### A digital-first perspective on Malaysia’s agriculture transformation under RMK-13

Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) sets out a bold vision to secure the nation’s food supply, uplift rural incomes, and modernise agriculture for a resilient economy. But the plan also underscores an urgent truth: traditional farming practices alone cannot withstand the pressures of climate volatility, labour shortages, and rising food demand.

FarmByte is a **digital aggregator for Malaysia’s agri supply chain**, capturing and monetising transaction datasets to solve upstream–downstream pain points. If Malaysia wants a food system that can feed future generations, it must be intelligent, connected, and inclusive; built on data, powered by technology, and accessible to farmers nationwide.

**A changing landscape, and a new kind of farmer**

A government report revealed that only 22.2% of individual agricultural operators are aged between 15 and 45 (2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report, DOSM). This reflects a larger concern: farming is increasingly seen as an unattractive career for younger generations.

In this environment, success is no longer just about access to land; it is about access to information, tools, and systems that appeal to the next generation of farmers. These farmers are not just looking for buyers, they are seeking:
- Tools that make better decisions,
- Data that cuts down losses,
- And systems that deliver fair value from seed to shelf.

RMK-13 recognises this shift. It calls for smart farming, end-to-end digital supply chains, and AI adoption; not as a distant ambition, but as a survival requirement.

For FarmByte, this validates our focus on building farmer-friendly digital platforms where clean datasets drive better market access, faster transactions, and sustainable income.

**When intelligence meets the soil**

Farming today begins with a data point.

Through satellite imagery, real-time field data, and predictive models, farmers can:
- Anticipate pest and disease risks,
- Optimise harvest timing for peak demand,
- And make pricing decisions backed by regional trends.

AI-driven analytics act as silent co-pilots, helping optimise every decision from irrigation to delivery scheduling. This is where we differ from traditional intermediaries; we don’t just move crops; we capture and analyse the data that makes every movement smarter.

**Farms that don’t rely on land or weather**

RMK-13 prioritises high-value agriculture, and controlled-environment farming is one of the most powerful tools to achieve it. Indoor vertical farms can produce pesticide-free leafy greens using machine-learned crop recipes, without soil and with minimal water.

Through our collaboration with industry leaders, we are developing climate-resilient, high-output systems capable of supplying urban markets year-round. This means:
- Year-round consistency
- Zero exposure to pests
- And production near urban centres

By capturing environmental and yield data from these systems, we can continuously optimise “crop recipes” and replicate success across new regions, building scalability into high-value agriculture.

**Inclusion is infrastructure**

Digital transformation only matters if it is accessible to all. Our mobile-first platform ensures even first-time users can access financing, track earnings, and connect directly to buyers.

This inclusivity is not an afterthought. It is embedded in our model. Every digital transaction captured is not just a sale; it is a datapoint that strengthens our ESG impact, enabling us to measure and improve income stability, reduce post-harvest losses, and widen market participation.

**What we’re building is bigger than tech**

The vision outlined in RMK-13 aligns closely with the strategic direction we have already been pursuing. From building AI-driven platforms and strengthening supply chains to investing in high-value crops and smart farming infrastructure, we are actively delivering on this national roadmap.

We invite policymakers, partners, and farmers to explore how Malaysia’s leading digital aggregator for the agri supply chain can deliver measurable results for national food security. Contact us at hello@farmbyte.com to learn more about our data-driven initiatives and partnerships.

Farmbyte staff explained to visitor on FarmByte App during MAHA 2024

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FarmByte @ MAHA 2024

RMK-13: What the Future of Food Really Looks Like 

**JOHOR BAHRU, 7 July 2025** - FarmByte, a digital agri-food company under Johor Corporation (JCorp), and Singapore agritech firm Archisen have launched one of Malaysia’s biggest indoor vertical farm in Johor Bahru, marking a major milestone in advancing climate-resilient, tech-enabled food production for the region.

The farm, built out of a joint venture that was formalised in 2024 forming FarmByte Archisen Sdn. Bhd., combines scalable infrastructure with smart farming systems to produce high-quality leafy greens year-round – supporting regional food security goals while also championing environmental stewardship and cross-border collaboration.

Spanning 52,000 square feet, the smart, high-tech indoor vertical farm leverages Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA) to grow fresh, pesticide-free produce all year round, regardless of weather conditions. With CEA, the farm allows for real-time monitoring of plant production, nutrient delivery and microclimate using a network of sensors. The automation of irrigation systems at the farm also enables a smooth delivery of the appropriate amount of nutrients to the plants, contributing to the overall efficiency of the growing process. 

