Name : Dr. Tee Yei Kheng

Current Position : Research Officer

Area of Specialization : Plant Physiology & Precision Agriculture

Qualification :
B. Sc. Plant Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 2005-2008.
M. Sc. Postharvest Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2009-2012.
PhD in Precision Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2016-2019.

Professional Affiliation : 
Board Member, International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA)
Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Agriculture and Technology

Scientific Awards :

YEAR: 2018
EVENT: 3^rd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology, Osaka, Japan, 21-22 May 2018
AWARD: Best Poster Award

YEAR: 2019
EVENT: International Conference and Exposition on Inventions (PECIPTA 2019) at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn, Batu Pahat, Johor, 22-23 September 2019
AWARD: Silver

YEAR: 2022
EVENT: Cocoa Invention, Innovation & Exhibition (CIIE 2022) at Cocoa Biotechnology Research Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 21-23 July 2022
AWARD: Gold

Honours :
2009 – 2011 – National Science Fellowship for Master Degree Study in Universiti Putra Malaysia by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

2015 – Borlaug Fellowship Program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in cooperation with the World Cocoa Foundation

2017 – Excellent Service Award. Malaysian Cocoa Board

2020 – Excellent Service Award. Malaysian Cocoa Board

Intellectual Property Right (IPR) Filed at MyIPO :
Tee, Y. K., Mukter Uz Zaman, A. S. M., Embong, J., Shari, M. H. and Ramba, H. (2019). A sensor for detection of root activity. Malaysian Patent File No. PI 2019002289.

Expertise Contribution :

1. Rapporteur in The Malaysian International Cocoa Conference (MICC) in Sunway Pyramid Kuala Lumpur, 7-8 October 2013.
2. Invited speaker in the Training course for cocoa farmers organized by Department of Transfer of Technology (TOT) in Hotel Pelican, Johor, 28-30 May 2013.
3. Technical working group in reviewing Malaysian Cocoa Standard (MS 26722017 Cocoa beans -Specification), 2015.
4. Technical working group in reviewing Malaysian Cocoa Standard (Specification For Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Seeds For Planting), 2016.
5. Secretary in MCB Annual Scientist Workshop, 2016.
6. Secretary for Cocoa Upstream Division, 2017-2018.
7. Secretary for Persatuan Pegawai-Pegawai Kanan LKM 2017-2018.
8. Treasury in Bengkel Pemantapan C-Team 2.0, 2017.
9. Reviewer for Journal of Crop Improvement, 2017.
10. Secretary in Planting Advisor for Project ECER, Kelantan, 2018.
11. Moderator conference in 3 rd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology, Osaka, Japan, 21-22 May 2018.
12. Deputy chairman and Treasurer in Seminar Production Technology and Product Cocoa, Teluk Intan, 21-25 September 2020.
13. Invited speaker in Webinar Teknologi Terkini Dalam Sektor Huluan Koko bawah Program Agrikomoditi Kementerian Perusahaan Perladangan dan Komoditi, 2021.
14. Consultation on hyperspectral measurements on paddy using a spectroradiometer in 2022.
15. Event Manager in Program Adaptasi Teknologi Hasil Penyelidikan Produk ‘Single Origin’ Coklat Berkhasiat Kepada Kumpulan Sasar B40, 2022.
16. Focal point for Pelan Strategik LKM (2030-2050), 2021.
17. Secretary in technical consultation for Cocoa Information Management System (CIMS) – Private collaboration between Malaysian Cocoa Board and Agrocloud Sdn Bhd, 2022-2023.
18. Secretary and Technical Committee in Seminar Kebangsaan Koko Malaysia, 22-23 Jun 2022, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
19. Invited speaker in the Seminar Kebangsaan Koko Malaysia, 22-23 Jun 2022, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
20. Invited speaker in Graduate Students Workshop Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2022.
21. Technical consultation on Smart Farming Cocoa in Bukit Gangis, Mantin, 2023-2024.
22. Sponsorship committee member in the 10th Asian-Australasian Conference on Precision Agriculture (ACPA), Putrajaya, 24-26 October 2023.
23. Moderator in the 10th Asian-Australasian Conference on Precision Agriculture (ACPA), Putrajaya, 24-26 October 2023.

List Of Products Developed / Trade Secret :

1. Soil Moisture Sensing – Autonomous Fertigation System based on IoT – Poltechcare Sdn Bhd (Product Taker)
2. IoT-based soil nutrient probe
3. Quantum-dot nanoparticles pest repellent for cocoa pod borer

Collaboration :

1. The use of machine learning and deep learning for classification of cocoa clones based on digital imaging of cocoa pods – PhD’s student UPM
2. Validation of an automated in-situ soil nutrient sensor and development of a rapid soil test kit for Malaysian soils – Master’s student UPM
3. Pre-Commercialization of IoT-based soil nutrient probe with Salutica Sdn. Bhd

Major Projects Conducted :

