UMCares Community Summit and Exchange 2014

The word UMCares spells sentiment in me. The Green Journey I had in UM couldn't be materialized if without UMCares.

It all started when the rebellion and stubborn me decided to take up Environmental Science and Management program in UM when I was in matriculation study. Frankly, I get lots of boo on my decision because they see no prospect of this field in Malaysia. True enough, but that was the past. Malaysia and lots of countries are starting to take green and Mother Nature into account - well that's because they realize they have destroyed enough and that the natural resources are depleting = source of money depleting. 

Back that, none of my family members said yes, until my uncle magical "Yes" that changed my mother's mind. Okay, as a deal to her consent, I chose UM - which I initially intend to go UPM, UMT or maybe UMS. Few months before entering uni, I read about Jaron Keng, who had been running an initiative on composting in UM. 

Hope shone immediately after knowing the good news that I wasn't alone. Yeah, the initial thought on not able to find any environmental passionate people in uni daunts me. But things are not as bad as I thought as the journey continues.

I never know that I can meet Jaron in person until Shian Feen, my coursemate cum environmental comrade, who asked me to accompany her to meet him for a recycling project she wanted to do back in first year. From then onward, we begin to know each other and became partner in waste management. 

At the same time, the adrenaline driven me and Shian Feen also joined UMCares. UMCares is now 6 years old, and it was 2011 when I first joined. It's amazing to see how it grows from nothing, nothing, nothing to something, something and more thing. It's touching to see UMCares family grows when it first started from Dr Zeeda, Teha, Hariz and Chai Ming. It's blissful to have UMCares as strong environmental platform for young people like us to drive our initiative and I am very grateful to be part of UMCares. 

From its first engagement with residential college by establishing UMCares squad to the now growing number of flagships program, holistically covering on water, waste and biodiversity and also, the merger between community and environment. From having a small office in Department of Science and Technology to establishing their very own Green Office, well-equipped with solar panel, energy saving light, green wall and also cabinet made out of recycled wood.

UMCares Community Summit and Exchange this year has showcased that UMCares really walks the talk.

On the first day, we touched on community work like for example, establishing Kelab Sahabat UM Network with schools in the vicinity of UM in which those schools are giving opportunity to access to UM facilities and expertise;

Then we had kids from Kelab Alami, presenting to all of us the knowledge they have on mangrove conservation; it was impressive because at the age of 10, these kids already know what are Avicennia, Bruguire and other mangrove species names.

Besides that we have Yayasan Chow Kit and Madrasah Hashimiah which both are looking into the welfare of refugees from Mynmar, and just to share a new info with you on what I have learned from yesterday’s presentation, is that KL has been recorded to have the most number of refugee in the world and the figure we are talking is 200,000 of them.

As for the second day, the whole day is dedicated for student to present initiatives they have done in their campus. We have student all the way from Manila, Philippine, who educate community on disaster’s mitigation action, student from USM, Penang who shared with us his experience in engaging the community on dugong and seagrass and last but not least our own students who talk about their initiative on beverage carton recycling and also on disabled students’ welfare.

The summit and exchange also cover the aspect on sustainable lifestyle in which we have panelists that encourage urban farming, cycling, green office and also wellness. And lastly, the Environment Summit holistically highlight greening and biodiversity, waste management, energy efficiency as well as water conservation and revival.

UMCares has done so much for the past 6 years, and seeing it grows while taking baby steps, shielding itself strongly from hurricane of rejection, condemnation and failure really touch my heart. Now we have two great ladies: Dr Zeeda and Dr Serina ensuring that the organization to be on the right track and also, various support from top management especially the Vice Chancellor come pouring in. 

It's November 2014 now; two more months before I leave the campus. My sincere hope that this organization can continue to flourish and more of our graduates can use this platform wisely.

Without UMCares, 

- I won't be able to lead environmental initiative in my own residential college,

- I won't be emceeing for MoU Signing, River of Life Technical Talk and UMCares Community Exchange and Summit 2014; 

- I won't be organizing EcoExplorace 2014 and E-waste, Beverage Carton and Unused Medication Collection Drive;

- I won't be awarded with UMCares Squad Idol (Challenge Trophy) 2013, UMCares Inspirational Apprentice Award 2013 and the latest, UMCares Sustainability Star Award 2014;

- I won't be able to represent UM, Malaysia to China for Asian Student Environment Platform 2014;
- I won't be able to deduce my own secret recipe of success which is "Will (willingness) + Belief" - to what extent are you willing to sacrifice, going through red tapes and strive for what you believe is right to do.

