Kuala lumpur: Setia SPICE Convention Centre and Arena has entered a strategic collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Al-Ansar Integrated Sdn Bhd to transform event food waste into valuable resources through a circular economy approach.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the collaboration focuses on the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) technology to process food waste, while supporting the agro-industry and enhancing food security. SP Setia Bhd divisional general manager Chan Ching Hiong highlighted that Setia SPICE generated over 8.4 metric tonnes of food waste from 57 banquet events in 2025, contributing to significant global greenhouse gas emissions when left in landfills.
Chan explained that this situation prompted a search for practical, scalable solutions, leading to a partnership with USM as a scientific and research partner for BSFL. Setia SPICE has completed two pilot deliveries using BSFL technology, processing over 319.5 kilogrammes of food waste. Under the initiative, food waste is segregated and processed as feed for larvae before being converted into animal feed, particularly for poultry.
Research indicates that BSFL is rich in protein and beneficial fats, capable of reducing harmful pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella, while supporting livestock gut health. The residual by-product, known as frass, can be utilized as a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The collaboration is expected to generate valuable research data for USM, support Al-Ansar Integrated in scaling up sustainable feed production for the agro-industry, and create new economic opportunities in the agro and waste management sectors.
Meanwhile, USM deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya stated that the university will serve as the main research partner, conducting studies on waste composition, bioconversion efficiency, and environmental impact to advance knowledge in biological sciences and sustainable waste management. Al-Ansar Integrated operations manager, Muhammad Muaz Ansaruddin, explained that the company will provide facilities and a site for Black Soldier Fly farming in Tasek Gelugor, Seberang Perai Utara.
USM supports research and development efforts to optimize the use of BSFL as an alternative protein source in poultry feed, while Setia SPICE supplies the organic waste, processed at the farm using larvae, completing a sustainable waste management cycle from source to feed production. Currently, the company rears about 5,000 chickens fed partly with BSFL, while larval waste is further processed into organic fertilizer for crops.