KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, won the Geospatial World Excellence Award 2023 for the usage of geospatial tools and solutions in the field of food security and agriculture on Friday (May 5).
In a statement Saturday (May 6), the Ministry said the award ceremony was held in conjunction with the Geospatial World Forum 2023 from May 2 to 5 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The victory was through the use of remote sensing technology in developing and operating the Padi Geospatial Information System (MakGeoPadi).
The system, which has benefited 192,663 padi farmers, has been continuously operated until now and can help relevant authorities manage and monitor rice crops in 12 granary areas across the country more efficiently and effectively.
"The award-winning MakGeoPadi system was developed through strategic collaboration with the Agriculture Department, the Farmers’ Organisation Authority and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute in 2010,” said the Ministry.
According to the statement, the same award was also given to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2022.
"This victory proves that Malaysia also has capabilities comparable to developed countries in creating new innovations through geospatial technology to solve problems and manage people’s lives and national development.
"This recognition also shows that Malaysia’s efforts, through the Ministry and MYSA, in empowering the field of space science and technology are always relevant and in line with the objectives of the National Space Policy 2030, especially in the aspects of infrastructure development and space applications that have a positive impact on the country’s security, economy and society,” it said. - Bernama