Thank you UMCares.

Yeah I was presenting on my Green Journey in UM.

During the Q & A session.

Prof Suresh, from Faculty of Medicine, an advocate for social welfare highlights on how our external world is a reflection of our internal world. His speech was the most hilarious yet inspiring one. He said that the moment we start to care for people who we don't know, that's the time we get most enlightenment.

Great to have my girls with me too! - Shian Feen (right) and Chee Jing (middle).

With Hariz and Amalina.

This UMCares Sustainabilty Star Award 2014 award giving was an awkward one when I had to ran all the way to the corner to take off my blazer before putting on the UMCares grey blazer that they presented to me.

With me is Datin McCoy, an inspiring woman who was the key person in Agenda 21 implementation and had been instrumental in Malaysia's involvement in Rio 21 with Environmental Protection Society of Malaysia.

My dearest emcee partner, Ateen, whose emceeing skills are aamzing! - eloquent and natural.

Great people who protects the welfare of Orang Asli and Orang Asal (Borneo). The one on the right is Mr Rahman who can blow flute using his nose! Imagine what other things that come out if we blow using our nose instead!

Water warrior - Affan and Asiah and Qassim.

And last but not least, fantastic Dr Serina Rahman.

Thanks for the meaningful blazer!

Lynas Visit

November 8, 2014. Interesting and historical day in my life for being able to visit the infamous and controversial Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP). To be honest, the word “Lynas” really sends shiver down my spine for the processing factory involves rare earth, which rumour has it that it is high in radioactive. Well, that’s the perception embedded in most of the Malaysians (including me, but not any more after today’s visit) by the media.

For those who are oblivion on what is happening in my country regarding rare earth issue, here’s an explanation on what is it about:

What Are Rare Earth (RE) and What Is It For?

·         RE – a group of element with unique properties;

·         Demand for RE increases with demand of green technology;

·         Why? Because it has been widely used in:

> Energy efficient lighting – LED light

> Oil and gas – as addictive to increase efficiency        

> Automobile – catalytic converter is coated with RE in order to filter hazardous gas emission.

> Mobile phone – iPhone contains 16 RE but it does not convey that the phone itself largely comprises of rare earth. It just merely depicts sugar and salt like in our daily food – material added to enhance something

> Eyewear – interestingly, in our grandfather’s era, their eyewear is literally made of glass; break once dropped. Also, when the glasses are viewed under microscope, large pores can be seen and consequently, molds are trapped in between. To overcome these drawbacks, rare earth elements are used to make Perspex-like glasses and also to polish the glass surface until the pore size becomes smaller than dust particles. As such, our spectacles now are more durable and clear without speck of mold.

·         Basically, things are getting smaller and efficient with the incorporation of RE into products. For instance, the conventional magnet is used in the motor, which is the size of a brick, to recline car seat. Now with the existence of RE, the motor is now of thumb size only because of the creation of Super Magnet which is 15 times more effective. Fundamentally, when the size of motor has been reduced drastically, the weight of a car also decreases, which then lesser petrol is needed in the car.

·         Basic concept on RE is that it is everywhere on Earth. Today if you dig some soil, you may find some RE, but it may not be in large quantity. Furthermore, it is not harmful to you as it is in small amount.

Fact on Radiation

·         Everywhere around us has radiation. Just look at the gadgets that you own: laptop, smartphone, watch, television, radio and food like banana (contain potassium) emit radiation. Fortunately, we are unharmed because it is of small amount.

            

      The Issue

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Primarily, Lynas Corporation Ltd is based in Mount Weld, Australia. At Mount Weld, RE, specifically Lanthanide ore is mined, crushed and concentrated*. The by-product is then transported to Gebeng in Pahang State for further processes: cracking, leaching, separation, neutralization and product finishing.

*Lantanide ore is concentrated by making it wet so as to ease transportation and prevent the dust from flying all over the place.

The main issue here is the public reaction towards the embarkation of a rare earth processing plant in Malaysia.

