Building on the success of the Food and Agriculture Science Camp held in Johor, Malaysia last August (2024), National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) continued its commitment to international University Social Responsibility (USR) this summer, striving once again to pass on agricultural knowledge to the next generation and cultivate a new wave of agricultural workers through hands-on activities. Organized by the NPUST Office of International Affairs (OIA) and co-organized by the Sarawak Taiwan Graduates’ Association, the “2025 Malaysia Sarawak Secondary School Food and Agriculture Science Camp” was held on July 2nd and July 4th at Riam Road Secondary School and Chung Hua Middle School No.1 in Kuching, respectively, attracting a total of 138 students ranging from grade 9 to grade 12.
The event incorporated workshops designed according to four major themes, namely: “Suffocated by the Fragrance” mosquito coil making; “Adding Oil to Vinegar” hand cream creation; “Pearls in the Palm” DIY tapioca pearl (boba) preparation; and “Careful Calculations” natural MSG formulation. Using simple and safe natural ingredients, the students were given insights into how to use eco-friendly methods to create every-day products, and inspired about food safety and natural sustainability.
At the closing ceremony held at Riam Road Secondary School, distinguished guests including Riam Road Principal Kong Pei Chuen, NPUST OIA Team Leader Chun-Yi Lee, Sarawak Taiwan Graduates’ Association President Siew Tick Chai, and Education Division Director Charlin Chang of TECO Malaysia witnessed together the results of the event and encouraged the students to continue exploring sustainable development.
One of the students shared on her experience, saying “even though I’m preparing for my SPM exams, I’m grateful to have participated in this food and agriculture education camp, which gave me the opportunity to personally make natural mosquito coils, hand cream, tapioca pearls, and MSG. These hands-on experiences offered valuable insights that you can’t learn from textbooks. I’m grateful to the teachers and senior students at NPUST for thoughtfully designing this curriculum. I hope this seed of food and agriculture science will sprout and grow in our hearts.”
The same line-up of VIPs joined Chung Hua Middle School No.1 Principal Lee Chee Beng for the event at held at his school. The 76 enthusiastic high school students who attended the camp were also very happy with the experience and expressed their affirmation for the activities.
In recent years, NPUST has actively been promoting food and agriculture education internationally, emphasizing the integration of hands-on experiences with concepts of sustainability. Through the activities, students experience the journey “from the earth to table” and the importance of harmonious coexistence between people and nature. This food and agriculture experience camps also deepen educational exchanges between the two countries, and allows Malaysian students to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s agricultural technology and environmental practices.
