Media & Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) — A transformative collective initiative known as DAUN (Decarbonised Agriculture for United Nutrient Stewardship) will launch its digital and operational hub, DAUN.institute, on January 28 as a global effort to reframe climate action through microalgae-driven soil regeneration and united nutrient stewardship.

Microalgae: The Green Engine

Microalgae form the core of the DAUN.institute framework as the "green engine" of the next agricultural revolution, powered by ONT Global Ventures Sdn Bhd under the leadership of CEO Dr Jeff Wong. Microalgae are widely recognised as the most sophisticated carbon capture technology ever devised, capable of sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide at rates far exceeding those of terrestrial plants.

"We are moving beyond mining the land for calories to stewarding the land for resilience. By leveraging microalgae-driven solutions, we aren't just capturing carbon; we are creating the biological building blocks required to heal the Earth's living skin."

— Dr Jeff Wong, CEO ONT Global Ventures

Soil Regeneration Strategy

DAUN.institute has identified soil regeneration through nutrient-infused fertiliser as the critical first step in restoring the planet's health. Modern agricultural practices have inadvertently stripped the soil of its power, turning it into a carbon source rather than a sink.

By utilising microalgae-based biofertilisers, the initiative aims to:

• ✓Restore microbial life in soil
• ✓Enhance soil's ability to absorb excess water during floods and retain moisture during droughts
• ✓Ensure every unit of nutrition is utilised by crops rather than lost as a pollutant

Pre-emptive Carbon Action

During the launch, DAUN.institute will introduce a landmark pre-emptive carbon action initiative focused on preventing further carbon emissions by identifying potential emission points within the agricultural value chain and neutralising them before they contribute to atmospheric warming. This shifts the paradigm from carbon mitigation to total carbon avoidance.

Global Collaboration

The initiative is seeking global collaboration across sectors, including:

• →Schools and Universities: Develop educational programmes on soil health and nutrient stewardship
• →Private Sector: Provide strategic capital to scale regenerative solutions and ensure economic viability for modern farmers
• →Public Advocacy: Drive a massive shift in public consciousness through innovators, citizens and consumers

United Nutrient Stewardship

A core pillar of the DAUN.institute mission is United Nutrient Stewardship, led by PL Cheang, Head of Business Development at BOC Storenet Sdn Bhd. This proposes a new social contract for the agricultural value chain in which every stakeholder shares responsibility for how life-sustaining elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus are managed.

Leadership & Support

The operationalisation of the initiative was made possible by Gordan Vong, who initiated DAUN.institute and serves as Chair for the District Action Group for ESG, Climate Change and Food Security (DECAFS) under Rotary International District 3300, and is also a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG).

The support of DECAFS is instrumental in providing the ethical grounding and vast community reach required to turn global principles into local, grounded action, while ensuring the initiative remains community-driven and focused on the long-term well-being of the planet.