INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
Figure 9 : Colouring activity during the programme
Figure 10 : Taski ABIM ’ s students with hydroponic pot .
In this programme , Taski ABIM students learned the concept of hydroponics through leisure activities such as games and colouring ( see Figure 9 ). Every student and teacher of Taski ABIM was also given a hydroponic pot kit with pak choy seeds ( see Figure 10 ). In addition , the University Community Transformation Centre ( UCTC ) UPM also co-operated by providing a bus equipped with an exhibition related to agriculture and science that attracted the attention of Taski ABIM students .
According to the Project Leader , Dr Diyana Jamaludin , “ In general , students ’ interest in agriculture is relatively low compared to other fields . Therefore , this programme is conducted to introduce the concept of urban agriculture to students as early as pre-school level to instil an interest in the field of agriculture as well as encourage co-operation between the university and the community . In addition , to improve students ’ cognitive knowledge about plant science and agricultural engineering , this programme can also help to improve students ’ affective and psychomotor skills by cultivating a responsible attitude when nurturing their hydroponic plants ”.
Taski ABIM Saidatina Fatimah Sri Serdang is one of the pre-school organisations in Sri Serdang which is close to UPM . This programme , which was funded by a KTGS grant to increase exposure to hydroponics , could be expanded to other Taski ABIMs in the Serdang area .
CONCLUSION
To address specific issues related to societal needs , particularly on the use of modernisation in the agro-food sector , close collaboration between academia , Government , industry , and community-based organisations would boost demand-driven research and development , facilities , joint programmes and community outreach in a dynamic education ecosystem . In general , higher education students need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to advance agricultural engineering and technology to produce a competent labour force , ensure career sustainability , and nurture and contribute back to the community in the future .
72 VOL 99 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024