GUANGZHOU: A delegation from the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah explored potential collaboration opportunities with Sun Yat-sen University here, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance the state’s agriculture, fisheries and food industries.
The visit, held as part of a high-level exchange programme to China, also focused on cooperation in education, youth talent development and the blue economy.
MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau said China’s expertise, technology and experience should be leveraged to expand cooperation across various sectors that could benefit Sabah.
He said exposure to developments in AI and agricultural technology in China had opened up opportunities for more comprehensive collaboration, including education, talent development and efforts to enhance the value of existing industries.
He added that Sabah possessed abundant resources and vast development potential, while China’s experience in technology, education and industrial development could help accelerate progress across various sectors in the state.
Meanwhile, Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Ja’afar said Sun Yat-sen University was not only renowned for its medical expertise but also had strong capabilities in agriculture, contributing to the development of Guangzhou and its surrounding areas.
He said the delegation was also briefed on the application of AI in the university’s agricultural research and technological development, which could serve as a reference for Sabah.
He noted that although Sabah had begun exploring the use of AI in several government departments, its implementation still needed to be further strengthened on a more comprehensive scale.
In this regard, he proposed that government officers involved in AI-related fields, together with lecturers from the Sabah Agricultural Institute, be sent for training at Sun Yat-sen University to enhance their skills and practical knowledge.
Jamawi said mastering AI required systematic and professional training rather than relying solely on reading reference materials or online tutorials. He also stressed the importance of participants obtaining recognised qualifications or certifications.
He further expressed hope that the expertise of academics from local technical universities could be combined with the capabilities of Sun Yat-sen University to develop a framework for the gradual implementation of AI applications, particularly in the agriculture and food industries.
During the visit, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange at Sun Yat-sen University, Yu Zhantao, delivered a welcoming address to the delegation.
Professor Shi Qian from the university’s School of Geography and Planning also delivered a special lecture on AI applications in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, as well as potential areas for future collaboration. -pr/BNN
