Using Cognitive Approach to Improve Urban Poor Family Business Models for Food Security in Malaysia

In an effort to reduce poverty by resolving the economic woes of the poor caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent Malaysia’s movement control orders (MCO), UiTM researchers undertook a study to find economic and sustainable solutions to boost the economic capabilities of the highly affected urban poor communities (B40 - earnings below RM4,850 per month). The study employed the Business Model Canvas (BMC) Model template that covers nine related elements depicting business relationships for owners to visualise and manage their business. Respondents from four industries in three major Malaysian cities with the highest urban poverty rates namely Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang were subjected to in-depth interviews. The interviews were intended to measure the cognitive depth and complex thought processes of the respondents with regards to their entrepreneurial thinking and business mindset. Out of the nine BMC elements, B40 entrepreneurs lacked the understanding of the importance of key partners for urban poor family groups when starting a business. These entrepreneurs need to reevaluate and incorporate key partners into their business model because they need to form partnerships for more than just resources. The findings however need to be further confirmed by disseminating questionnaires to larger B40 groups in other cities.

https://hrmars.com/papers_submitted/10600/developing-a-new-urban-poor-family-business-model-using-cognitive-approach.pdf

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Food Safety among On-Site Food Premises in Public Universities

Foodservice outlets in universities are often the main source of dining for students and have caused students to become highly dependent on them on campus. However, episodes of food poisoning in Malaysia are still occurring in universities and colleges due to improper practices among food handlers. The concern arises when the students are exposed to the risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, this study aims to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice on food safety and hygiene among food handlers at foodservice outlets in five campuses of UiTM Selangor branch. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 food handlers who met the criteria set in this study. The data gathered were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. Through Pearson’s correlation analysis, a weak and positive correlation was observed for knowledge and practice, and knowledge and attitude whereby attitude and practice resulted in moderate, positive correlation. Further analysis through linear regression proved that attitude had mediated the relationship between knowledge and practice on food safety and hygiene. The findings of this study would be used to monitor and improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice on food safety and hygiene among food handlers and expectedly reduce the risk of food contamination and foodborne diseases.

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/43010/1/43010.pdf

Sociodemographic Determinants of Food Insecurity Among Malay University Students: A Study from Universiti Teknologi MARA

Food insecurity poses a multifaceted challenge to nations worldwide, however because of its social and economic complexities, careful policy consideration has to be made. Despite the extensive body of research on food insecurity, there are not many studies investigating the sociodemographic determinants within the context of Malaysia, specifically concerning the unique demographics of Malay university students, who constitute the largest segment of the tertiary education population. This investigation then intends to address the prevalence of food insecurity and its associated sociodemographic factors among Malay university students. A pre-tested English version of the US Adult Food Security Survey Module (AFSSM), which assesses their food security status and Binary logistic regression analysis were undertaken to identify the sociodemographic factors predictive of food insecurity were employed and administered. The findings reveal the regression analysis did not yield any statistically significant predictors linked to food insecurity. In conclusion, the data substantiates the prevalence of food insecurity as a notable issue among university students. These results underscore the urgency for further investigation and interventions aimed at comprehensively understanding and ameliorating food insecurity within the sphere of higher education, particularly among the Malay student community. This study, conducted at Universiti Teknologi MARA, stands as a critical contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding food insecurity and its implications for academic communities.

https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/ dokumen/2022031418355007_MJMHS_1224.pdf

The Culinary and Food Science: Its’ integration via Kitchen Science Module (Cooking) to fascinate students towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Cooking is not only about satisfying hunger and producing palatable food but underlying the art of cooking is a food related science that is often overlooked. Food science elements can be explored through fermentation of bread, coagulation of eggs during preparation of mayonnaise and Maillard reaction during the grilling process of steak. There are many other cooking processes that involve the elements of science. Thus, this study explores the integration of cooking and food science elements via the Kitchen Science Module in order to develop Secondary School students’ fascination for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme. Qualitative research through observation was employed to achieve the objective of the study. Kitchen Science Module was used as a major tool in examining the fascination level of students towards the STEM programme. A direct exposure of knowledge of kitchen science plus direct involvement with the cooking processes would fascinate and motivate secondary school students to pursue their studies in related fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics specifically.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349119691_The_Culinary_and_ Food_Science_Its%27_integration_via_Kitchen_Science_Module_Cooking_to_ fascinate_students_towards_Science_Technology_Engineering_and_Mathematics_STEM

