As durian trees bloom across Malaysia's Pahang state, farmers in Raub County are preparing for a harvest season transformed by Chinese technological innovation. A groundbreaking AI-powered grading system, achieving 98% accuracy, is reshaping cross-border agricultural trade and fueling a durian boom in Asia.
The partnership between Malaysian exporter Mucha and Chinese tech firm Tongfang Weishi has overcome historic industry challenges through 3D CT scanning and AI analysis. Their "Durian Detective" system, debuted at the 2023 China International Import Expo, evaluates 20 quality markers—from flesh density to seed size—revolutionizing a process once dependent on manual inspections.
Since China opened its markets to Malaysian durians in 2019, exports surged to 1.92 billion yuan (US$268 million) in 2023, with Mucha's business growing fivefold since 2021. The collaboration extends beyond grading: Blockchain traceability systems now map each fruit's journey from Malaysian orchards to Chinese tables, while cold chain logistics preserve freshness.
In Hangzhou's "Durian Lab," this agricultural success fuels culinary innovation. Local chefs have created durian tangyuan dumplings and mooncakes, with one product selling 50,000 units in three months. As China expands imports to include fresh durians in 2024—coinciding with 50 years of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties—farmers are adopting smart farming equipment and digital platforms to meet demand.
Analysts highlight this collaboration as a model for Southeast Asia's cross-border agriculture, with the technology now being adapted for jackfruit and coconut trade. With AI-driven standardization and growing consumer interest, the “King of Fruits” is cementing its role as an unexpected driver of regional economic integration.