Protest and incessant chanting on “Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBY) motive by the people staying near the plant area; hullabaloo and defamation by certain individuals in social media (undoubtedly on their own hidden agenda) on Lynas; widespread of nauseating photos showing effect of radiation; updates on Lynas activities splashed in the tabloid every now and then; NGOs and individuals gathering to sign petition – were what had basically happened in the year 2012 when the news on construction of LAMP erupted.

After several unfortunate issues such as: the nuclear bombing during war time in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan and Fukushima Daiichii nuclear disaster, public has lost confident over the reliability of nuclear energy. To add salt on wound, 20 years ago, Malaysia had a rare earth plant in a state called Perak which the radiation level had been found to be high and unsafe. Therefore, many were strongly against their operation and it was ultimately closed down.

Why and How Did Gebeng, Pahang got selected?

1. Reason on why they would not want to build a processing plant in Australia is because of the high cost and volatility of market. Huge investment is needed and at that point, they were uncertain on the risk and also the inadequacy of infrastructure and resource like water. For instance, Pahang state government only charged RM0.86/cm³ while in Australia, RM6.00/cm³ is incurred.
2. Besides, human resource in Australia particularly the profession in engineering is lacking. Most of the young prefer to be the next chef, artist than engineer.
3. Initially they considered China. But due to the market monopoly by China, they reject.
4. Two countries were considered: Malaysia and Vietnam. Ultimately, Malaysia was selected in 2006 during the leadership of Former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Badawi. Initially, Kemaman, Kelantan is chosen for the construction of the plant. All legal documentation like Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and consent from appropriate authorities had been obtained. But due to some land ownership matter, the project did not happen. Gebeng Industrial Park in Pahang was then selected after they found that it was a strategic area. They then repeated the whole procedure of making EIA document and in fact, provided more documents than required to Department of Environment (DOE).

How Reliable Is The Safety and Management of This Rare Earth Processing Plant?

1. They are accredited with world-class certifications by Bureau Veritas:
   > OHSAS 18001:2007
   > ISO 14001:2004> ISO 9001:2008   
2. Dose to public from LAMP (at LAMP fence) from radon and thoron inhalation is 0.002mSv (500x lower than Permissible Dose Limit for public).
3. Basically, radiation dose to the lungs from smoking a packet of cigarette a day/year is 150mSv, 75000x higher than LAMP
4. In fact, international standard  for permissible dose limit is less than 5mSv while in Malaysia, it is less than 1mSv. Lynas pretty much has achieved the low limit.
5. Basically, Lynas residues are temporarily stored in specially engineered residual storage facilities (RSF) before conversion into safe commercial products like fertilizer and component in tar road material.
6. Lynas operates at atmospheric pressure and don't involve explosive or highly flammable material as compared to oil and gas industry in the vicinity of Gebeng.

Here's from me

It's a dilemma when we know that green technology which deemed to be the solution to myriad of human destruction on environment, turns up to also destruct environment in another way. 

In order to create prevent car exhaust from releasing hazardous gas to the air, we need catalytic converter, which the filter must contain rare earth element.

In order to merge the functions of computer into smartphone, which the latter reduces more energy consumption compared to the former, you need to have rare earth element.

In order to produce energy efficient and power saving light, you need to have rare earth element.

I understand the perspective of the country that bringing in Lynas is a great business opportunity because in the long run, the demand for rare earth will be equivalent to the demand for human to survive longer. From the perspective of sustainability, we look into three elements: social, economy and environment. Presence of rare earth (environment) processing factory will increase country's revenue (economy) and at the same time, provide job opportunity and prevent brain drain (social). 

Understanding that this is anthropocentrism, and as long as I am a human, I can't run away from the vicious cycle. As an environmentalist, I don't at all condemn development and technology, we just condemn someone overdo it and make the whole situation irreversible. Same goes to you Mr Lynas, you can continue your operation and what not, but please instill sense of responsibility in every each of the workers. Our concern is not on the technology, but human's laxity. Our concern is not for human only, but at least don forget to dress Mother Nature with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) just like how you emphasize your people in the factory to wear it.

Coursemate and I always think that moderation is the key. Just like how indigenous people live. They see themselves as one of the components of ecosystem; they take what they need and they ensure that they return it; environment and man are not at all a separate entity.

What Lynas has just presented to us is just from one perspective; I already been half convinced by their confidence. It reminds me of Lynas Protest 2.0 that I went in 2012. Why did I go? Frankly, the only few reasons I could squeeze out was just because I wanted to experience what's demonstration and protest were all about; what's been stung by tear gas was all about; what's running away from police and nonsensical fighting were all about.

