BoomGrow Productions Sdn Bhd and CelcomDigi Bhd have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming Malaysia’s agricultural industry through the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G connectivity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Extended Reality (XR).
This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in adopting advanced technologies to enhance sustainable farming practices and boost food production across the nation.
Through this partnership, CelcomDigi will leverage its 5G network, supported by ZTE, to enhance the capabilities and efficiencies of BoomGrow’s Machine Farms. By integrating 5G technology with AI and XR, the collaboration enables real-time monitoring, precise control of farming environments, and predictive analytics, ultimately leading to higher crop yields and improved resource efficiency.
Data from Machine Farms nationwide will be centralized on a unified dashboard, allowing seamless oversight and management, all made possible by CelcomDigi’s extensive and reliable network.
The partnership focuses on three key areas of agritech innovation:
- 5G-Enhanced Precision Farming: BoomGrow’s Machine Farms, now powered by CelcomDigi’s 5G connectivity, are equipped with integrated sensors and monitoring systems that provide real-time data feedback. This ensures precise control of indoor farming environments, optimizing conditions for crop growth.
- AI-Driven Machine Farm Analytics: With complex datasets and plant visualizations collected from multiple Machine Farms, AI-powered advanced analytics enable deeper insights. For example, if an alert is raised at one farm, the team can quickly identify the root cause and address it, enhancing decision-making and productivity.
- XR-Based Agronomist Training: Powered by XR technology from XR Associate, future agronomists can undergo immersive training remotely. This allows them to gain hands-on experience in managing modern farming systems across various BoomGrow Machine Farm locations. It also facilitates the onboarding of new agronomists as BoomGrow expands its operations.
The partnership was officiated by Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, at an event held at Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang, one of the locations housing a BoomGrow Machine Farm. In his speech, Gobind emphasized the importance of this collaboration as a prime example of how technology can address critical societal challenges, particularly in enhancing food production sustainability.
BoomGrow is one of 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 enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with BoomGrow to revolutionize farming in the digital era.
“By integrating our 5G services with BoomGrow’s agritech innovations, we aim to set new standards for efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving 5G and digital innovation ecosystem in Malaysia.”
Murali Krishnamurthy, CEO and Co-Founder of BoomGrow, added, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for BoomGrow as we continue to lead in precision farming. The integration of 5G technology enables us to achieve new levels of efficiency and sustainability, benefiting our customers with better predictability and control, ensuring consistently high-quality produce.
“CelcomDigi’s support for tech startups like ours not only advances our capabilities but also contributes to Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. Together, we are shaping a more innovative and sustainable future for the industry.”
BoomGrow currently operates multiple Machine Farms across Malaysia and the Philippines, including one at the CelcomDigi AiX in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
