to 30 deserving Asnaf families and single mothers residing in Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Lembah Subang 1.

hearts the all APUDG staff channeled to 30 deserving Asnaf families and single mothers residing in Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Lembah Subang 1.

Our deepest appreciation goes to Puan Noriana Yusof, the dedicated community representative of PPR Lembah Subang, whose invaluable support made this outreach possible. The joy and heartfelt gratitude reﬂected on the faces of the recipients served as a poignant reminder of the true essence of Aidilﬁtri – compassion, unity, and shared humanity.

the true essence of Aidilﬁtri – compassion, unity, and shared humanity.

We are proud to see the SRC continuing to embody the values of togetherness and social responsibility that lie at the heart of APUDG. May this tradition of giving and community care continue to ﬂourish in the years to come.

honoured that the SRC continues to embody the for many years to come.