But seriously? Protest is solution? Asked the uncountable number of crowd on why they protest, I think most will just say that they wanna follow the trend or claim that Lynas is harmful. Question is how knowledgeable and informative are you to say that Lynas is harmful? How true is true on what our green leaders said to us? How genuine are those photos posted in social media - at least no photoshop? 

It was a one-way communication. Our brain is hacked by certain parties:

Opposition of Lynas : "Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas"
Proponent of Lynas : We promote Zero Harm and radiation is as low as 0.002mSv!

At the end of the day, all these are in my Keep-in-View mind. I'll remain neutral or at least talk fact with you, (like serious fact from scientific research) or renew my judgement if I get a chance to work in Lynas.

A definitely worth long journey to Gebeng, Pahang.

Catalytic converter installed in car. At the top is the filter which contains rare earth that I am talking about.

A comparison of radiation exposure from other things with Lynas plant.

A stream outside of Lynas plant, as a biological indicator of their wastewater treatment.

Losing Flexibility

Jogging never fails to relieve my pain. Yesterday's run was tough. When the sky turned dark in the midst of the jog and every thing seemed like no U-turn except to continue the path with much pant, with much tears, with throbbing mind. 

All this frustration and hatred I have for myself, scary how I see it sucking my soul, energy and then slowly, I begin to lose myself. 

What does it mean when you have your own stand? 

What does it mean that you just want to stick to it? 

What does it mean to have own policy/view on how life works? 

What is it mean to just be yourself, not losing yourself yet do not go overboard by turning into egoist? 

What does it mean when one should be open-minded?
What does it mean when one should continue believing what she initially/naively hold on to?

Ramble on Education

Crazy day.

In the morning, as I was preparing for Environmental Ethic test, my mind was agitated and it didn't want to concentrate at all. While I was aware that time was at stake - for it was a last minute study after hectic days running E-waste, Beverage Carton and Unused Medication Collection Drive and managing Night Walk activity in conjunction with Biodiversity Week - part of my grey matter started to dispute over the current education system in Malaysia and consequently, shrieking loudly at the top of my lungs on my dissatisfaction on the poor way that we were being "groomed".

The fact that I found it hard to pay fathom on my revision might be due to way the knowledge was transferred. See, one should not teach the same model of thinking to all students because our understanding capacity and creativity differ from each other. Instead of telling us what is A and B, one should let us evaluate what is A and B after giving us introduction on what both things are. Well, that's the way I see how ethic should be taught. I appreciate how my lecturer created a debate avenue for us over a topic using the environmental theory that we were introduced. That would be more engaging and meaningful. I totally agree on that.

But beyond that teaching method, could there be anybetter option? Why I questioned this was because after being taught in class and did self-revision, I still found certain terms and phrases to be rather confusing. I questioned myself could it be my own low intelligence level that obstruct me from understanding a matter? I've got no answer to that as I am not  the only one who faces the same problem. I believe that no one is stupid; it's how we are taught/trained/exposed that differ us from stupidity. I have not been to oversea and taste their way of educating the people. Thus, I am unable to tell what should be changed in our current education system.

It does spells a difference seeing our neighbouring country's university like NUS ranked 22 in QS World University Ranking system while none of Malaysia's university make it to top 100. By reflecting on condition of our hostel room, many stories can be told on how much the government cares about our welfare. Not that I am yearning for air-conditioned room or what not, but at least not a skin-peeling wall. It's just like you are holding a rotten durian while claiming that Malaysia produces the best durian in Asia. Dare you say that?

Anyway, this debate has been in my mind ever since first year when we had to answer 100 objective questions for biology subject in final exam. Seriously? Do you literally think that such testing method on our excellence is genuine and credible? Of course not. We were just a group of photocopy machine, replicating what we half-heartedly memorize into that white sheet followed by a CTRL + DELETE button in our own brain software the moment we stepped out of exam hall.

Every now and then, I am just hoping that our "dearest leaders" out there to stop squabble over unnecessary matter particularly on race and religion. Address imperative matter proactively. If you want the nation to improve, it is not by increasing more palm oil plantation; if you want to stop brain drain, it is not by alluring those gems in oversea with big cars, houses and what not. All you have to do is improve your human resource by changing the education system.

