SERDANG, 27 March 2026 – A total of 40 students and 2 accompanying teachers from Sakata-Higashi High School, Japan conducted a scientific visit to the One Stop Centre Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The visit aimed to expose the students to BSFL production technology, as well as its role in supporting global food security and sustainable organic waste management.

During the visit, the students were given a comprehensive briefing on the functions of the One Stop Centre BSFL, where ITAFoS has been rated as a Centre of Excellence in Higher Education (HICoE), Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) in integrating research, development, training, and technology transfer activities, especially related to BSFL. The centre also plays an important role in promoting the concept of a circular economy by converting food waste into a high-value alternative protein source.

In addition, the students were also exposed to various BSFL research and potential commercial products that are currently being actively carried out at the center, including BSFL-based feed production, optimization of larval diets using food waste and agricultural waste, and the development of innovations in automated farming systems. This research initiative is seen as having the potential to reduce dependence on conventional protein sources such as soy and fishmeal, thereby strengthening the sustainability of the food system in Malaysia.

According to the Head of BSFL Research ITAFoS & HICoE, Prof. Dr. Hasliza Abu Hassim, such visits not only strengthen international academic relations, but also open up collaboration spaces in the field of research and potential collaboration related to food security.

Students from Sakata-Higashi High School also showed great interest by asking various questions and actively participating in the BSFL larval management demonstration session. They described this experience as very meaningful and providing a new perspective on global food security and waste management issues.

Overall, this program successfully achieved its objective in increasing awareness and knowledge of BSFL technology as one of the innovative solutions towards sustainable food security. Apart from that, this visit also helps increase visibility and expertise, as well as promote the One Stop Centre BSFL ITAFoS, UPM and HICoE internationally.

Date of Input: 27/03/2026 | Updated: 30/03/2026 | s_hasimah