ExCel 1: HYGROW-POT WORKSHOP 2021 (HYP’21)

The Hygrow-Pot Workshop was an online planting class organized by the Tun Dr. Ismail College Student Committee.This class was held to provide exposure to a simple method of cultivation that can be used anywhere. I participated in this program to increase my knowledge besides learning my current field of expertise. I wanted to enhance my plant care skills so I can impress my family with my skills later on.

The program focused on several UTM Graduate Attributes such as communication skills. For example, this program urges an interaction between participants and speakers regarding concepts related to the workshop. On the other hand, this program also highlights thinking skills attributes. It helps to develop participant’s thinking skills as the participants have to analyze factors such as lighting, nutrient requirements, and environmental conditions to optimize plant growth. Lastly, this program focused on scholarship attributes. The knowledge sharing are related lifelong learning skills where the participants can use for example Self-Watering System. This feature ensures a consistent supply of water, preventing both overwatering and underwatering, which are common issues for many plant owners. The self-watering system also helps maintain optimal moisture levels, promoting healthy root development and plant growth. I believe with this knowledge we can use it in future.

The programme was led by a college committee member, Nur Aimi Wahida binti Mohd Soffa, and assisted by several programme advisors, namely Dr. Nurrulhidayah binti Salamun, Nur Amalina binti Zulkifli Airwan, and Suhaily binti Suhaimi. The programme’s main purpose was to introduce and increase students’ knowledge of simple nominating methods and encourage students with planting activities. The programme was very beneficial not only to students but also to the whole community. With this method, everyone can do planting activities using land or used items and doing it in a narrow space. This workshop was held through the WebEx Online Meeting platform on 30 November 2021, started at 2:30 p.m. and ended at 5:00 p.m. The program was attended by an invited talk, namely Puan Mahani binti Amat @ Halimi and also Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students from various colleges. The program began with a prayer recitation from Muhammad Faiz Irfan bin Ariffin and was officiated by a fellow advisor, Dr. Nurrulhidayah binti Salamun. During a talk session, Puan Mahani had introduced the type of hydroponic planting system. In the session, Puan Mahani showed pictures and models to guide the participant to imagine how the hydroponic system worked and how the harvesting activity was done. Along with the talk, there was a Q & A between the participants and Madam Mahani.

HYGROW-POT WORKSHOP 2021 (HYP '21) helps me develop students’ graduate attributes for example communication skills. The workshop involves sharing of ideas, and presentations about plant cultivation techniques. I enhance my skills by asking questions, and the speaker helps me in explaining concepts related to the workshop. Moreover, this workshop also has an impact on my thinking skills by learning about plant growth and cultivation methods that require critical thinking and problem-solving. It helps to develop my thinking skills as the participants have to analyze factors such as lighting, nutrient requirements, and environmental conditions to optimize plant growth. Lastly, The workshop provides participants with knowledge about plant biology, horticulture, and the principles of controlled environment agriculture which give a bigger impact to the scholarship attributes. Engaging in the workshop activities and studying the provided materials can contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.

From this program, I learned that planting must have patience and persistence. Plant care often requires patience and persistence, especially when it comes to waiting for your plants to grow and thrive. The ability to remain patient and persistent will be advantageous as we navigate the learning process and apply new techniques in our gardening endeavors.

During the workshop, there are also some challenges, for example lack of experience. Gardening and plant cultivation is new for me so it is difficult to understand the techniques and processes involved. However, this program guides me to overcome this obstacle by giving step-by-step instructions from experienced facilitators. On the other hand, I also have limited access to resources such as space, equipment, or specific plant varieties. Fortunately, the workshop can emphasize the use of scalable and adaptable techniques, making the most of available resources. Participants can also explore alternative options, such as using compact or vertical gardening methods, or adapting the techniques to suit their specific constraints.