This is just my two-cent on education. No offence to anyone who is reading this. At the end of the day, the test was cancelled. Great, I hope to find more time to think critically on the subject.

Bold to be Bald

Okay call me a crap or what, but getting bald has always been my dream. It gives me an opportunity to experience hair growth that I missed out when I was a baby. Nevertheless, I am extremely happy that my secondary school mate, Chiew Teng, shares similar dream as me.

She vows to shave her head bald if she managed to raise fund up to RM15,000! This money will then be used to support Epic Home initiative in building home for the needy. Such a noble cause.

Please support her and help the needy. While you have a roof above your head, think about those who don't.

To donate, click link.

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Every day, there are 12,322 families who live in unsafe housing in Peninsular Malaysia. I'm going to change that!

Project HOME: Help Out. Miracles Exist

Because everyone deserves a HOME.

Hi everyone, I am Ang Chiew Teng, aged 22 and I am currently a student in Taylor's University pursuing Biomedical Science degree.

I am here to raise funds to build a home for the homeless.

I am here because I care for the community and I really want to do something for them.

A simple wooden house which can accommodate a family of 4-5 costs about RM40k, and my team and I are still far behind our target. Therefore, I pledge to shave my head, if I can hit the target of raising RM 15, 000 in line with the Anything4HOME challenge by Taylor's University Community Service Initiatives (CSI).

This may sound crazy to you and especially to all my friends who would know how much I treasure my hair.

I am not smart in raising money, nor do I know about trading or investing to double the money, therefore, what I am left with is the things that I can offer, and this is my pledge that I am willing to trade in just to build a home for the homeless people. I hope, you will support my cause, pay it forward and also be blessed in return. If you cannot afford to donate then please share this link to your friends and relatives because we really need help in reaching out to more people as every little effort helps us in reaching our goal.

My challenge would be:

First RM 5,000 raised - I will have my hair cut to shoulder length and the 8 to 9 inches ponytail will be donated to the National Cancer Society, Malaysia to make a wig for the cancer patients.

RM 10,000 raised - I will have a boy-cut.

RM 15,000 - I will shave all my hair and be bald.

All my hair will be donated to the cancer patients via National Cancer Society under Locks of Hope campaign, so it is not just about hair-cutting and building home.

Join me in my challenge too! Like few of my friends who have promised to go bald with me if I can get RM15k.

Please support us. Spread the kindness. Good day to you and thank you for your time at this. :)

Come On, Cousin

Watched Come On, Cousin, a TVB drama in Astro On Demand yesterday before sleep.

It was a comedy starred by two prominent actors: Kwok Chun On and Wong Cho Lam. Hahaha I don't really watch drama but this captivated me because Kwok played a role as a environment activist against Wong, spoiled brat who exploits his wealth and power.

Kwok Chun On's image just made me laugh out loud - with his long hair curtaining his forehead, swinging every now and then, while uttering bullet-fast environmental facts. Hahaha...

Should watch this and see how the director portrays the clash between green people and business tycoon. LOL!

Mid-sem break

It's mid-sem break! Yay! Holiday mood is really turned on this time compared to the past few mid-sem break because I was always occupied with events management and the holiday is the only time to sort things out, mobilize people to do work, etc etc. Currently I am still into that similar routine, but thank God, it's less intensive.

Feeling more relaxed and squandered my time every now and then. Well, I need to get disciplined asap, else "Penyakit Malas" will infect me.

Here's a To Do List:

1) Future planning
2) Practice keyboard
3) Learn about plant
4) Ecology report
5) Revise Ethic course for test

The list can go on and on and on because in life there is just too much of distraction and at times, you have the misconception that it is important and no way that you should miss that learning opportunity. But think again, what you do should be coherent to your own ultimate goal. Constantly remind yourself of you what you want would certainly guide you better. Cheers!

Night Walk and Birding at Genting

I never know that there are so much eco activity that can be done in Genting until attending this Herping and Birding event organized by MNS.

You might not heard of the word "herp" before and in fact, you wouldn't be able to find this word in dictionary. Herp is actually a short form of herpetofauna, and this word is referring to amphibians and reptiles. 

It was raining cats and dogs in Genting but luckily it slowed at night. According to Steven, the event organizer, such weather is very suitable for herping activity as frogs will be more conspicuous. Shivering under the thick sweater, layered with colourful ponchos, the frost biting weather did not stop our trailblazing night. Everyone was excited to hunt for elusive frogs and reptiles in the pitch black trail.

