Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through the Institute for Biotechnology Research (IPB), continues to strengthen its role in community development by implementing programs with direct impacts on local communities.
One significant initiative involves a knowledge transfer program at Rumah Amal Kasih Kingfisher in Kota Kinabalu, focusing on orphans and underprivileged groups (asnaf).
The program, aimed at enhancing participants' knowledge and skills in agrobiotechnology and modern agricultural technologies, is led by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Wilson Yong Thau Lym, an expert in plant tissue culture and plant biotechnology.
According to Dr. Wilson, the primary objective of the project is to help the community expand their knowledge and improve their socioeconomic conditions through modern agricultural technologies.
“The knowledge transfer activities include aspects such as formulating planting media, fertilizer use, and fertigation farming methods.
“The program, which involves innovative vegetable cultivation projects, began in May this year and is being implemented in phases, engaging 20 children, teenagers, and staff members of Rumah Amal Kasih Kingfisher.
“Activities include basic training in agricultural biotechnology, the installation of fertigation systems through cooperative efforts, and periodic monitoring of the developed farming plots,” he said.
Dr. Wilson added that during a special visit to IPB as part of the program, participants were given in-depth exposure to sustainable agrobiotechnology applications.
“They were also provided the opportunity to tour the institute’s plant tissue culture laboratories and transgenic facilities.
“Additionally, participants received hands-on training in plant seed cultivation techniques, focusing on proper plant care methods,” he said.
He highlighted the support provided by IPB’s experts, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kenneth Francis Rodrigues, a specialist in plant genetics, and IPB Senior Research Officer Haslan Roslie.
Dr. Wilson expressed his gratitude to Rumah Amal Kasih Kingfisher, led by organization supervisor Jamrie Saparih, for ensuring the program’s success in empowering the community through close collaboration with IPB.
Meanwhile, IPB Director Prof. Dr. Lee Ping Chin emphasized that such knowledge transfer programs reflect UMS’s ongoing commitment to supporting inclusive and innovative educational agendas aligned with the vision of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).
“I believe programs like this provide short-term benefits to communities, but more importantly, they pave the way for sustainable socioeconomic transformation in the long term.
“By imparting knowledge and skills, communities will become more resilient and self-reliant in facing future challenges,” he said.