1. Project Climate Change under 11^th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020) funded by Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department 
2. Sub-Project Cocoa Integration With Other Economical Commodities and Pilot Project of Precision Farming under 11^th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020) funded by Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department 
3. Increase income for B40 cacao growers by applying research-proven techniques while pioneering specialty Malaysian chocolate with better health benefits under Program Malaysia Social Innovation (2020-2021) funded by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) 
4. Project Smart Agriculture Towards Digitization of Cocoa Management under 12^th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) funded by Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department 
5. Adaptation Programme of Applied Technology to B40 Cocoa Farmers in Producing Single Origin Cocoa and Healthy Chocolates funded by Project Empowering Research and Scientist Innovation and Extension Agent (P20001001031411) under 11^th Malaysia Plan 
6. Program Pemodenan Petani Koko under 12^th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) funded by Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department
7. Projek Mekanisasi dan Automasi Komoditi under 12^th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) funded by Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department 

Major Publication :

1. Ding, P. and Tee, Y. K. (2010). Application of exogenous ethylene on postharvest quality of dabai (Canariumodonto phyllum Miq.) fruit. African Journal of Agricultural Research 5(24): 3483-3492.
2. Tee, Y. K., Ding, P. and NorAini, A. R. (2011). Physical and cellular structural changes of Rastali banana (Musa AAB) during growth and development. Scientia Horticulturae 129(3): 382-389.
3. Ding, P and Tee, Y. K. (2011). Physicochemical characteristics of dabai (Canariumodonto phyllum Miq.) fruit. Fruits 66: 47-52.
4. Tee, Y. K., Ding, P. and Nor Aini, A. R. (2012). Determination of optimum harvest maturity and physicochemical quality of Rastali banana (Musa AAB Rastali) during fruit ripening. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 92(1): 171-176. (Q1 Journal SCOPUS)
5. Nurafiza, A, Tee, Y. K., Boney, M., Albert, L. S., Rozita, O. and Isa, I. (2017). Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content partitioning of cocoa tree parts in Serian, Sarawak. Pelita Perkebunan 33(3): 180—187.
6. Tee, Y. K., Mohamed Helmi, S. and Haya, R. (2018). Vegetation mapping of cocoa field using drone with close range photogrammetry technique. Malaysian Cocoa Journal 10: 66-72.
7. Tee, Y. K., Siva, K. B., Ding, P., Ahmad Husni, M. H. and Khairul, B. (2019). Determination of optimum harvest maturity and non-destructive evaluation of pod development and maturity in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) using a multiparametric fluorescence sensor. Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture 99(4): 1700-1708. (Q1 Journal SCOPUS)
8. Shahin S. Ali, Asman Asman, Jonathan Shao, Amanda P. Firmansyah, Agung W. Susilo, Ade Rosmana, Peter McMahon, Muhammad Junaid, David Guest, Tee Yei Kheng, Lyndel W. Meinhardt and Bryan A. Bailey. (2019). Draft genome sequence of fastidious pathogen Ceratobasidium theobromae, which causes vascular-streak dieback in Theobroma cacao. Fungal Biology and Biotechnology 6(14): 1-10.
9. Tee, Y. K., Siva, K. B., Ding, P. and Ahmad Husni, M. H. (2019). Fluorescence sensing during cacao pod development: Some preliminary results. Malaysian Cocoa Journal 11: 16-22.
10. Tee, Y. K., Bailey, B. A., Ali, S. S., Strem, M. D., Elson, M. and Baligar, V. (2021). Physiological responses of cacao seedlings supplemented with minerals using foliar application. Malaysian Cocoa Journal 13(1): 71-78.
11. Tee, Y. K., Balasundram, S. K., Shariff, A. R. B. and Ding, P. (2021). Changes in the polyphenol content of different cacao genotypes and quality of cocoa beans harvested at two maturity stages. Malaysian Cocoa Journal 13(2): 27-38.
12. Tee, Y. K., Nuraziawati, M. Y. and Haya, R. (2021). Revolution of Cocoa Beans in Malaysia : Bulk to Specialty Beans. The Planter 97 (1139): 77 – 93.
13. Tee, Y. K., Bariah, K., Zainudin, B. H., Samuel-Yap, K. C. and Ong, N. G. (2022). Impacts of cocoa pod maturity at harvest and bean fermentation period on the production of chocolate with potential health benefits. Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture 102(4): 1576-1575. (Q1 Journal SCOPUS)
14. Tee, Y. K., Tun, Y. L. and Karunanithi, K. (2022). An empirical analysis of the climate and price of cocoa production in Malaysia. Malaysian Cocoa Journal 14: 77-91.
