Heartana Global Berhad and UTAR Sign MOA to Advance Agarwood Neuro-Science Research

Supporting the Long-Term Vision of Agartana: From Cultivation to Scientific Discovery

5 June 2026

Heartana Global Berhad has officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) to initiate the Agarwood Neuro-Science Research Collaboration, marking an important milestone in the advancement of agarwood research and knowledge development.

The collaboration forms part of Agartana, Heartana’s long-term agarwood ecosystem initiative dedicated to cultivation, education, research, and the preservation of agarwood knowledge for future generations.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from UTAR, including:

* Ir. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR
* Prof. Dr. Thong Meow Keong, Dean of the M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
* Prof. Ts. Dr. Lim Yang Mooi
* Assoc. Prof. Dr. Foo Chai Nien
* Members of the research team and the Office of International Affairs

Representatives from Oak Hills Trustee Berhad and Agartana Pioneer Participants were also present to witness this significant milestone.


Exploring the Science Behind Agarwood
For centuries, agarwood has been appreciated across cultures for its unique sensory, cultural, and experiential qualities.
While traditional knowledge has long associated agarwood with calmness, focus, and emotional balance, much of this understanding remains rooted in observation and lived experience.
Through this collaboration, Heartana Global Berhad and UTAR seek to explore these effects through scientific investigation.

The research will examine:
* How agarwood interacts with the human nervous system
* Its potential influence on stress regulation and emotional states
* Physiological and psychological responses associated with agarwood exposure

The study will utilise advanced scientific methodologies, including:
* Electroencephalography (EEG)
* Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
* Neurophysiological assessment frameworks

The objective is to contribute towards a deeper, evidence-based understanding of how agarwood may influence human well-being.


Beyond Cultivation: Building Knowledge for the Future
Agartana was established with the belief that the future of the agarwood industry extends beyond cultivation and commercial value.
It encompasses education, research, innovation, and the preservation of knowledge.
At the heart of the initiative is a long-term commitment to creating value through time — recognising that meaningful growth, whether in nature or society, is cultivated through patience, stewardship, and continuous learning.
This collaboration with UTAR represents an important step in fulfilling that vision.


Bridging Heritage and Science
The significance of this partnership extends beyond a single research project. It represents a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern science. A bridge that allows centuries of cultural understanding to be explored through scientific inquiry, measurement, and evidence-based research. By connecting heritage with scientific discovery, Heartana Global Berhad and UTAR aim to contribute to a broader global understanding of agarwood and its potential role in supporting human well-being.


Looking Ahead
The signing of this MOA marks the beginning of a long-term journey. A journey that brings together academia, industry, and community participation in the pursuit of knowledge and meaningful impact.
As the research progresses, Heartana Global Berhad and UTAR look forward to sharing future findings and contributing to the continued development of the global agarwood ecosystem.

When science meets time, and research meets nature, new possibilities emerge.

From a tree, to a forest.
From heritage, to science.
From today, to future generations.

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