Faculty of Science strengthens ties with NPUST

14 students joined an enriching study tour to National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) organised by the Faculty of Science (FSc) from 10 to 16 October 2015.

The 7-day-6-night tour was led by Dean of FSc Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Tee Chong Siang, lecturers Dr Kwong Phek Jin, Dr Yip Foo Win and Heng Mei Hsuen with the intention to intensify the collaborative ties with NPUST, as well as to broaden co-operative learning opportunities for FSc students, in particularly for those enrolled in the Agricultural Science and also Food Science programmes.

This is due to the fact that NPUST is one of the largest and reputable universities in Taiwan in the area of Agriculture and Food Science. Therefore, through this study tour, the students had the opportunity to expand their horizons on the agricultural advances in Taiwan by learning about agricultural practices, biotechnology research and the latest food industry technology available in NPUST.

The group was cordially received by NPUST Vice President for Education Affair, Prof Dr Hsieh Pao-Chuan. During the reception, Prof Hsieh said that Malaysia is country rich with natural resources for the development of the agriculture and food industry. “Food is important and synonymous with the survival of human race. Therefore, there is a bright future for the agriculture and food industry,” he maintained, and encouraged the younger generation to be more innovative and diligent to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

Prof Hsieh (middle, in white shirt), flanked by Dr Lim (right) and NPUST Dean of Office of International Affairs, Dr Leong Jik-Chang (left) taking a group photo with the UTAR delegates

Dr Lim and Prof Hsieh exchanging souvenirs

During the study tour, the students attended three lecture series on aquaculture, mushroom cultivation and forestry. To enrich their learning experience, they were led on a tour to learn about the aquaponics facilities, mushroom research and cultivation house, coffee bean processing laboratory and even experienced hands-on chocolate-making process in the food processing laboratory.

Students learning about aquaponics

Students visiting the Mushroom Research and Development Centre

Students trying out the chocolate-making process

Students at the coffee bean processing laboratory

The students also had an unforgettable experience learning how to train dogs to work for the disabled community while visiting NPUST’s Working Dog Training Center. Another added bonus during the study trip was the the opportunity to visit the Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP) which serves as a hub for various agricultural and biotechnology enterprises. Among the enterprises in PABP visited included the Asia-Pacific Operation Center for Aquaculture and Joben Bio-medical which pioneered the development of medicine derived from a ganoderma species, Antrodia Cinnamomea, which is native to Taiwan.

Group photo at the Asia-Pacific Operation Center for Aquaculture

Training dogs at the Working Dog Training Center

First Year Agricultural Science student Ng Jin Yong expressed gratitude that such collaboration between UTAR and NPUST has enabled students to have elevating experience. “I experienced and gained valuable insights on Taiwan’s agricultural perspective.”

Echoing Ng’s sentiments were coursemates Tia Sin Ywen and Sashwinie. “Joining this study tour has inspired me to cultivate innovation in my study and also work in the future,” said Tia. Sashwinie was impressed that Taiwan managed to utilise their natural resources efficiently and yet able to preserve their forests. “Malaysia is blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, therefore I hope that with these knowledge and experience, coupled with what I’ve learnt from my programme, I’m able to contribute to the improvement of Malaysia’s agriculture sector,” she added.

While at NPUST, the group also had a meet-and-greet with the University System of Tunku Abdul Rahman (USTAR) delegation led by UTAR Council Chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, accompanied by UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik who were present for a courtesy visit (see: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=26977 ).

A group photo with the UTAR delegates