Observing sustainable practices in action at
Mr Jagung Merah Corn-munity Farm

Group photo of all participants at Mr Jagung Merah Corn-munity Farm

On 11 July 2026, the Accounting Society of UTAR Sungai Long Campus organised ESG Beyond the Campus @ Mr Jagung Merah Corn-munity Farm at Mr Jagung Merah Corn-munity Farm @ Regenerative Agriculture Malaysia, Serdang, to strengthen students’ understanding of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles beyond the classroom.

Held in collaboration with Pesona Metro Holdings Berhad (PMSB), and UTAR academics, namely Dr Yong Mun Ching from the Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM), Mr Fernando Paulo Da Costa Andrade from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), and Mr Abdolrasool Taghvaee from the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS), the half-day programme brought together 46 participants, including three external guests.

The programme aimed to bridge academic learning with practical experience by introducing participants to regenerative agriculture and demonstrating how sustainable farming practices can support ESG principles and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The programme began with a welcome session by Mr Pang Rong Tao, the organising chairperson, followed by an introductory briefing by Mr Gideon Lim, owner of Mr Jagung Merah Corn-munity Farm. Participants were introduced to the principles of regenerative agriculture and their significance from both environmental and macroeconomic perspectives. The briefing highlighted the role of sustainable farming practices in restoring ecosystems, supporting sustainable food production and strengthening climate resilience.

Mr Pang presenting his opening speech

Mr Gideon Lim delivering the introductory briefing

Learning continued with a guided farm experience, where participants learned proper corn-harvesting techniques under the guidance of the farm team. Applying what they had learned, they successfully harvested approximately 100kg of corn, gaining a first-hand appreciation of the effort and dedication involved in sustainable farming. Participants also had the opportunity to taste freshly harvested ruby red corn, providing them with a closer appreciation of naturally cultivated produce.

Participants harvesting corn

Participants enjoying freshly harvested ruby red corn

Participants were subsequently introduced to regenerative farming through the Cornpanion Planting session. They learned how regenerative farming practices can improve soil fertility, support biodiversity and enhance agricultural productivity without relying on fertilisers. As part of the hands-on activity, participants planted approximately 800 corn seedlings, directly contributing to the farm’s ongoing regenerative agriculture efforts.

Participants planting young corn plants

An interactive lunch-and-dialogue session followed, during which Mr Gideon Lim shared insights into the farm’s agronomic business model and discussed how regenerative agriculture can balance environmental sustainability with economic viability. His sharing provided participants with a practical perspective on how businesses can remain economically sustainable while upholding environmental and social responsibilities. The subsequent Q&A session further encouraged participants to exchange ideas on sustainable farming, climate resilience, food security and the future of agriculture, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Lunch session

Adding a fun and engaging element to the programme, participants later took part in the Seedling War, a team-based activity that incorporated seed broadcasting. Participants mixed various cover-crop seeds with natural spices before broadcasting them across the farmland, turning a practical farming technique into an interactive team challenge.

The programme concluded with a prize presentation ceremony recognising the winning team for their enthusiasm and active participation throughout the activities. Through the immersive experience, participants gained a deeper appreciation of regenerative agriculture and its contribution to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. More importantly, the programme demonstrated how ESG principles can extend beyond theoretical knowledge, allowing students to observe sustainable practices in action and understand the collective responsibility involved in building a greener and more resilient future.

Participants and organisers at the prize-giving ceremony

Feedback from students in the post-event survey was highly positive. Vaesnavi Agilan shared that the programme exceeded her expectations and deepened her understanding of sustainable agriculture and ESG through hands-on activities. Wong Kah Bou appreciated the farm’s efforts in empowering local workers and contributing to the community, while Tan Jing Ying found the practical activities a meaningful way to learn about corn and sustainable farming. Edmund Lee Chi Hao also commended the organising team for effectively managing the unexpected rain and ensuring a smooth experience for participants.

Through initiatives such as ESG Beyond the Campus, UTAR continues to provide students with opportunities to connect academic knowledge with real-world sustainability practices, while encouraging them to develop a broader understanding of ESG and their role in contributing to a more sustainable society.

Group photo of organising committee members from Accounting Society of UTAR, lecturers and Mr Gideon Lim