ALOR SETAR, May 4, 2026-A strategic meeting was held at Wisma Darul Aman, Alor Setar, involving Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Kedah State Government, focusing on strengthening community development and SME empowerment through collaborative industrial initiatives.

The discussion, attended by Ir. Dr. Abdul Haadi Abdul Manap and YB Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, highlighted efforts to enhance local industry participation and improve value creation within traditional sectors. Representatives from Invest Kedah Berhad and Kulim Technology Park Corporation also joined the session, reflecting continued coordination between government, academia, and industry stakeholders.

Key areas of focus included improving productivity and quality in local coffee production through better farming and processing practices, as well as supporting fisheries SMEs in transitioning towards higher-value products through improved processing quality management systems. The initiative aims to strengthen community participation in industry development and enhance income opportunities for local SMEs through more efficient and value-driven production practices.

Ir. Dr. Abdul Haadi with YB Haim Hilman Abdullah, Chairman of the Kedah State Committee for Industry & Investment, Higher Education, and Science, Technology & Innovation