USM, GOLDEN FUNGI SIGN MOU TO STRENGTHEN MUSHROOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

NIBONG TEBAL, 24 November 2025 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its School of Chemical Engineering, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Golden Fungi Sdn. Bhd. to enhance collaboration in research, technological development and training related to the mushroom cultivation industry.

The MoU was signed by Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, representing USM, while Golden Fungi managing director, Jacky Yip, signed on behalf of the company.

Engineering Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, in her welcoming remarks, said that strategic collaboration with industry partners remains a priority for USM as the university continues to ensure that its research remains relevant and aligned with national needs.

“With strong research facilities, multidisciplinary expertise and established industry networks, USM continues to strengthen its engagement with the industrial sector to expand knowledge and generate high-impact research,” she said.

She added that Golden Fungi, a company actively involved in large-scale mushroom cultivation, plays a significant role in bridging academic expertise with real industry needs, particularly in the fields of agriculture and agrotechnology.

In his speech, Yip noted that demand for nutritious and sustainably cultivated mushrooms continues to grow both domestically and across the region, creating greater opportunities for innovation and research.

“The future of agriculture relies not only on production but also on innovation, research excellence and strong partnerships between industry and universities,” he said.

Yip added that Golden Fungi will supply high-quality oyster mushroom spawn for USM’s research activities, emphasising that genetic purity and seed health are critical in determining growth rate, yield and overall production performance.

He said that USM’s expertise in biotechnology and agricultural sciences, combined with the company’s practical farming experience, would pave the way for new discoveries that could elevate Malaysia’s mushroom industry to a higher level.

“This collaboration is also expected to create opportunities for student training, joint research and to encourage more young Malaysians to explore modern agriculture,” he added.

Meanwhile, Professor Zainal said the MoU outlines six key areas of collaboration, including joint research and development on mushroom-based food products, co-organised workshops and training programmes, educational visits, industrial training opportunities, community development initiatives, and other academic linkages to be mutually developed from time to time.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman