Lecturers from the Agrotechnology program, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr Freddy Yeo Kuok San, undertook a research attachment program at Nanjing Agricultural University (NJAU), one of China’s leading institutions in agricultural science. The program was an invitation from Prof. Dr Bao, a senior researcher from the School of Agricultural Science, NJAU, aimed at exchanging research ideas and sharing knowledge on scientific research in the development of rice blast disease. The attachment, which started in early August till mid-September 2025, marked an important step in strengthening UNIMAS’s global engagement while enhancing its research capacity in crop improvement and plant disease management, particularly in rice blast research. The visit provided the UNIMAS researchers with the opportunity to acquire new techniques in rice molecular breeding, to exchange ideas and knowledge on rice blast resistance, and to explore opportunities for future collaboration between UNIMAS and NJAU.
As one of the main agricultural research institutes, especially for rice, NJAU offered an invaluable platform for learning about advanced molecular breeding technologies, as well as rice resistant to blast disease. The exposure included marker-assisted selection approaches, the integration of genomic tools in identifying resistance genes, and the ways molecular research is connected with the development of new rice varieties resistant to rice disease. These experiences are particularly relevant to Sarawak, where rice blast disease remains a major challenge for smallholder farmers and continues to threaten local food security.
Beyond the technical training, the visit fostered in-depth scientific discussions with NJAU researchers. Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is among the most destructive rice diseases globally and remains a major barrier to sustainable rice production. Through academic dialogue, researchers from both institutions compared progress in breeding resistant varieties, shared insights on pathogen diversity, and reflected on the importance of tailoring research to local agro-ecological contexts. Besides that, this research attachment also extended to visits at the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) and Anhui University. At JAAS, discussions highlighted applied research with direct farmer impact, from innovative diagnostic tools to integrated pest management strategies. Meanwhile, the engagement with Anhui University provided a broader academic perspective and opened opportunities for future collaboration, including student exchange, joint postgraduate supervision, and cross-institutional research initiatives.
Equally important, the visit provided a platform for UNIMAS to showcase its research achievements to Chinese institution partners. The lecturer introduced ongoing projects that highlighted the breadth of crop research at UNIMAS. Among these, the sharing of findings on rice blast in Sarawak offered regional insights into how the disease manifested under local conditions and underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling shared agricultural challenges. The screening of pineapple crops for fungal diseases was also emphasised as a vital step in safeguarding the economic potential of one of Malaysia’s major fruit commodities. Furthermore, the development of molecular diagnostic tools targeting Secreted in Xylem (SIX) genes in Fusarium oxysporum was presented, demonstrating efforts to create faster and more reliable methods of detecting soil-borne diseases that pose significant threats to crop production. Collectively, these initiatives held the potential to strengthen scientific networks, enhance local research capacity, and deliver solutions that benefited farming communities in both Malaysia and China.
This research visit reflected UNIMAS’s role as a community-driven university with a global outlook. By engaging with leading institutions such as NJAU, JAAS, and Anhui University, UNIMAS is actively positioning itself in the international research arena while remaining committed to addressing the needs of local farmers and communities. At a time when food security faces unprecedented challenges due to climate change, emerging pathogens, and the demand for sustainable practices, such international collaborations are not just academic exchanges but constitute vital contributions to ensuring resilient agricultural systems for the future.
Through this attachment, UNIMAS has strengthened its scientific capacity, expanded its international partnerships, and reaffirmed its mission to combine global knowledge with local relevance. It stands as a testament to the importance of collaboration in research and the university’s commitment to contributing to sustainable agriculture in Sarawak, Malaysia, and beyond.
Prepared by Dr Walftor Dumin and Assoc. Prof. Dr Freddy Yeo Kuok San