Students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), representing various Computing and AI programmes, recently had an eye-opening experience at Malaysia’s largest indoor vertical farm inside a shopping mall—Agroz EduFarm-in-City, located at AEON Alpha Angle, Wangsa Maju.

Spanning over 8,000 square feet, the farm was founded by Mr Gerard Lim, CEO of Agroz, and utilises Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and advanced AgTech solutions to grow premium-quality vegetables in an urban setting. This innovative space is more than a farm—it is a living example of how technology is transforming one of the world’s oldest industries. 

Where Agriculture Meets Technology

The visit was organised in collaboration with Dr Adeline Sneha John Chrisastum, Senior Lecturer from APU’s School of Computing (SoC), to showcase how computing, AI, and IoT are reshaping food production. 

Welcomed by Mr Isaac Lim, Sales Executive at Agroz Group, students were introduced to the principles and technologies powering vertical farming. 

The tour covered crucial aspects such as climate control systems, water recycling processes, and AI-driven precision farming—offering students a close look at how data analytics and automation enhance crop yield while reducing environmental impact. 

From Seed to Harvest: A Hands-On Learning Journey

One of the highlights of the visit was an interactive workshop where students rolled up their sleeves to participate in the seedling process for lettuce cultivation. 

This hands-on session offered a tactile connection to a world that is often abstracted by code and algorithms, reminding future technologists of the real-world impact of their innovations. 

The excitement peaked during a live harvesting session, as students experienced the freshness of produce grown in a high-tech indoor environment. 

Holding these vibrant greens symbolised more than just clean farming—it was a glimpse into a sustainable future. 

Inspiring Innovation for Tomorrow

The day ended with an engaging brainstorming session on the role of digital farming in addressing food security, sustainability, and urban space limitations. 

With global megacities facing growing demands, vertical farming and AgTech solutions are becoming critical to future-proofing food systems. 

This visit holds special significance as many of the participating students are involved in managing the AGRHI Technology Hub – Digital Farming, a cutting-edge smart farming facility on APU’s campus. 

Reflecting on the experience, Dr Adeline shared, “Our students witnessed how data, AI, and automation can revolutionise traditional agriculture.” 

“I believe that interdisciplinary learning—where computing meets agriculture—will play a vital role in building resilient food systems for tomorrow,” she concluded. 

By blending innovation with sustainability, APU continues to empower its students to become pioneers in tech-driven agriculture, pushing boundaries to create smarter, greener, and more sustainable futures.