Global Goals: UiTM at the Forefront of Ensuring Food Security

UiTM being at the Forefront in Ensuring Food Security became the focus of discussion during the Vice Chancellor’s “Coffee Talk With Rozie” broadcast live via UiTM’s YouTube channel as the panelists deliberated on the various aspects of food security. The discussion which involved the Vice Chancellor as the host and moderator together with two other panelists, Assoc. Prof Ts. Dr Mohd Rasdi Zaini, the Rector of UiTM Melaka Branch, and Prof. Ts. Dr Asmah Awal, the Deputy Rector (Research and Innovation) of UiTM Selangor Branch emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and nutritious food from production to consumption, the impact of a potential food crisis on prices, and the need for aggressive research and innovation. UiTM’s initiatives to enhance food security were highlighted which included increasing programmes, research, and collaboration with the industry. The panelists also stressed on the importance of precision agriculture, technology, and research in securing a stable food supply and economic empowerment while improving health and the environment.

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: UiTM Research Contribution to Enhance Food Security Through In Vitro Regeneration of Musa Paradisiaca

The pressing need to address global food security, particularly in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 2—Zero Hunger, motivates the study presented herein. This research was conducted to establish a standardized and efficient in vitro propagation protocol for ‘Malbhog’ bananas (Musa paradisiaca, AAB genome) under optimal culture conditions. The study also explores the influence of growth hormones, specifically BAP and NAA, on explant growth. In addition to the above mentioned, this study pioneers the examination of the impact of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), including Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (FCNTs), D1, and D2, on ‘Malbhog’ in vitro regeneration. The findings revealed noteworthy results, with TDZ at a concentration of 0.11 mg/L exhibiting the highest response in terms of shoot proliferation, generating an impressive 7.5 shoots per explant. Additionally, root induction was most successful when using MS media supplemented with 1mg/L NAA. Furthermore, the introduction of FCNTs at a concentration of 100 μg/mL into the MS media led to an astonishing acceleration of shoot proliferation, yielding 8.5 shoots per explant compared to the control group without FCNTs. This research, conducted by UiTM researchers, marks a significant stride towards bolstering food security by enhancing the in vitro regeneration process for ‘Malbhog’ bananas. By harnessing the potential of growth hormones and innovatively exploring the use of carbon nanotubes, this study not only contributes to agricultural advancement but also underscores the potential to improve food production, which is pivotal in the global quest to achieve Zero Hunger.

Co-Integrated Poverty and Food Insecurity Mitigation Framework for People with Disabilities: A Blockchain Concept Approach

People with disabilities (PWDs) are vulnerable and exposed to the risk of poverty and food insecurity because they are often unemployed or in a job that does not pay much. To address the issue, the government has developed a specific plan of action for PWDs, which requires participation of stakeholders from various sectors who have substantial resources and strategic capabilities. While past studies were more interested in understanding the role of different stakeholders in addressing a complex social issue, this study investigates challenges faced by PWDs in achieving sustainable living and identifying unique strategic capabilities of stakeholders that can be utilized in addressing poverty and possible food insecurity among PWDs. A qualitative case study with an interpretivist approach is the model of this study. Participants were selected among PWDs and key personnel identified purposely from various relevant government agencies, private companies, NGOs and universities. Focus group interviews were conducted to gather information on key challenges encountered by PWDs in achieving sustainable living, while face-toface interviews with participants from agencies, private companies and NGOs representatives were conducted in order to identify their key capabilities. Data gathered was transcribed and analysed using interpretative thematic analysis and validated through data and investigator triangulation. This study aims to introduce a new framework that co-integrate stakeholders from various sectors by adapting the blockchain technology concept. Although blockchain technology is often associated with crypto-currency, the application could go further to cover multitudes of business and social arrangements. The new framework may contribute significantly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in reducing inequality (SDG10), ensuring decent work for all (SDG8), recognizing role of multi-stakeholder partnership (SDG17), eradicating poverty (SDG1), and achieving food security (SDG2).

Smart Urban Farming for Vegetables (V-SUrF)

This project aims to propose and perform Proof of Concept (PoC) to demonstrate the application of Internet of Things (IoT) that can automate the monitoring and reporting of plants management called Smart Urban Farming for Vegetables (V-SUrF). V-SUrF is a fully automated smart plantation system that is able to monitor critical data such as temperature, moisture, illumination and nutritional value. Utilising sensing technology over an IoT platform, V-SUrF enables smarter farming by controlling vital functions that impact overall production quantity and quality. This project saw 10 users from different houses who were equipped with 3 different types of V-SUrF kits namely Beginner (3 users), Intermediate (3 users) and Advanced (4 users). The plants chosen for this project are the commonly consumed vegetables, which are okra, chili, eggplant and basil. The V-SUrF project was successfully developed and deployed where the Decision Support System (DSS) was running as planned to maintain the plants automatically. The DSS implemented for water measurement from soil moisture triggered output Direct Current (DC) water pump when the reading was less than 80% daily (7.30 am & 5.00 pm). Another DSS implemented was when users were alerted via web based and mobile application to notify users when the water tank level was lower than the threshold (30%). In summary, this project focuses on providing a cloud IoT-based urban farm that applies DSS and smart scheduling whereby V-SUrF shows the availability and functionality in handling high-rise farming automation while the use of IoT technology, DSS and light as power source in V-SUrF can be upscaled for landed urban farming.

