Abstract:

This paper presents the implementation and impact of the AgroTech Project under the Komuniti@UniMADANI initiative led by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Designed as a community empowerment program funded by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) Malaysia through the Madani Grant, the project integrates Internet of Things (IoT), solar energy, and rainwater harvesting to support the sustainable cultivation of Reddish Pandan Coconut plants in Kluang, Johor. Collaboration between UTHM, local stakeholders, and a partner primary school enabled hands-on training, socio-economic upliftment, and technological capacity building, especially among retirees, people with autism, university researchers and school educators. The primary school of Abdul Rahman Yassin (SKARY), Kluang has rather barren and limited landscaping plants, particularly at the school field which contributes to high temperature environment. It is intended by cultivating 100 coconut trees at the surrounding perimeter of SKARY school area; ambiance, air and the school area environment will be slightly cooler, richer with oxygen and greener in landscaping view. Leveraging sensors and automation for climate and nutrient monitoring, this initiative exemplifies a smart agriculture model aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper outlines the project's social, economic, and environmental impacts, discusses implementation challenges, and explores its potential as a replicable model for community-oriented green innovation.