All these are supported by a suite of innovative practices, including machine learning to develop “crop recipes” for maximum nutrition and yield, and closed-loop systems in which water and nutrients are recaptured and reused, drastically reducing input waste. Data collected at the farm, including relative humidity and temperature data, will also continue to inform the systems and adjust accordingly. 

With its modular, scalable design, the farm’s infrastructure also makes it possible to deploy vertical farms in both urban centres and suburban communities, supporting decentralised food production and bringing food production closer to consumers.

Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said, “We are proud that this indoor vertical farm is a showcase of the strong and strategic partnership between Malaysia and Singapore in the area of food resilience. The collaboration between FarmByte and Archisen marks a pioneering initiative under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), setting the tone for deeper cross-border cooperation.”

With an estimated annual output of 306,000 kg of fresh produce, the farm is a strategic asset supporting Malaysia’s National Food Security Policy Action Plan and Singapore’s ‘30 by 30’ food resilience goal.

“Archisen is excited to bring our technological expertise to this landmark project and proud to see this indoor vertical farm come to fruition,” added Vincent Wei, Director of FarmByte Archisen. “We see this long-term collaboration with FarmByte advancing sustainable farming practices, leveraging efficient farming systems, and enhancing food resilience of both countries.”


To offer a truly immersive glimpse into the world of indoor vertical farming, the facility also features an experiential centre—complete with a farm corridor that lets visitors observe and engage with the vertical farming process up close.
 

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**About FarmByte Sdn Bhd**

FarmByte is pioneering a new innovative era in Malaysia’s agrofood industry. A JCorp company, FarmByte leverages technology to provide transparent end-to-end solutions to players in its agrofood ecosystem – the FarmByte Food Hub – to enhance national food security, production efficiency and product quality. 

Driven by a commitment to enhance food production and uplift communities, the company works together with trusted partners throughout the value chain – from farmers and processors to distributors and retailers – to create greater business and economic opportunities for the entire farm-to-fork ecosystem. 

**About Archisen Pte Ltd**

Archisen is a Singapore-based agritech company that designs, builds, and operates solutions to grow ultra-fresh, ultra-local produce in cities. It operates one of the highest yielding indoor farms in Singapore, with a projected yield of up to 100 tonnes of vegetables a year. Today, Archisen provides quality products to leading retailers in Singapore through its flagship brand, Just Produce. It is also the first and only company in Singapore that provides a comprehensive farm management solution for partners through its turn-key urban farm solution, Cropdom. 

From left to right: Dato’ Mizan Yahya (CEO of FarmByte Sdn. Bhd.), Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim (President & Chief Executive, Johor Corporation), YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi (Menteri Besar Johor), Vincent Wei (CEO Archisen Pte Ltd), and YB Dato’ Zahari b

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FarmByte and Archisen Launch Next-Generation Indoor Vertical Farm in Johor Bahru

**KUALA LUMPUR, 12 FEBRUARY 2025** – CGC Digital, Funding Societies | Modalku (Funding Societies), and FarmByte signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at narrowing the financing gap for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture segment. This strategic collaboration seeks to enhance access to financing and support the growth of agricultural businesses, thereby contributing to Malaysia's food security agenda and economic resilience.

Food security remains a critical concern for Malaysia as the nation grapples with challenges such as climate change, urbanization, a growing population and reliance on imported food. Despite the importance and urgency to address food insecurity issues, MSMEs in agriculture sector face significant hurdles in securing financing to grow their businesses and to enhance productivity.

Many small-scale farmers lack the necessary collateral to secure traditional loans, which further limits their access to financial resources. A gap in financial literacy among farmers also hinders their ability to navigate complex financing options effectively. Furthermore, agriculture segment is often perceived as a high-risk sector due to its vulnerability to climate change and market volatility, making financial institutions hesitant to extend credit.

The collaboration between CGC Digital, Funding Societies, and FarmByte aims to have positive impact on local farmers. By providing innovative financing options, local farmers will have better access to the capital needed for sustainable operations and business expansion. Improved financial literacy and access to modern agricultural technologies will enhance farmers' productivity and efficiency. Implementing risk assessment and management strategies will help farmers manage uncertainties related to climate change and market fluctuations.

