HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. HASBER BIN SALIM ON SECURING RM200,000 RESEARCH GRANT FOR SUSTAINABLE PEST MANAGEMENT INNOVATION

PENANG, 23 April 2026 – Heartiest congratulations to Associate Professor Dr. Hasber bin Salim (Project Leader) and Emeritus Professor Dr. Abu Hassan Ahmad (Co-Researcher) on their outstanding achievement in securing a research grant amounting to RM200,000 from the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF).

The grant supports a project that introduces an innovative and sustainable approach to pest management in smallholder oil palm plantations through the use of owls as biological control agents. This nature-based solution aims to reduce dependency on chemical pesticides while promoting ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.

In addition to its environmental impact, the project also focuses on empowering smallholder communities through knowledge transfer and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to long-term resilience within the sector.

This achievement reflects Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) continued commitment to advancing research excellence, strengthening industry collaboration, and addressing real-world challenges through impactful and sustainable solutions.

USM remains dedicated to driving innovation that supports environmental sustainability and community development in line with global sustainability goals.