UiTM Holdings & UiTM Johor Branch Hosted Iftar for Fitrah Qaseh Children

On April 16, 2022, UiTM Holdings and UiTM Johor Branch, Pasir Gudang Campus, organized an Iftar event for 30 children from Fitrah Qaseh Shelter Home. The event aimed at spreading joy during the holy month of Ramadan to orphans and underprivileged children through the breaking of their fast and also the giving of “duit raya” by UiTM Holdings, and UiTM students. Apart from the children, employees of UiTM (Universiti Teknologi MARA), Johor Branch also received some ‘duit raya’. This initiative clearly reflects UiTM’s commitment to community engagement and supporting the less fortunate and is aligned with UiTM’s goal to empower the Bumiputeras and the Ministry of Higher Education’s promotion of “University for Society” programme. This event signifies the university’s dedication to its 5th Focus and Target for 2022, which emphasizes students’ participation in advancing its agenda.

In Negeri Sembilan, UiTM co-organizes the statelevel World Food Safety Day 2022 ceremony

World Food Safety Day (WFSD), an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), underscores the global significance of food safety. Since 7 of June 2023 was designated as World Food Safety Day (WFSD) by the United Nations (UN), a collaborative effort led by the Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD), Negeri Sembilan State Health Department, together with Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Negeri Sembilan (UiTMCNS), and Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (MYDIN) organized the WFSD celebration on the 17th of July, 2022. The UN’s vision for this day is to mobilize collective action involving governments, policymakers, food industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and consumers, ensuring food safety and the “from farm to table” concept. Dato’ Dr Harlina Bt. Abdul Rashid, Director of Negeri Sembilan State’s Health Department, highlighted the role of consumers in ensuring food safety during the WFSD 2022 event at MYDIN Mall Seremban 2. This year’s WFSD theme, “Safer Food, Better Health,” aims to mitigate contamination risks and food poisoning as well as promoting better health through safe consumption. The state-level WFSD commemoration in Negeri Sembilan featured diverse activities for all ages, including a food safety colouring contest, a treasure hunt, a cake decorating contest, and an internet quiz. The event also acknowledged and awarded accreditation and certification to 17 local food producers under FSQD’s Programme, therefore reiterating the importance of adhering to the Malaysian Food Act 1983. The active involvement of UiTMCNS Kuala Pilah Campus’s Food Science and Technology Department, with both lecturers and students, contributed significantly to the event’s success. Students were able to enhance their communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, making the event possible through their active participation. Furthermore, the event featured exhibits from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Negeri Sembilan, the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department, the Nutrition Division, the Pharmacy Services Department, the Oral Health Division, the Public Health Division, and the Food Safety and Quality Division Negeri Sembilan.

https://qs-gen.com/uitm-co-organises-state-level-world-food-safety-day-2022-celebration-in-negeri-sembilan/

Rice Farmers’ Adoption of Smart Farming Technology

The use of smart farming technology in rice farming is important in meeting the challenges of achieving food security and improving farmer well-being. Food security in Malaysia is synonymous with the adequacy of domestic rice supply for the Malaysian population. As a result, in order to meet the target set in Sustainable Development Goal 2, which is to eliminate hunger, the rice sector must become more competitive by encouraging farmers to use modern technology. Smart farming is a new farm management concept that combines information and communication technologies into modern machinery such as IoT, drones, and Artificial Intelligence to increase the value of agricultural products while lowering production costs and improving farmers’ well-being through income growth. To this end, Nur Badriyah Kamarul Zaman and her team recently conducted a research to investigate the adoption of smart farming among paddy farmers in one of the country’s granary areas, Barat Laut Selangor, which is administered by the Integrated Agriculture Development Area. This study employed qualitative methods, including interviews. This study is urgently needed so as to facilitate Malaysia into becoming a high-income country, and to reinforce the importance of food security assurance.

https://semarakilmu.com.my/journals/index.php/ applied_sciences_eng_tech/article/view/1463

Marketing Issues in the Cuniculture Industry: The Case of Rabbit Farmers in Hilir Perak, Malaysia

