Dabeeo, Sooin partner to expand smart agriculture in Southeast Asia

South Korean geospatial artificial intelligence firm Dabeeo said Friday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with controlled-release fertilizer specialist Sooin to expand palm plantation operations and promote smart agriculture in Southeast Asia.

Dabeeo has pioneered a smart agriculture solution that utilizes 30-centimeter-class ultra-high-resolution satellite imagery and AI-driven analysis to assess individual palm tree health with precision. This technology enables rapid identification of diseased trees, provides accurate location data and facilitates timely intervention, allowing plantations to take proactive measures and enhance productivity.

Dabeeo’s technology is currently deployed in Indonesia and Malaysia, covering a total plantation area more than twice the size of Seoul. Building on this success, the company plans to establish a regional subsidiary in Indonesia this year and expand its web-based platform into a mobile app, enabling field teams to quickly detect problem areas and take immediate action.

Sooin, the only Korean company licensed to distribute fertilizers in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, enhances farm productivity through a balanced nutrient supply approach. As a key supplier to major palm plantation operators, including Sime Darby, Tabung Haji and Felda, Sooin continues to expand its market presence by optimizing fertilizer use through data-driven insights.

Through this partnership, Dabeeo’s AI-powered monitoring technology and Sooin’s extensive distribution network will be leveraged to scale smart agriculture across Southeast Asia. The collaboration will enable precise analysis of tree growth after fertilizer application, providing customized, data-driven fertilizer solutions.

"We aim to set a new standard for AI-powered smart farm operations in the Southeast Asian agricultural market," said Victor Choi, vice president of Dabeeo. Kim Soo-yong, CEO of Sooin, added, "By integrating data-driven customized fertilizer solutions with smart agriculture consulting, we will deliver differentiated value to the industry."