A sustainable affair

Organised by UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research, the 6th Series of the Agriculture Technology Seminar took place at the Faculty of Science, Perak Campus on Saturday, 24 November 2012.

The seminar, held for the second time this year, saw erudite speakers and industry experts namely, Param Agricultural Soil Surveys (M) Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director Dr. Paramananthan a/l Selliah, UTAR Department of Agricultural and Food Science Associate Professor Dr. Goh Teik Khiang, Research Consultant and Plantation Advisor Mr Chew Poh Soon, Applied Agricultural Resources Sdn. Bhd. Principal Research Officer Mr Tey Seng Heng and Former Director of IJM Plantations Berhad Mr Khoo Khee Ming converging at the University to share their invaluable expertise and also to present their latest studies. There was also a significant swell in the number of participants, who ranged from inquisitive students and lecturers to accomplished plantation managers.

A brief welcome address was given by the Chairman of Centre for Biodiversity Research Asst. Prof. Dr. Tee Chong Siang and also Head of Department of Agricultural and Food Science-cum-Chairman of the Organising Committee for the seminar Prof. Dr. Ooi Aun Chuan. Both welcomed the attendees warmly. "This seminar recognises the need for agricultural sustenance," mentioned Prof. Ooi, referring to the theme of the seminar - "Sustainable Agriculture".

The eminent speakers soon led the attendees to an excursion to uncover studies about sustainable agriculture that could benefit not only the nation but also to the deteriorating environment and ecology. "My objective is not to give a lecture or teach you anything, but to rekindle your interest in managing water and land," Dr Paramananthan said while sharing with others his study entitled "Sustainable land and water management - key to survival of mankind". "Water is a limited resource, so to land. Almost every river in developing countries is polluted. Every one of us has the duty not to pollute the river," he continued.

UTAR Agricultural students-cum-KLK scholarship recipients Oon Xoon Harng, Tang Zhi Wei and Sim Wee Kee said that the seminar has imbued them the sense of responsibility to address future problems plaguing the industry and also to discover solutions to them. "It is really enriching to listen and learn from the speakers who are authorities on this field," Sim enthuses.  Genting Plantations Berhad staff Elzy Ovktafia Binti Chairul said the seminar has given her lots of input and that it will certainly help in her career.

The seminar concluded with a summary by Prof. Ooi, followed by the presentation of token of appreciation to all the speakers. There was also a Prize Presentation for Best Posters which were created by students from the Faculty of Science.

Dean of the Faculty of Science Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng said in his closing remark, "This seminar has been going on for three years and it only gets stronger. We sincerely thank our supporters who have contributed to this seminar financially and technically."

List of winners of the Best Posters is as follow:

• First Prize: Cheah Pey Yee, Department of Biological Science, "Expression and purification of Taq DNA polymerase from Escherichia coli."

• Second Prize: Tai Li Jianh, Department of Biological Science, "Molecular cloning and site-directed mutagenesis of virulence genes virD2 and virE2 from Agrobacterium tumefaciens."

• Third Prize: Phang Chen Rong, Department of Biomedical Science, "Characterisation of "anti-Ganoderma" activities of bacteria isolated from different fertilizers."

• Consolation Prize: Tee Kah Meng, Department of Biomedical Science, "Characterisation of "anti-Ganoderma" activities of bacteria isolated from biofertilizer."

Prof. Ooi giving his summary of the seminar.

Dr. Lim handing a token of appreciation to one of the speakers, Dr. Paramananthan.

Dr. Lim presenting the Best Posters Prize to First Place winner Cheah Pey Yee.