Sowing the seeds of knowledge with Kebun Bunga & Semaian YKK

Under the guiding hand of Dr Clement Wong Kiing Fook, UTAR Faculty of Science (FSc) Head of Programme for BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science, over 20 volunteers from various faculties including both educators and students planted over 100 fruit trees in the Agriculture Park at (Gate B). The event was organized by FSc on 7 July 2025, in the hopes of nurturing a sustainable working and learning environment for the university community.

Movement Control Order, also known as MCO, was introduced in Malaysia between 2020 to 2021, during which, individuals were imposed restrictions on assembly, as an effective measure against the spreading COVID-19 virus. As such, the previous efforts of the Agriculture Park were in a dire situation. Upon hearing such news, Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture (DOA) officer Ts. Ong Choon Yew, who is also a UTAR postgraduate student, introduced an unlikely saviour to UTAR. Mr Yap Soon Choy, who owns Kebun Bunga & Semaian YKK, has generously offered a helping hand in the revivification of the area by donating fruit tree saplings to UTAR whilst also contributing to the long-running green-campus activity.

“Each tree we planted today will serve not just as a source of fruit in the future, but as a living symbol of our collaboration and vision towards a more sustainable environment,” remarked UTAR Agriculture Park Management Committee Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Pedram Kashiani, marking the start of the event.

“Mr Yap, your generous donation of various fruit trees to our Agricultural Park is an enduring investment in education, research, and sustainable livelihoods. These trees will be where our students will learn the intricacies of horticulture, the balance of ecosystems, and the dynamics of agro-economics – hands-on and up close,” said FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, reflecting on the meaningful impact made by Mr Yap.

Despite being the location of a past tin mining operation, the Agriculture Park was prepared with fruit trees in mind, being flat, easily accessible, and equipped with suitable drainage system. The fruit trees were hand picked by Mr Yap for their compatibility with the soil quality, being kaffir lime, calamansi, lemon, guava, soursop, and wax apple.

Present to launch the planting drive were Mr Yap’s spouse Ms Choong Swee Kwan and daughter Ms Yap Xin Yi; FSc Dean Dr Lim, FSc Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Sit Nam Weng, FSc Head of Department of Agriculture and Food Science Dr Ali Yassoralipour, FSc Head of Programme for BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science Dr Clement Wong, UTAR Agriculture Park Management Committee Chairperson Dr Pedram, DOA Officer Mr Jason Ong, UTAR Agriculture Park Manager En Muhammad Firdaus bin Abu Hassan, UTAR staff and students.

As each tree matures under UTAR’s watchful gaze, so will the future generation who will one day enjoy the chemical-free fruits of today’s labour as they engage with the importance of agriculture and sustainability.