15. Tee, Y. K., Balasundram, S. K., Shamshiri, R. R., Shariff, A. R. M. and Ding, P. (2023). Yield potential of site-specific integrated pest and soil nutrient management at different harvest intervals under two commercial cocoa planting systems in Malaysia. Precision Agriculture https//doi.org/10.1007/s11119-023-10003-1 (Q1 Journal SCOPUS)
16. Tee, Y.K. and Ding, P. (2009). Effects of Different Ripening Temperatures on Postharvest Quality of Berangan Banana (Musa AAA Berangan). In Enhancing Plant Productivity and Ecosystem Services In A Challenging Environment, Proceeding of Malaysian Society of Plant Physiology, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, 24-26 July 2009.
17. Tee, Y.K. and Ding, P. (2010). Changes in Tannin Concentration of Rastali Banana (Musa AAB Rastali) During Growth and Development. In The Role of Plant Physiology in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Proceeding of Malaysian Society of Plant Physiology, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, 13-14 December 2010.
18. Ding, P. and Tee, Y.K. (2011). Growth and Development of Carrissa carandas – A Preliminary Study. In Crops for the Future – Beyond Food Security, Proceeding of 2nd International Symposium on Underutilised Plant Species, Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 27 June – 1 July 2011.
19. Tee, Y.K and Lamin, K. (2014). Vegetative Propagation In Cocoa (Theobroma cacao): Effects Of Propagation Environment And Rooting Substrates On Rooting Behaviour Of Cocoa Stem Cuttings. In Enhancing Strategic Plant Physiological Research and Technologies for Sustainable Resources, Proceeding of International Conference on Plant Physiology, Bali, Indonesia, 26-28 August 2014.
20. Tee, Y.K., Balasundrama, S.K., Ding, P. and Husni, M.H.A. (2016). Fluorescence sensing during cacao pod development: Some preliminary results. In International Agriculture Congress, 4-6 October 2016, Hotel Bangi Putrajaya, Malaysia.
21. Tee, Y. K., Bailey, B. A., Ali, S. S., Strem, M. D., Elson, M. and Baligar, V. C. (2016). Lignin Biosynthesis in Cocoa Vascular Plants. In Cocoa Borlaug Alumni Workshop, 26-27 January 2016, Makassar, Indonesia.
22. Haya, R., Tee, Y. K, Nuraziawati, M.Y, Albert Ling, S.C, Rosmin, K and Boney, M. (2016). Development of High Yielding Planting Materials and Unique Flavour Cocoa Beans in Malaysia. Oral paper presentation at World Cocoa Conference 2016 (WCC3), 22-25 May 2016, Bavaro, The Dominican Republic.
23. Suhaida, S., Tee, Y. K., Roselee, O. and Mat Ali, K. (2017). Growth of Phytophthora palmivora in vitro in response to temperature. Malaysian Cocoa Board Annual Scientist Workshop, 24-26 October 2017, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
24. Tee, Y.K., Balasundrama, S.K., Ding, P. and Husni, M.H.A. (2018). Spectral Reflectance and Physiological Studies of Cocoa Leaves in Response to Macronutrients Deficiency. Best poster award at 3^rd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology 2018, 21-22 May 2018, Osaka, Japan.
25. Tee, Y.K., Balasundrama, S.K., Ding, P. and Husni, M.H.A. (2018). Non-Destructive Evaluation on Cacao Pigments, Flavonoids and Nitrogen Contents During Pod Development and Maturity Using A Fluorescence Sensor. Oral paper presentation at 3rd International Conference on Plant Science and Physiology 2018, 21-22 May 2018, Osaka, Japan.
26. Tee, Y.K., Abdul Haadi, H. and Raja Norsharizatul Azira, R.M.S. (2018). Stress Tolerance of Cacao Trees (Theobroma cacao L.) Subjected to Smart Water Gel®. Transactions of The Malaysian Society of Plant Physiology 25: 108-113.
27. Suhaida, S. and Tee, Y. K. (2018). Effect of Incubation Temperature on Black Pod Disease of Cocoa Caused By Phytophthora palmivora. The 15th Symposium of the Malaysian Society of Applied Biology, Hatten Hotel, 29 June – 1 July 2018, Melaka.
28. Tee, Y.K., Balasundram, S.K., Shariff, A. R. M. and Ding, P. (2019). Precision Farming: A New Approach To Cocoa Farm Management In Malaysia. Oral paper presentation at 5th International Conference on GIS and Remote Sensing, 16-17 September 2019, Rome, Italy.
29. Tee, Y.K., Balasundram, S.K., Shariff, A.R.M. and Ding, P. (2019). Spectral Responses of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) to Nitrogen and Potassium Deficiency. Oral paper presentation at 8th AsianAustralasian Conference on Precision Agriculture at Ludhiana, Punjab, India, 14-17 October 2019.
30. Tee, Y. K., Balasundram, S. K., Shariff, A. R. M. and Ding, P. (2020). Rapid and non-destructive evaluation on cacao pigments, flavonoids and nitrogen contents during pod development and maturity using a fluorescence sensor. IOP Conference Series in 10th IGRSM International Conference and Exhibition on Geospatial & Remote Sensing (IGRSM 2020), 20-21 October 2020.

Office Address :

Cocoa Research and Development Centre, P. O. Box 30, Sg. Dulang Road, 36307 Sg. Sumun, Perak.

Telephone Number : 05-6488176 / 05-6488224 / 05-6488178

Fax Number : 05-6489151

E-Mail : tee_yei@koko.gov.my

Personal Website : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tee-Yei-Kheng