UTAR Intervarsity Science Symposium (UISS) 2025
The Science Nexus: Exploring Fundamentals, Pioneering Innovation for a Resilient Future
Venue : Virtual
Date: 16-17 August 2025
UTAR Industry-Academic Collaboration Forum: Bridging Sectors to Nurture a Greener Future
Venue : UTAR
Date: 5 June 2025
UTAR’s Industry–Academic Collaboration Forum on 5 June 2025 brought together academia and industry leaders to share practical pathways toward a greener future, with speakers highlighting sustainability efforts across multiple sectors. Dr Lai Soon Onn outlined UTAR’s extensive global industry partnerships and their impact on research, human capital development, and curriculum enhancement, while Dr Leong Kah Hon emphasised how industry collaboration accelerates ESG progress through real-world data, innovation, and scalable solutions. Mr Kyosuke Kinoshita presented Chitose Agriculture’s work in Southeast Asia, showcasing bioproduction technologies, circular agriculture, and community-based food sustainability. Dato’ Lee Mook Foong discussed transforming pineapple leaf waste into high-value PALF fibre to reduce pollution and uplift communities through eco-textile industries. Assoc Prof Dr Tey Lai Hock highlighted his research on biogenic nanomaterials derived from agro-waste for applications such as wastewater treatment, smart packaging, and biosensors. Together, their insights reinforced the forum’s core message: meaningful sustainability requires collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility across sectors.
Vertical Hydroponic Workshop
Venue : Block D, UTAR Kampar campus
Date: 19 May 2025
UTAR’s Vertical Hydroponic Workshop on Smart Farming, held on 19 May 2025, introduced participants to sustainable, technology-enabled agriculture through hands-on learning and expert sharing. Ms Sylvia Ang from Ladang Oasis explained the fundamentals and benefits of hydroponic systems—such as efficient water use and faster plant growth—while Mr Tay Yen Pei from Simplify Networks demonstrated how sensors, automation, and environmental monitoring support modern smart farming practices. Participants then assembled their own vertical hydroponic units using recycled materials and learned how to manage nutrients, pH, and lighting for healthy plant development. The workshop successfully raised awareness of innovative farming methods that support food security and sustainability, and concluded with a Q&A and group photo.
Agriculture Technology Seminar Series 26:
Stingless Bee Keeping for Sustainable Agriculture in Malaysia
Venue : DDK2, UTAR Kampar campus
Date: 03 May 2025
Details of the event. Register HERE!
Group photo taken with VIPs, speakers, staff, students and members of the public during the Agritech 26 seminar. Front row (from left to right): Ts. Jason Ong Choong Yew (moderator), Dr. Clement Wong Kiing Fook (chairpeson), Mr. Abu Hassan Jalil (Principal of Akademi Kelulut Malaysia), Mr. Mohd Razif Mamat (National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia), Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Keong (Vice President of Student Development and Alumni Relations UTAR) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng (Dean of Faculty of Science). Also in the crowd was (Dr. Syari bin Jamian (Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia), Dr. Ng Wen Jie (Faculty of Science, UTAR) and Ms. Cathie Tan Ah Tee (Founder and Managing Director of Official Event Sponsor Eco Bee Biotech Sdn. Bhd.). Thank you everyone for your participation and support of the event!
Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Keong (Vice President of Student Development and Alumni Relations UTAR) officiating the Agriculture Technology (Agritech) Seminar Series 26 on Stingless Bee Keeping for Sustainable Agriculture in Malaysia. He introduced the UTAR Agritech Seminar Series which has been held annually since 2011, highlighting its vital role in bridging the gap between academia and industry while fostering knowlege sharing and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of investing t in nature-based solutions, such as meliponiculture, that align with global sustainable development goals and contriute to building a better future.
Dr. Clement Wong Kiing Fook, chairperson of the event, warmly welcoming all participants and highlighting the importance of Meliponiculture amid rising global challenges in food security, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, as well as the need for innovative and eco-friendly approaches. Dr. Wong also promoted the event's engaging program, which features talks, discussions and hands-on activities designed to foster interest in stingless bee culture.
We sincerely thank Ts. Jason Ong Choong Yew, Assistant Director of the Department of Agricultural Malaysia (DOA), for his enthusiastic and professional introduction of the speakers, as well as for skillfully moderating the talk and discussion sessions.
Dr. Ng Wen Jie from the Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science UTAR presenting on "From hive to health: unravelling the multifaceted bioactive properties of Malaysian stingless bee honey".
