Visit to UPM Serdang sparks interest in agriculture among Pontian students

A total of 64 students from four schools in Pontian, Johor, were hosted at the residential college.

SECONDARY school students from Pontian, Johor, got a first-hand view of opportunities in agriculture at Universiti Putra Malaysia in Serdang.

They were given deeper insights into the types of programmes offered by the university’s Agriculture Faculty as well as intake requirements.

A total of 64 Form Four and Five students from four schools participated in the Jati Diri programme organised by Tan Sri Aishah Ghani College (KTAG), according to UPM.

Students from Pontian secondary schools taking a group photo during their visit to Universiti Putra Malaysia (above) and handling animals (below) at UPM’s livestock unit.

Programme director Siti Ainin Sofiya Ahmad Yusri said the aim of the visit was to spark students’ interest in agriculture.

Activities included a visit to the Centre for Agricultural Science and a padi field.

The students also had the chance to try planting ulam raja and got up close to animals at the university’s livestock unit.

KTAG principal Dr Daljit Singh Karam Singh said such sessions help rural students prepare for tertiary education, especially in strategic sectors such as agriculture, which is increasingly important for the sustainability of the country.

“This camp not only strengthens the relationship between the university and the community, but also succeeds in instilling a love of knowledge and self-­confidence among rural students.

“This programme proves that with an inclusive approach and early guidance, more students will be more likely to achieve success in higher education and become drivers of change.”

Daljit expressed hope that the experience would also change students’ perceptions of careers in agriculture.