The twilight of the year 2022 marked the beginning of fun and familiarity. That is because UTAR Faculty of Science (FSc) and Centre for Agriculture and Food Research (CAFR) joined hands once again to bring forward their well-received community project “EduFun AgriMicrob Science Holiday Workshop”. The second iteration of the community project was titled “EduFun AgriMicrob Science Holiday Workshop Series II”. It was held physically from 28 to 29 December 2022 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The team of academics from the Department of Agricultural and Food Science (DAFS) as well as the Department of Biological Science (DBS) of FSc did their utmost to bring along the core element of the holiday workshop, “fun”, and raised it to the next level with revised activities and contents. The holiday workshop was designed to inculcate an interest in agricultural and microbiological sciences among young, secondary school students. It provided hands-on experience to secondary school students by offering opportunities for them to interact and discuss with the facilitators who are experts in their respective fields.

The improvements of the holiday workshop were made possible not only by the passion of the organising committee, but also support from the sponsors Edubest Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd, QL Resources Berhad, Greencom Biotech Sdn Bhd, and Sepang Today Aquaculture Centre Sdn Bhd.

The holiday workshop was initiated with a warm welcome from the Organising Chairperson, Dr Ong Mei Kying. On behalf of the organising committee, she said, “This second series of the two-day fun workshop for high schoolers in Malaysia is hoped to provide a good platform for them to interact with experts from various fields and gain hands-on experience in the particular subject. My sincere appreciation to the committed committee members and student helpers for their tireless effort and consistent cooperation in making this workshop so memorable for all participants. Without their assistance, this workshop won’t be possible.”

The CAFR Chairperson Dr Tan Yen Nee officially inaugurated the workshop along with remarks of gratitude. She enthused, “The encouraging response from the public in the first series and the sponsors’ support have become our motivation to continue this meaningful event. With our mission and passion, we persistently promote and instil interest in science among our younger generation. My heartfelt thanks to our passionate and dedicated organising committee members and facilitators for making this event a successful one. We have great respect for their best effort and hard work in preparing the lively, interactive, and tailor-made workshop module for high schoolers. I wish all the participants a fruitful experience during the workshop!”

The fun and curiosity-filled workshop was divided into four stations; each of them specialised in a specific field of study. It was facilitated by knowledgeable academics from UTAR FSc, with assistance from the student helpers. Among the stations set up were “Workshop Station 1: Agronomy” facilitated by Dr Clement Wong Kiing Fook and Dr Tan Ji; “Workshop Station 2: Aquaculture” facilitated by Dr Ooi Ai Lin and Ts Dr Teoh Chaiw Yee; “Workshop Station 3: Animal Science” facilitated by Dr Kwong Phek Jin and Nurdiyana ‘Aqilah binti Roslan, and lastly “Workshop Station 4: Microbiology” facilitated by Dr Lee Kok Chang and Dr Teo Kah Cheng.

In workshop station 1, the student participants were enlightened on various facts about the world of plants. Dr Clement Wong and Dr Tan led the student participants in enthusiastic manner into topics such as seeds and microgreens, vegetables, plant diversity, as well as plant propagation and soilless mix. With guidance from the facilitators and student helpers, the student participants engaged in hands-on activities such as growing their own microgreens and propagating begonia plants with easily-obtainable tools and materials. The students were filled with wonders and desire for wisdom as they responded to the facilitators and student helpers with more questions. Even Dr Clement Wong and Dr Tan were brimmed with motivation and admiration in response to the inquisitiveness displayed by the student participants, commending them for their “research spirit”.

In workshop station 2, the student participants were informed of the rich history of aquaculture and also some fun facts about nowadays’ fisheries industry. Every “sealicious” food put on the tables shows the brilliance of aquaculture in human life. This especially rings true since the world is experiencing an increased human population and decreased fish resources, as explained by the facilitators, Dr Ooi and Dr Teoh. The student participants got their hands “dirty” for the sake of knowledge as the facilitators and student helpers guided them in dissecting fish and prawns. They were given clear introductions and explanations of the aquatic creatures’ organs and structures as the activities progressed. Fishy smell penetrated the surrounding air, regardless, only knitted eyes filled with wonders and smiles of accomplishments were left in the end.

