BENCHMARKING VISIT AND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION TRAINING IN STINGLESS BEE (KELULUT) FARMING AND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN, 31 August 2026 – The Centre of Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) conducted a two-day benchmarking visit and training programme focusing on stingless bee (kelulut) farming, sustainable practices and innovation from 29 to 30 August 2026. The delegates comprise of CGSS staffs and students, have conducted hands-on exposure to stingless bee colony management, honey production and the potential of the kelulut industry in supporting environmental sustainability and community socioeconomic development. The delegates are leaded by Director of CGSS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei, along with CGSS staff, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo, Dr. Suzyrman Sibly, Dr. Mohd Sayuti Hassan and Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie as well as five students.

On 29 August 2026, delegates visited Min House Camp, where they were introduced to the fundamentals of kelulut honey production and colony management. The session highlighted the importance of properly caring for stingless bee colonies and ensuring that the bees remain healthy and productive. Delegates also gained an understanding of how sustainable practices can contribute to maintaining healthy colonies while supporting the long-term sustainability of kelulut farming. The visit provided an opportunity for delegates to learn directly from practitioners and observe how sustainable approaches can be incorporated into stingless bee management. Responsible care of the colonies is important in maintaining healthy bee populations which is essential not only for honey production but also for their important role as pollinators within the ecosystem.

The programme continued on 30 August 2026 at the Advance National Honey Landmark (AnNaHL), USM Health Campus which is a stingless bee honey production and innovation centre that promotes education, research and development related to kelulut. Delegates were introduced to “Kelulunomic” which is an approach that highlights the socioeconomic potential of stingless bee farming and its ability to contribute to community livelihoods and sustainable development. During the session, Dr. Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa who is the founder of Kelulunomic AnNaHL, shared his initiative and insights into the challenges faced by the kelulut honey industry. One of the key issues highlighted was the cleanliness and quality of honey produced by villagers, particularly the need for proper standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure that honey is handled and produced hygienically. Improving these practices is important in building consumer confidence and strengthening the quality of locally produced kelulut honey.

Dr. Zul also shared his long-term vision of developing kelulut honey beyond its traditional use and exploring its potential for medicinal and health-related applications. This vision reflects the importance of improving honey quality, production practices and scientific understanding to unlock the wider potential of kelulut honey. The delegates also took part in a hands-on training session with Dr. Zul and his team where they learned practical techniques for caring for and maintaining kelulut colonies while also extracting the honey, propolis and bee bread. The training allowed delegates in practical experience, particularly in understanding colony health and appropriate hive management. A key highlight of the practical session was the introduction to the Mustafa Hive, an innovative hive system developed by Dr. Zul where delegates were given an opportunity to learn about the design and application of the hive and how innovation can improve the management of stingless bee colonies. The Mustafa Hive, which has been patented by his team represents an example of how research and innovation can be translated into practical solutions for the kelulut industry.

Overall, the two-day programme provided delegates with valuable exposure to the relationship between sustainable colony management, honey quality, socioeconomic development and technological innovation. The experience demonstrated how initiatives such as those at Min House Camp and AnNaHL can contribute to strengthening the kelulut industry while promoting sustainable practices and creating greater opportunities for local communities. The visit will be beneficial to the CGSS in supporting the kelulut programme in main campus and promoting proper management of kelulut colonies, especially in Ecohub@CGSS.

SDGs : 2, 4, 8, 15 & 17

Original Text: Hong Kheng Jhun / Translation: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo
Photos by: Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie