Front row from left: Ar Alan Teh, Mr Gideon Lim, Mr Sahil Jha, Mr Michael, Mr Fernando, Dr Yong, Ms Melissa and Ms Goy with the participants
Soil degradation is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, threatening food security, biodiversity, and climate stability. In a powerful response to this global crisis, UTAR held the “Save Soil” sustainability forum on 8 July 2025 at its Sungai Long Campus. The event served as a dynamic platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue and student engagement, united under the international banner of the “Save Soil” movement.
Jointly organised by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Sustainability (CENTS), the Centre for Foundation Studies (Department of Management and Accountancy), Centre for Foundation Studies - Seminar Committee, the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (Department of Architecture and Sustainable Design), the Building and Property Management Society, and the Department of Student Affairs, the forum reflected the University’s commitment to environmental responsibility and civic consciousness. The initiative was made possible with the sponsorship from Pesona Metro Holdings Berhad, a diversified investment holding company listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, under the construction sectors. The company integrates sustainability at the heart of its business strategy to ensure that growth is both responsible and resilient.
Mr Sahil Jha, Indian youth ambassador and soil health advocate, recounting his global cycling mission for soil conservation
The event opened with a warm reception for the Indian youth ambassador and soil health advocate Mr Sahil Jha, who is currently undertaking a 20,000-kilometre cycling expedition across four continents to raise awareness of soil preservation. His arrival at the KA South Lobby was marked by a traditional lion dance performance by UTAR students and a recognition ceremony, setting the tone for a morning of cultural appreciation and shared purpose.
Participants and performers posed together following the vibrant lion dance welcome for Mr Sahil
More than 190 foundation students and 200 online participants engaged in a two-hour knowledge-sharing session that explored diverse dimensions of soil sustainability. Mr Sahil shared insights from his ongoing journey, offering a global perspective on the state of soil health and the mobilisation of youth around environmental causes.
Mr Michael presenting innovative aquaponic solutions for urban farming
Adding a local dimension to the discussion were three Malaysian guest speakers, each offering expertise in sustainable land use and ecological resilience. Mr Michael Christian Simon, founder of Homegrown Farms, presented innovative approaches to urban agriculture through aquaponic systems capable of transforming rooftops and marginal lands into productive food sources. His farm in Semenyih supplies pesticide-free produce and promotes sustainable farming practices that conserve water and support biodiversity. Related multimedia shared by the speaker during the session can be viewed here and here.
Mr Gideon Lim explaining methods of soil regeneration and carbon reduction through regenerative agriculture
Mr Gideon Lim, representing Regenerative Agriculture Malaysia, detailed his work in reviving degraded soils through composting, native cover crops, and sustainable waste reuse. His social enterprise has collectively regenerated over 30 acres of land, prevented significant carbon emissions, and contributed to local food production through nutrient-rich harvests.
Ar Alan Teh highlighting the integration of urban farming in sustainable architectural design
Architect Ar Alan Teh brought an urban design perspective to the forum, demonstrating how sustainable living can be integrated into architectural planning. His projects have incorporated urban farming components into residential developments, encouraging green space utilisation, social cohesion, and food self-sufficiency. Drawing from his own experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown, he highlighted how communities can build resilience through grassroots environmental action.
The event succeeded in merging environmental science, agriculture, architectural design, and social innovation into a unified narrative of hope and empowerment. It provided students and academicians with practical knowledge, inspired new approaches to sustainable living and fostered a sense of shared responsibility for the planet.
As the University continues to nurture socially conscious graduates, initiatives like “Save Soil” reflect its dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable future, rooted, quite literally, in the health of the soil beneath our feet.
From left: LKC FES lecturer Mr Fernando Paulo Da Costa Andrade, Mr Sahil Jha, FAM academic Dr Yong Mun Ching, Ar Alan Teh, Mr Gideon Lim and Mr Michael Simon
The video recording of the forum can be accessed via this link.
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