Fulfilling day at AgriMicrob workshop

The EduFun AgriMicrob Science Holiday Workshop Series IV workshop brought another round of fun learning to the secondary school participants. Organised by the Community Project team of the Faculty of Science (FSc) on 19 September 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus, the workshop provided interesting and educational hands-on activities related to agricultural and microbiological sciences to the participants.

It aimed to inculcate young people’s interest in the knowledge and application of agricultural and microbiological sciences in daily life and promote these industries and fields, which are still lacking youth involvement. As participants noted the increasing need for agricultural products as our food sources and national income, they also gained a deeper understanding and right concept of the importance of agricultural and microbiology sciences in the present and future.

The organising committee, consisting of members from the Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Department of Biological Science, Centre for Agriculture and Food Research (CAFR) and STEM Outreach, also hoped for the workshop to boost the reputation of the programmes offered by FSc, as well as to provide the participants with more hands-on experiences through interactions and discussions with the facilitators.

Kick-starting the event of the day was an opening ceremony. Organising Chairperson Dr Ong Mei Kying delivered the welcome speech. She expressed, “This year, the participants will learn interesting science facts about soilless culture, making compost for soilless culture, exploring and setting up sustainable aquaponics systems, learning how to determine egg freshness, egg candling in poultry production and exploring the microscopic realm with diverse biological activities. In addition, participants will gain hands-on baking experience in making egg white meringue cookies during the workshop. We hope that participants can put the knowledge and skills learned into practice and further stimulate their onward learning in the field of science and technology. Notably, science is ever evolving, fun and amazing with unlimited potential of new discoveries and continuously brings positive impact and improvements in society.”

Followed after was a brief talk by STEM Outreach Chairperson Dr Ong Kiah Ju, who outlined the flow of activities that took place. As she emphasised the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and innovative microbiological solutions, she also encouraged participants to embrace the opportunities with open minds and eager hearts. She assured participants that the skills and insights gained from the workshop would serve as a foundation for their future endeavours in various fields of science.

The highlights of the workshop truly intrigued the participants. At the Agronomy station, titled Unearthing Growth with Soilless Culture, conducted by FSc academics Dr Tan Ji and Dr Clement Wong Kiing Fook, participants learnt about horticulture, mainly on plants thriving without soil because providing proper nutrients to the plants will help plants to grow well.

At the aquaculture station, titled Exploring Aquaponics: Green Farming for Tomorrow’s Generation, participants explored the fundamentals of aquaponics, a sustainable farming method that combines raising first (aquaculture) with growing plants in water (hydroponic). FSc academics Dr Ooi Ai Lin and Ts Dr Teoh Chaiw Yee guided participants in designing and building their own aquaponics systems.

FSc academics Dr Kwong Phek Jin and Puan Nurdiyana ‘Aqilah binti Roslan, who conducted the animal science station enlightened participants on determining egg freshness based on the buoyancy of the egg. The Eggcited Science Station also enabled participants to learn about chick embryo development and the role of egg candling in poultry production.

The final station was the microbiology station, titled Microscopic Realm, Living Entities, and Biological Activities. FSc academics Dr Lee Kok Chang and Dr Teo Kah Cheng offered participants insights into the fascinating and often complex processes that drive the functioning of these minute life forms.

Chong Cyndee from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jalan Pasir Puteh (SMK JPP) commented, “The workshop has enabled me to understand that STEM is the evolution and development of our lives. It will continue to impact and change present and current job prospects. This has further spurred my interest in STEM. I particularly enjoyed the session on hydroponic and food science. I personally like cooking and it enabled me to see the potential of food science as my future career plan.

Lem Zheng Guan from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Sam Tet (SMJK Sam Tet) expressed, “Apart from learning about STEM, I also acquired some soft skills, which I believe are vital for my future career. This has motivated me to improve myself because STEM will continue to transform many aspects of our lives. The stations were also fun and informative. I had a great time.”

Chan Jin Yang from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Pei Yuan (SMJK Pei Yuan) enthused, “The lecturers were very friendly and the sessions were informative. I especially enjoyed the session on microorganisms. This makes learning STEM all the more fun and I am excited to learn more.”

The workshop came to a close with a closing speech by FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng. He thanked the participants and assured them that the insights gained from the workshop would propel them further. He reminded participants that they are the future leaders of science, and encouraged them to continue exploring the wonders of science because science is important as a way of thinking and understanding the world around us. The workshop was sponsored by Edubest Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Auasia Agrotech Sdn Bhd, and Perkhidmatan Agro Pintar Sdn Bhd.