Agro-Industrial Tourism Centre
Yong Rong Ooi.
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Name of work in English
Agro-Industrial Tourism Centre
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Name of work in original language
Where the Land Remembers, and Futures Flourish
Prize year
Young Talent 2025
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Author/s
Yong Rong Ooi
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School
School of Housing, Building, and Planning - Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Penang, Malaysia
Young Talent 2025 YT Nominees
Agro-Industrial Tourism Centre
Where the Land Remembers, and Futures Flourish
Program
Mixed use - Commercial & Offices
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Labels
Compact · Facilities · Factory · Farm · Food · Market · Resort · Visitors Centre
The planned redevelopment of the Relau Agricultural Station into a agrotourism hub threatens the displacement of long-established farmers. The project raises concerns about the fate of small-scale farmers who rely on the land for their livelihood. The abrupt demolition of an organic farm in 2021 highlighted the precarious situation of local agricultural enterprises. This project reimagines the site as an Agro-Industrial Tourism Centre, one that integrates sustainable tourism with modern agricultural practices while safeguarding farmers’ rights.
The Agro-Industrial Tourism Centre presents a visionary alternative to conventional agrotourism by integrating smart agriculture with heritage conservation and sustainable development. Instead of displacing farmers, the project relocates them into state-of-the-art facilities that enhance their productivity while preserving traditional farming knowledge. The site is structured as an island development with two main entrances, optimizing accessibility while maintaining a clear separation of farming, industrial, and visitor activities. The five main building blocks are strategically arranged to balance agricultural productivity, research and development, and public engagement. The architectural layout maximizes natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial energy sources and creating a comfortable, low-impact environment. The centre is designed to function as a living laboratory, where traditional farming meets advanced agricultural technologies to improve efficiency and education. Agrocommodities Hall, which houses app-controlled farming lots and educational exhibits; the Goat Farm Shed, where visitors can experience hands-on livestock care and smart monitoring systems; and the Farm-to-Kitchen Zone, demonstrating farm-to-table processes with real-time quality control. Digital integration, such as VR experiences and IoT-based monitoring, enhances both visitor engagement and agricultural efficiency. By merging sustainable infrastructure & technological advancements, Agro-Industrial Tourism Centre not only protects and uplifts the livelihoods of local farmers but also redefines agrotourism as an educational and regenerative experience. This inclusive model of development ensures the farmers to thrive in the very land they have cultivated for generations.