NPUST, which has earned fame for its sustainable activities and smart agriculture, has joined up with the Johor Bahru Taiwan Alumni Association to create an experience camp for middle schoolers in Johor, Malaysia. The camp, which gives focus to “food and agriculture education”, was organized under the guidance of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. Co-organizers included the Malaysian Federation of Alumni Associations in Taiwan, the Malaysian Alumni Association of NPUST, and Sunlife School.
The camp was an opportunity for NPUST to promote the University Social Responsibility internationally while passing on knowledge in agriculture and food science through a variety of interesting, hands-on activities. Held at three locations, including Sunlife School, S.B.R. Chong Hwa High School, and Foon Yew High School, the activities attracted the participation of 200 Malaysian middle school students. Director Chun-Yi Lee and of the NPUST Office of International Affairs Education Division, project assistant Eason Ku, Department of Plant Industry Associate Professor Pei-Ru Liao and four undergrads represented their university at the camp which was held from August 15th to 21st,2024.
During the graduation ceremony of Sunshine School which was held on August 17, Director Charlin Chang of Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, visited the venue in person. In her speech she said, “when it comes to agriculture, NPUST is second to none. They have cultivated many outstanding agricultural talents, and integrated multiple-fields of study into their agriculture-oriented research and development, thereby manifesting different facets of agriculture. I am very happy to see that NPUST, the Malaysian Student Association in Taiwan, and the Alumni Association have jointly organized this food and agriculture education camp and that they are promoting educational and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Malaysia”. Vice President Tick Chai Siew of the Malaysian Alumni of Taiwan Joint Association, President Cheong-Beng Lai of the Malaysian Alumni Association of NPUST, and senior students also attended the experience camp to encourage the young students to study hard.
The event showcased the NPUST’s agricultural characteristics and promoted education in food science and agriculture. Many hands-on activities were arranged for students to get a feel for these areas of learning, including plant and flower cloth dyeing, natural plant pigment food coloring, and desert making. The students also learned how to use natural materials to create eco-friendly insect repellent. The middle school students who participated in the activity felt very grateful to have the opportunity to learn about food and agriculture sciences in a relaxed environment and enjoy the integrated activities for each of the creative themes. At the same time, the they were pleasantly surprised to find out that many everyday products could be made from natural materials and commonly available plants. Through the experiential activity, the high schoolers gained a deeper and broader understanding of agriculture and its applications, and had an opportunity to arouse a new awareness and love for nature.