Mr. Abu Hassan Jalil, Principle of Akademi Kelulut Malaysia presenting on his talk entitled "Sustainable Meliponiculture with vernacular architecture of the Malay Archipelago".
Mr. Mohd Razif Mamat from the Malaysian genome and Vaccine Institute and National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia presenting his talk on "The difference between Natural vs. Artificial Honey and the RapidRAW honey screening test kit".
Dr. Syari bin Jamian from Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on his talk entitled "Establishment and management of stingless bee: Stingless bee pest management".
Participants listening eagerly to the interesting and engaging insights shared by the distinguished speakers of the event.
Mr. Abu Hassan Jalil, Principle of Akademi Kelulut Malaysia presenting on his talk entitled "Sustainable Meliponiculture with vernacular architecture of the Malay Archipelago".
Mr. Mohd Razif Mamat from the Malaysian genome and Vaccine Institute and National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia presenting his talk on "The difference between Natural vs. Artificial Honey and the RapidRAW honey screening test kit".
Dr. Syari bin Jamian from Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on his talk entitled "Establishment and management of stingless bee: Stingless bee pest management".
Participants listening eagerly to the interesting and engaging insights shared by the distinguished speakers of the event.
Ts. Jason Ong moderating the discussion session featuring all the speakers of the event. The engaging discussion involved students, staff and also the public which encompassed topics such as Meliponiculture in monoculture systems, rapid honey screening, adulteration, quality control, pest management and sustainable practices etc.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng inquiring the panels on the validity and quality of honey produced by bee colonies artificially fed with sucrose or other materials.
Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Keong (Vice President of Student Development and Alumni Relations UTAR) presenting a token of appreciation to Ms. Cathie Tan Ah Tee, Founder and Managing Director of Eco Bee Biotech Sdn. Bhd., the official sponsor of Agriculture Technoloy Seminar Series 26: Stingless Bee Keeping for Sustainable Agriculture in Malaysia.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng, Dean of Faculty of Science presenting a token of appreciation to Dr. Ng Wen Jie from the Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTAR.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng, Dean of Faculty of Science presenting a token of appreciation to Dr. Syari bin Jamian from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng, Dean of Faculty of Science presenting a token of appreciation to the moderator and organizing member of the event, Ts. Jason Ong Choong Yew.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng expressed his gratitude to the VIPs, distinguished speakers, sponsors, committee members and participants for making the Agriculture Technology Seminar Series 26 event on stingless bees a success. This collaborative spirit not only enriched the discussions on stingless bee technology but also fostered a vibrant community passionate about advancing agricultural innovation and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng expressed his gratitude to the VIPs, distinguished speakers, sponsors, committee members and participants for making the Agriculture Technology Seminar Series 26 event on stingless bees a success. This collaborative spirit not only enriched the discussions on stingless bee technology but also fostered a vibrant community passionate about advancing agricultural innovation and sustainable beekeeping practices.
A group showing the honey pots and propolis of a stingless bee. Propolis is made of resinous substances collected by bees from tree buds and sap flows, which can be used to build, to seal gaps and to reinforce the hive structure.
En. Haizad and En. Shamsuriyadi from Perak Meliponiculture Entrepreneus and Breeders Association (3PMP) demonstrating how honey is extracted from honey pots, being cautious to leave plenty to support the bee colony. Bees eat their own honey for energy and sustenance, particularly when nectar is scarce or when they are dealing with unfavorable temperatures.
Students eagerly sampled different types of honey from different species of local stingless bees (i.e., Tetragonula testaceitaris, Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama), each offering a unique and subtle flavor profile to explore.
Mr. Anthony, an Agricultural Science student, carefully pouring the molten glycerin solution into soap molds. To elevate the soap's texture and infuse it with natural benefits, honey was added thanks to its humectant, antibacterial and antimicrobial effects.
Soaps in a vibrant array of colors and intricate designs took shape! Beyond honey, carefully selected fragrances, essential oils and a diverse range of colorants were blended in to create truly unique designs.
Participants melting the glycerin cubes before casting the molten solution into soap molds. Care has to be taken to avoid bubble formation which may affect the final quality of the soap.
Group photo of participants proudly displaying their vibrant, honey-infused soaps, showcasing the creativity and variety crafted during the session. A heartfelt thanks you to En. Haizad and En. Shamsuriyadi from Perak Meliponiculture Entrepreneus and Breeders Association (3PMP) for leading the two inspiring and hands-on workshops!