The paper aims to showcase the findings on the marketing issues in the cuniculture industry, focusing on rural rabbit farmers in Hilir Perak, Malaysia. Rabbit meat or broilers have taken a backseat in the domestic market compared to beef, mutton, and chicken. From the qualitative analyses, the marketing issues in the cuniculture industry included a lack of resources by the farmers, limited agency assistance, price, promotion, and awareness of the nutritional value of the broilers. The study showed that broilers had to be promoted as part of the local food security environment to fulfill the sustainable development goal (SDG) of zero hunger.

https://ebpj.e-iph.co.uk/index.php/ EBProceedings/article/view/4475

Food Price Monitoring at Dataran Cendekia & Menara SAAS

In response to the rising cost of living, the Minister of Higher Education had implemented a six-month rent moratorium for operators and food providers on public higher learning institutions’ campuses starting from July 2022. UiTM’s initiative to monitor and support food prices for students began with a visit to the students’ food court; Dataran Cendekia and Menara SAAS. Cafe owners across all 35 UiTM branches were given two options, they could adhere to a maximum meal price of RM3.50 for students and receive the rent moratorium, or sell meals at the UiTMset maximum rate without the moratorium benefit. A Food Monitoring Committee was tasked with developing an RM3.50 quality meal menu plan. Previously, UiTM’s Standing Finance Committee had set meal prices ranging from RM5.00 to RM6.50. Additionally, UiTM acknowledged the Ministry of Higher Education’s initiative to provide free meal vouchers to B40 students and expressed its gratitude to industry partners and alumni for their support. These measures aim to assist underprivileged students, ease the financial burden on food premise operators, and ensure the continuity of their education.

A critical assessment of recent national Zero Hunger Strategic Reviews from Asia and the Pacific

Based on Zero Hunger Strategic Reviews, national governments are able to articulate how they can achieve the second Sustainable Development Goal targets of zero hunger and zero malnutrition by 2030. To suggest how such strategic reviews might accelerate progress towards those goals, an in-depth critical assessment was undertaken of Zero Hunger Strategic Reviews carried out between 2015 and 2019 in 13 countries in Asia and the Pacific. The appraisal focused on the conceptual frameworks used to guide the content of the processes and, secondly, to determine how well those involved understood the factors that drive or block policy change in their respective countries. The method and study design used in the assessment is a qualitative study involving a desk review of: (1) all reports produced for the 13 strategic reviews; (2) guidance notes for their implementation; and (3) conceptual frameworks pertinent to them.

The results indicate that more explicit use of globally accepted conceptual frameworks would strengthen the national strategic reviews. More importantly, none considered closely the challenges that would arise as efforts were made to obtain approval for policy reforms and increased allocations of public resources to address hunger and malnutrition more effectively. In conclusion any recommendations from such strategic reviews would need to be assessed against competing development priorities and then planned, coordinated, and implemented effectively. While accurate technical understanding is necessary to take strategic action, the best plans to eliminate hunger and malnutrition will flounder if efforts are not also made to advocate for policy change, to build political leadership, and to hold accountable those responsible for the actions required.

Medical Mushrooms as Natural Food Dyes and Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSC): Zero Hunger and Affordable Energy for Sustainable Development

Nearly 195 countries pledged to improve the world by 2030 under the UN in 2015. Realising the 17 interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was central to this vision. Synergy, using one sustainable resource to address multiple SDGs, is crucial for developing nations that are seeking cost-effective and efficient solutions. A groundbreaking study by the UiTM Solar Research Institute and its international collaborators has linked Zero Hunger to Affordable Energy. Dye is essential in high-tech industries like food and energy, so sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternatives are needed. Medicine mushrooms are the unsung heroes of this revolution. Natural dyes are eco-friendly and may be medicinal in nature. Fungi, often overlooked by plants, are powerful dye producers. Medicinal mushrooms contain a wealth of safe, organic pigments that can be abundantly produced without depleting natural resources. These fungi-derived dyes could improve culinary aesthetics and photovoltaic (PV) technology by providing a cheaper, greener alternative. This paradigm shift shows how medicinal mushroom pigments improve food taste and solar PV applications. When implemented properly, this ambitious agenda can lead the world to inclusive and sustainable development, a remarkable feat. Finally, medicinal mushrooms, known for their safety, cost-effectiveness, and consistency, could change the game. Their dual role as dye sensitizers in solar cell technology and food colourants improves product quality and supports the SDGs of Zero Hunger and Affordable Energy. Additionally, their biodegradability makes waste management environmentally friendly. This innovative approach promises a greener, more sustainable future where nature’s gifts are used to revolutionise culinary art and energy efficiency.

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/21/13894