The focus on sustainability will ensure that farming practices are environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long term. By addressing the financial challenges faced by farmers, this collaboration will empower them to become more resilient and self-sufficient.

**Yushida Husin, Chief Executive Officer of CGC Digital** said, “At CGC Digital, we are deeply committed to supporting initiatives that address the critical issue of food security in Malaysia. By collaborating with Funding Societies and FarmByte, we aim to close the funding gap and enable local farmers with financial access they need to thrive. We believe that leveraging farming data as an alternative credit scoring metric will not only enhance the accuracy of credit assessments but also provide a more inclusive and supportive financial ecosystem for our agricultural MSMEs. This collaboration is a significant step towards building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that can meet the growing demands of our nation."

**Wong Kah Meng, Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Funding Societies Malaysia** remarked, "This partnership with CGC Digital reflects our shared commitment to empowering underserved businesses across Malaysia. We strive to build a more inclusive financing ecosystem that fuels the growth of micro and small enterprises.

By integrating CGC Digital’s expertise in credit enhancement with Funding Societies’ advanced digital financing platform, on the back of FarmByte’s agricultural ecosystem, we aim to empower farmers and agribusinesses with greater access to capital that they need to expand, create jobs, and drive economic progress. This collaboration not only strengthens the agricultural value chain but contributes to food security and economic resilience in Malaysia.”

According to **Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer of FarmByte**, the partnership with CGC Digital and Funding Societies aligns with the company’s vision to revolutionize farming by providing farmers with both financial and technological resources.

“Our goal is to empower MSMEs in the agriculture sector with greater access to financing, enabling them to scale their businesses and enhance productivity,” he shared. “Through this collaboration, we are bridging the financial gap and equipping agropreneurs with the resources and support needed to drive a more resilient and sustainable agrofood ecosystem.”

Through this MoU CGC Digital, Funding Societies, and FarmByte will leverage their combined expertise to implement innovative financing solutions that address the unique needs of MSMEs in the agriculture sector.

CGC Digital will play the key role of mitigating risks as a leading credit guarantee provider and enhance its probability of default model with farm-level data as an alternative risk measurement for agribusinesses, thereby de-risking lending and improve access to financing through data-driven credit evaluations.

Funding Societies will provide fast, flexible funding solutions utilizing alternative credit assessments to serve underserved farmers and agribusinesses that may lack traditional collateral.

FarmByte, will contribute farm-level data and insights to enhance credit scoring models, improving risk evaluation and financial inclusion.

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**About FarmByte**
FarmByte is pioneering a new era in Malaysia’s agrofood industry through innovative technology and data-driven solutions. As a subsidiary of Johor Corporation (JCorp), FarmByte is committed to enhancing national food security, improving production efficiency, and uplifting the livelihoods of farmers across Malaysia.
For more information, please visit: www.farmbyte.com

**About CGC Digital**
CGC Digital is a FinTech company, established as the digital arm of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad. Registered in July 2022, its primary goal is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by creating a simpler and more seamless financing experience in the digital ecosystem.
For more information about CGC Digital, please visit www.cgcdigital.com.my

**About Funding Societies | Modalku**
Funding Societies | Modalku is the largest unified SME digital finance platform in Southeast Asia. It is licensed in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, registered in Malaysia, and operates in Vietnam. The FinTech company provides US$1 billion annually of business financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In recent years, it has made strategic milestones including its acquisition of regional digital payments platform CardUp and co-investment into Bank Index in Indonesia.

Funding Societies | Modalku is backed by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Maybank, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, CGC Digital (the digital arm of the Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad), SBVA (previously SoftBank Ventures Asia), Peak XV Partners (previously Sequoia Capital India), Alpha JWC Ventures, SMBC Bank, BRI Ventures, VNG Corporation, Rapyd Ventures, Endeavor, EBDI, SGInnovative, Qualgro, and Golden Gate Ventures among others.

It has received accolades through the years including: Brands for Good (2019, 2023), Global SME Excellence Award, Global SME Finance Awards by IFC (2021-2023) Global Startup Awards (2020), MAS FinTech Award (2016, 2021), Singapore’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2024 (a list of 100 companies compiled by The Straits Times and Statista), High-Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific 2024 (a list of 500 companies compiled by the Financial Times and Statista) .
For more information, please visit: www.fundingsocieties.com.my

From left to right: Yushida Husin, CEO of CGC Digital., Wong Kah Meng, Group COO & CEO of Funding Societies Malaysia, and Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar, CEO of FarmByte

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FarmByte, CGC Digital, and Funding Societies Sign MoU to Narrow Financing Gap for MSMEs in Agriculture Segment

**SERDANG**: Agrobank menjalin kerjasama strategik dengan FarmByte Sdn Bhd, sebuah syarikat agromakanan digital di bawah Johor Corporation (JCorp) melalui peruntukan RM12 juta sebagai tanda sokongan kepada Program Pembiayaan Pertanian Ladang Kontrak FarmByte yang merangkumi perbelanjaan operasi ladang.

Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) Agrobank, Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, berkata kerjasama itu adalah sebagai usaha mentransformasi dan memperkukuh landskap pertanian Malaysia selain bertujuan memperkukuhkan sektor agro-makanan negara.

Katanya, kerjasama itu juga bertujuan memperkasakan petani kecil dengan menyediakan sokongan pembiayaan dan akses kepada pasaran sekali gus memacu ke arah pertanian yang lestari dan menguntungkan.

"Kami amat berbesar hati dapat bekerjasama dengan FarmByte dalam inisiatif baharu ini. Dengan menawarkan sokongan kewangan dan jaminan pasaran untuk 50 petani dengan bantuan kewangan maksimum sehingga RM239,940 bagi setiap peserta, kami bukan sahaja meningkatkan taraf hidup petani tetapi juga menyumbang kepada jaminan bekalan makanan Malaysia.

"Kerjasama ini adalah langkah penting ke arah membina sektor pertanian yang lebih berdaya tahan. Selain itu, Agrobank berharap untuk melihat lebih ramai usahawan terbabit dalam sektor pertanian dan kami percaya MAHA (Pameran Pertanian, Hortikultur dan Agropelancongan Malaysia) adalah salah satu platform untuk mendekati komuniti yang kurang mendapat perhatian," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis menandatangani perjanjian rakan niaga strategik Agrobank dengan Farmbyte sempena MAHA 2024 di sini, hari ini.

Perjanjian itu ditandatangani oleh Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah mewakili Agrobank, manakala FarmByte oleh CEO, Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar.

Sementara itu, Syed Aiman berkata, kerjasama dengan Agrobank selari dengan visi syarikat untuk merevolusikan pertanian dengan menyediakan sumber kewangan dan teknologi kepada petani.

"Matlamat kami adalah untuk memperkasa petani dalam menghasilkan tanaman berkualiti dan bernilai tinggi, seterusnya memastikan rantaian nilai agromakanan yang lebih mampan dan menguntungkan.

"Dengan sokongan Agrobank, kami bukan sahaja dapat menawarkan kepada petani bantuan kewangan tetapi juga alat dan pandangan yang mereka perlukan untuk berjaya dalam pasaran yang kompetitif," katanya

Perkongsian itu adalah perjanjian pengambilan atau 'offtake' yang terjamin, di mana FarmByte komited untuk membeli semua hasil tuaian daripada petani yang menyertai program ini pada kadar yang kompetitif.

Perjanjian terbabit menyediakan pasaran yang selamat dan stabil kepada petani, mengurangkan risiko kewangan yang berkaitan dengan pertanian dan memastikan rantaian bekalan yang konsisten.

Melalui FarmByte, petani akan mendapat akses kepada data masa nyata mengenai permintaan tanaman, trend bekalan, dan ramalan harga.

Gabungan pendekatan berasaskan data dan sokongan kewangan daripada Agrobank, ia dijangka akan meningkatkan hasil tuaian dan kestabilan pasaran untuk petani-petani kecil.

Sumber: https://www.bharian.com.my/bisnes/korporat/2024/09/1297019/agrobank-farmbyte-bekerjasama-tingkat-taraf-hidup-petani-kecil 

CEO FarmByte, Syed Aiman (tiga dari kanan) bersama Presiden dan CEO Agrobank, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah (tiga dari kiri) memegang plak Program Pembiayaan Petani Kontrak pada majlis menandatangani perjanjian rakan niaga strategik di MAHA 2024, Serdang

Newsroom

RMK-13: What the Future of Food Really Looks Like

FarmByte and Archisen Launch Next-Generation Indoor Vertical Farm in Johor Bahru

FarmByte, CGC Digital, and Funding Societies Sign MoU to Narrow Financing Gap for MSMEs in Agriculture Segment

FarmByte, Agrobank bekerjasama tingkat taraf hidup petani kecil