Accounting students explore sustainable farming at Homegrown Farms

The Accounting Society of UTAR Sungai Long Campus (UAS) successfully organised a half-day educational visit to Homegrown Farms located amid the lush Broga Hills, Semenyih, Selangor, on 15 November 2025. The expedition comprised 36 Accounting students and three academic staff members, namely Dr Yong Mun Ching and Puan Rozitaayu binti Zulkifli from the Faculty of Accountancy and Management, and Mr Fernando Paulo Da Costa Andrade from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science.

The visit enabled students to learn more about sustainable and regenerative farming, and their connection with the soil and Mother Earth. Through interactions with the co-founder of Homegrown Farms, Ms Ivy Simon and her team, students were able to connect theory to practice and gain valuable insights into sustainable business and farming practices. This initiative also responds directly to the call of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) to embed sustainability into accounting education, as future accountants must know how to connect Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles with decision-making, reporting, and governance.

The programme was supported by Pesona Metro Holdings Berhad (PMSB), and the collaboration underscored PMSB’s confidence in UTAR’s efforts to prepare graduates for the sustainability-driven global economy, thus contributing to nation building.

Welcome speech by Ms Ivy Simon

The event started with an educational talk on the main principles of sustainable and regenerative farming. The co-founder, Ms Ivy Simon, shared her journey from being a journalist to an organic farmer, with the hope of promoting eating organically and living a sustainable lifestyle. She illustrated how our lifestyle choices affect soil health, water scarcity, food security, and the sustainability of Mother Earth. Ending the first session with herbal drinks allowed the participants to experience the authentic taste of fresh produce harvested from the farm.

Participants listening to the educational talk

Farm facilitator serving herbal drinks sourced from the farm

The participants were also taken on a guided tour of the farm’s key operational areas. The visit covered the organic vegetable beds and planting systems, the composting and waste-management facilities, and the aquaponics section featuring farm-raised tilapias and vertical farming setups. The tour also included the regenerative farming zones, where participants learned about biodiversity conservation, interaction with farm animals, and practices that enhance soil fertility.

The farm view and the aquaponics system

Students learning about aquaponic system

Hands-on activity on regenerative planting techniques

The last session involved hands-on composting activities with an introduction to the general principles of soil ecology and microbes. Ms Ivy Simon gave tips on making compost at home, which was easy to do with proper balancing of organic waste inputs based on carbon and nitrogen ratios of the “3 brown + 1 green” method. This activity provided practical knowledge to turn organic waste into soil while promoting household composting practices, which contribute to greener living at home or in the community.

Students participating in composting and soil health workshop

Students experiencing the process of household composting

The event also treated participants to a delicious farm-to-table lunch, offering a unique tasting experience of organic food sourced directly from sustainable farming operations. The wholesome meal not only showcased the freshness of the produce but also reinforced the essence of sustainable living, leaving a memorable impression on all who attended.

Ms. Ivy introducing the dishes for the farm-to-table lunch

Participants enjoying the lunch

A short reflection session was conducted, allowing the participants to reflect on the highlights of their experiences. A student, Pang Rong Tao, expressed his surprise at learning that Malaysia was heavily reliant on imported food despite having ample land suitable for agriculture, and therefore he was concerned about food security.

Pang sharing his thoughts

Organising Chairperson Chong Mei Ting giving the closing speech

Demonstration of how to grow micro-greens, which were take-home gifts

Participants also shared their reflections on the meaningful experience. Kho Hong Ming expressed that the visit taught him the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment for current and future generations. He noted that without clean soil, healthy and natural food would not be possible. He added that Ms. Ivy’s informative talk further deepened his understanding of sustainability and the benefits of consuming organic produce, raising his awareness of the nation’s sustainability efforts and the commitment shown by listed companies.

Lim Suit Yee commented that the event was very well organised and that the hands-on planting activities provided valuable knowledge and practical insights. Chong Mei Ting shared her appreciation for the meals prepared during the visit, describing the farm-to-table lunch and the light breakfast served after the talk as delicious and memorable. Pang Rong Tao added that the visit highlighted the need for individuals from all professions to work together in safeguarding and sustaining the environment.

The University remains committed to nurturing ESG-conscious graduates through meaningful collaborations with various stakeholders. Our partnership with Corporate Malaysia, including Pesona Metro Holdings Berhad, and Homegrown Farms reflects our ongoing efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger by promoting sustainable food systems, SDG 13: Climate Action by raising awareness of climate resilience, and SDG 15: Life on Land by protecting ecosystems through soil health and biodiversity.