Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024 - The first International Durian Industry Innovation Development Summit Forum successfully took place, as part of the 7th China International Import Expo. Hosted by the International Durian Association, the forum utilized the global expo platform to draw government agencies and business representatives from durian-producing countries worldwide, establishing a network of resources within the durian industry and supporting resource optimization and industry model upgrades.

Digitalization, Intelligence, and Standardization in Focus

In his address, Liu Feng, General Secretary of the International Durian Association, emphasized that as the durian market continues to grow and smart agriculture rapidly advances, the durian industry is moving toward digitalization, intelligence, and standardization. This forum centered on technological innovation, delving into themes of digitalization, standardization, and intelligent practices in the durian sector.

Assistant Minister Philip Young from the Philippines Department of Agriculture and Nguyen Thi Lan Huong from the Vietnam Agriculture Digital Association expressed high expectations for applying digital technology to the durian industry. Both officials highlighted the desire for enhanced cooperation to establish digital standards that can drive the industry’s advancement.

Leadership in Digital Planting Standards

The association appointed Terry Lin, CEO of Malaysia’s Agrionex, as Chairman of the Digital Planting Standards Committee. Mr Lin is tasked with advancing digitalization, intelligence, and standardization within the sector. He advocated for “heritage digital planting” by utilizing data collection and analysis to optimize fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, training the “next generation of masters” through AI technology. He emphasized that digitalization and intelligence are foundational to standardization, requiring unified standards for efficient collaboration.

Strategic Partnerships for Digitalization

During the forum, Malaysia’s LKE and Agrionex signed a strategic cooperation agreement to collaborate on developing digital standards. As a leader in smart cultivation solutions, Agrionex aims to assist durian orchards in reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing the industry’s interconnectedness through digitalization. The association also announced the launch of a “Digital Planting Committee” and the start of drafting “digital planting standards” to support the healthy growth of the global durian industry.