Thirty four first year students from the Diploma in Environmental Management and Water Technology (DEWT) and the Diploma in Civil Engineering with Business (DCEB) embarked on a 3 day study trip, from 17 to 19 Sep 2014, to Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The objectives of the trip were for students to understand the importance of appropriate technology used to sustain the natural environment, the ecological balance through identification of fauna & flora to induce biodiversity, and to understand the meaning of social sustainability, and activities that support local people’s livelihood and the environment. During the 3 day trip, students visited the Tanjong Piai National Park, Kukup Fishing Village, and learnt about organic farming at Zenxin Organic Park.
Tanjung Piai National Park is located at Serkat, Johor. The Park covers a total area of over 900ha, of which 500ha are mature mangrove forests. At the park, students learnt about the mangrove ecological system, saw the diverse species of flora and fauna, including mangrove crabs, and mangrove birds.
Tanjung Piai National Park is located at Serkat, Johor. The Park covers a total area of over 900ha, of which 500ha are mature mangrove forests. At the park, students learnt about the mangrove ecological system, saw the diverse species of flora and fauna, including mangrove crabs, and mangrove birds.
We made a lot of new friends amongst the villagers of Lakkang. The completed jetty was handed over to the villagers on the 11th day at the project closing ceremony.
At Kukup Fishing Village, students took a boat ride to the Floating Fish Farm. They learnt about the characteristics, feeding habits & cultivation of fish and learnt how to identity different types of fish. The varieties of fish included the famous archer fish and starfish. Students also stayed at the Waterhouse at Kukup village to immerse into local community, and to experience the life of local people.
Zenxin organic farm is in Kluang, Malaysia. It produces over 60 varieties of organic tropical crops including fruits and vegetables. Students visited dragon fruit farm, mulberry farm, mushroom house and herbs garden to know more about the various organically grown vegetables & fruits. They also had the chance to make mud balls used for environmental conservation. The mud balls contain a special species of microorganisms that can remove pollutants from water. On the last day of the trip, students attended a workshop to reflect on the learning journey and brainstorm and propose ideas to improve the living environment and livelihood of the local people.