The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and JIRCAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that replaces the current MOU signed in 1995. MARDI concluded the first MOU with JIRCAS (former Tropical Agriculture Research Center) in 1982.

The new MOU was signed by MARDI Director General, Dr. Mohamad Roff Mohd Noor, and JIRCAS President, Dr. IWANAGA Masa, on September 8, 2020 in an on-line signing ceremony organized by both institutes.

In the exchange of opinion after the ceremony, the two parties discussed potential topics and commodities for future collaboration. MARDI showed interest in rice breeding to mitigate negative impacts from climate change, as well as soybean, mango and postharvest research. Both institutes agreed to continue further discussion to strengthen their linkages.