In workshop station 3, the student participants dived into the world of food and animal science as they learned about macromolecule assay on milk products as well as some interesting facts about our furry and hooves-born friend, goat. One of the facilitators, Nurdiyana ‘Aqilah got down to the technical aspects of milk products. She guided the student participants to identify macromolecules, including starch, proteins, sugars and lipids in milk by using scientific tools. The students were excited to perform the experiments as they got to work on a familiar everyday subject but in a foreign context. Meanwhile, at the goat shed in UTAR Agriculture Park, the students were given the opportunity to interact with goats and kids. The highlight at the goat shed was the goat pregnancy detection. They were guided by Dr Kwong and a student helper in conducting the detection test with an ultrasound machine. Overall, the goat shed was imbued with lively interactions between the facilitator, helpers and participants, along with the bleating of goats.

In workshop station 4, the student participants got to experiment with microorganisms and learned to operate a microscope. The student participants engaged in multiple activities, including staining of microorganisms, breakdown of starch by microbes, breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by microbes, and chemical control of microorganisms. With insightful guidance from the facilitators, Dr Lee and Dr Teo, the students learned to experience the joy of working with microorganisms, as microorganisms serve as an important source of the advancement of human welfare. Although they are crucial to human health, Dr Lee and Dr Teo assured the student participants that microorganisms are double-edged swords, firmly advising the student participants to always treat microorganisms as hazards under normal circumstances.

A group of three participants from SMK Menglembu, Foong Yon Qi, Thong Zhen Jie, and Cheah Chee Yoong, came to the holiday workshop with anticipation. They said, “The first thing we noticed is that UTAR Kampar Campus is beautiful. We are here to experience the life of university students. We are happy that we got a unique experience out of the activities. They are not something we get to learn in other schools. So far, all four stations were great, so we will recommend it to other friends.”

Lee Yew Jia, who is studying at SMJK Ave Maria Convent, Ipoh, was full of excitement when she heard of the science workshop. She shared, “When I heard about this workshop, I immediately signed up because I wanted to experience science activities at the university level. I have heard favourable things from a cousin who is studying at UTAR. That is also part of the reason why I am here. I was not disappointed because I got to learn and even do the activities with my own hands. For those who love science, I would definitely recommend it.”

Another student participant, Chew Chen Xi, who is also passionate about science said, “I am currently studying in SMJK Pei Yuan, Kampar. I came here by myself since it is close to my area. I have always wanted to visit UTAR Kampar Campus and see it for myself. The Campus is beautiful since it is surrounded by nature. Also, I love science, so it was a perfect chance for me to visit the Campus.”

During the closing ceremony, Teoh Shey Jun, who studies at SMJK Chung Ling Butterworth, Seberang Perai, shared his delighted feelings with all the student participants. “I did not expect UTAR to offer these many practical activities. Thanks to this workshop, I got a rough idea of science at the university level and also its practical applications in real life. I am not sure whether I can join the workshop again, but I would if I get the chance,” enthused Teoh in his sharing.

UTAR Division of Programme Promotion seized the opportunity to introduce the programmes currently offered at both Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses. Moreover, the delegate of Edubest Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd Wong Xian Siang introduced the structure of the company as well as its collaboration with UTAR. The other sponsors also got their words out with introductory videos of their respective companies.

As the holiday workshop came to its fruitful conclusion, UTAR FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng gave a closing speech. He put emphasis on the fun process of learning with science, saying, “The important thing in this two-day workshop is ‘fun’. Education and learning can be fun; education and learning are not only restricted to syllabus and examination. Another important thing is the knowledge you have gained. They will be helpful to you in the future as you carry them throughout your life. I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to join us in making this event a success. I hope you would bring this message back and cherish this memory we had together.”

The workshop concluded with a certificate-giving ceremony for all the student participants and a group photography session.

New interests in science were sparked in the heart of the young generation, thus carrying on the unwavering spirit of fun learning and research into the unknown future.