Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) entered into agreement for developing indigenous BT Cotton. In order to develop indigenous Bt cotton, TNAU has already developed a potent Bt gene and using this, cotton events resistant to the boll worms were generated, a University release said today. TNAU in collaboration with CICR, Nagpur will further work on the development of indigenous Bt cotton, it said. Boll worm infestation was a serious problem causing enormous yield loss in cotton and farmers were forced to take up frequent insecticidal sprays and conventional breeding to develop boll worm resistant cotton was difficult due to non-availability of resistance source in cultivated cotton. With the advent of recombinant DNA and genetic transformation technology, it was possible to introduce a specific gene from a soil bacterium into cotton plant, which expressed a BT protein and has insecticidal activity against the boll worms, it said. The MoU was signed by Dr C R Anandakumar, Acting vice-chancellor, TNAU and N Gopalakrishnan, Principal scientist, CICR Regional Station, Coimbatore, in the presence Dr. S. Ayyappan, Director General, Indian Council for Agriculture Research, Delhi and Prof K. Ramasamy, Member, State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu.
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, digital transformation has become central to enhancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across power utilities worldwide. For Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Research Division (TNBRD), integrating cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into power utilities has proven to be a game-changer. By harnessing the potential of IoT and AI, TNBRD is not only driving operational excellence but also setting the stage for a resilient and future-ready energy infrastructure in Malaysia. The Importance of Digital Transformation in Power Utilities As energy demands continue to grow and the push for sustainability intensifies, power utilities face mounting challenges. Aging infrastructure, increasing energy consumption, and the need to reduce carbon emissions call for innovative solutions. Digital transformation offers power utilities a strategic pathway to address these challenges by enabling enhanced monitoring, data-driven insights, predictive maintenance, and dynamic customer engagement. With IoT and AI as foundational pillars, TNBRD is building a smarter energy grid that adapts in real time, reduces operational costs, and improves service delivery. This transformation aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Policy, aiming to create a low-carbon, resilient energy ecosystem. IoT and AI: The Cornerstones of TNBRD’s Strategy The convergence of IoT and AI brings a new level of intelligence to power grids. Here’s how TNBRD is leveraging these technologies to modernize Malaysia’s energy landscape: Key Benefits of IoT and AI Integration in TNBRD’s Power Utilities The strategic integration of IoT and AI brings multiple benefits to TNBRD’s operations and the wider Malaysian energy sector: Looking to the Future: TNBRD’s Vision for a Smarter, Greener Grid As TNBRD continues to innovate, the focus remains on scalability and resilience. Future initiatives include the integration of renewable energy sources into the digital grid and the potential use of AI for decentralized energy management. This move aligns with global energy trends, where distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar and battery storage systems are becoming increasingly common. Additionally, TNBRD is exploring advanced applications of AI, such as reinforcement learning, to make the grid even more adaptive and responsive to changes in demand. In collaboration with local and international technology partners, TNBRD aims to expand its IoT infrastructure, equipping every level of the grid with data-gathering capabilities. Conclusion: Building Malaysia’s Energy Future Through the integration of IoT and AI, TNBRD is paving the way for a resilient and sustainable energy future for Malaysia. The journey of digital transformation not only enables TNBRD to meet today’s challenges but also positions it as a regional leader in energy innovation. By harnessing the power of technology, TNBRD is creating a smarter, greener grid that will serve future generations, contributing to Malaysia’s vision of a sustainable, low-carbon society.