Armed with his sharp eyes and alertness, Steven spotted a few frogs species near a small pond just when we were about to start. His passion for herp really impressed me for he can tell the scientific names and distinctive features of the herps like how we recognize our friends' name and characteristics.

In total, we saw 13 frogs. They were

Dark-sided Chorus Frog - Microhyla heymonsi
Common Grass Frog - Fejervarya limnocharis
Four Linned Tree Frog - Polypedates leucomystax
Saffron Bellied Frog - Chaperina fusca
Malesian Frog - Limnonectes malesianus
Giant River Frog - Limnonectes blythii
Corrugated Frog - Limnonectes laticeps
Long Legged Horned Frog - Xenophrys longipes
Perak Horned Frog - Xenophrys aceras
Poison Rock Frog - Odorrana hosii
Banjaran Frog - Hylarana banjarana
Malayan Gliding Frog - Rhacophorus prominanus
Amolops larutensis - Amolops larutensis

I learned that it was not that difficult to find one as long as you keep an eye on moist area. Apparently, photographers are able to capture vivid photos of this fauna by simply glaring the torchlight to their eyes to freeze their movement. It was also eye-opening to know about various interesting frog names and each of it is very related to their features. I also gained experience in holding a frog in a proper way. It felt so surreal to be able to feel its sticky body clasping on my fingers and heart beating against my skin! =)

Corrugated Frog - Limnonectes laticeps

Long Legged Horned Frog - Xenophrys longipes

Poison Rock Frog - Odorrana hosii

Perak Horned Frog - Xenophrys aceras

We were also lucky to spot two interesting lizards:

Marbled Bent Toed Gecko - Cyrtodactylus quadrivirgatus
Southern Titiwangsa Bent-Toed Gecko - Cyrtodactylus australotitiwangsaensis (photo below)

And snakes! 

Common Mock Viper - Psammodynastes pictus (photo below)

This is a non-venomous snake which would pretend to be like a viper when it feels like being threatened. We found it in the male toilet by coincidence! 

Now this is the real viper! Viper was what we targeted to see and we were so lucky to spot it last minute before call it a night! What was even more amazing was that the viper was eating a frog! Yum yum!

Siamese Pit Viper - Trimeresurus fucatus (feeding on a R. prominanus!)

Pink Headed Reed Snake - Calamaria schlegeli

The next morning, we were honoured to have a bunch bird experts to guide us on bird watching.

These bird amateurs are real no joke.

Picture tells a thousand word.

More photos on the next update!



Photos courtesy of Henry Goh (MNS president), Boon Peng and Whei Li. 

Russelia equisetiformis

Read about this particular plant in the newspaper and decided to document it! I've seen this before but I cannot recall where and of what occasion. Anyway, let's get to know about Russelia equisetiformis.

Background of the Plant

1) Common name: Russelia letup-letup (Malay)

                               Prathat Chine (Thai)

                               Coral Water Fall
                               Coral Bush

                               Coral Fountain
                               Firecracker Fern

2) Native: Mexico

3) Member of figwort family, Scrophulariaceae 

4) Genues name (Russelia) comes from Scottish naturalist and physician, Alexander Russell
    Species name (equisetiformis) means "like Equisetum", as the plant has the same form as Horsetail 

    plant, Equisetum

5) Plant also resembles firecrackers 

6) Flower colour: bright red, creamy yellow, pale pink 

7) Seeds are tiny and inconspicuous 

8) Fast growing, multi-branching

9) Its long and slender angular stems grow out arching first and then gracefully cascade down to form a mound

10) Leaves are scale-like in shape - too small to be notice

Functions

1) As a decoration (ornamental value)

2) Medicinal purpose: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial

3) In Nigeria, traditional healers use it to treat diabetes, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

4) Methanol extract from plant promotes hair growth;

    Extract from leaves and stems are used to make soaps and bath products.

5) Landscape use: good choice for an informal or unclipped hedge. When there is wind, the wiry branches will way but they will not break. They create much desired movement in the hot garden for a breezy effect.  

Plant Care 

1) Grow in full sun or partial sun patches in well-draining, rich soil. 

2) Keep plant hydrated and don't let soil dry out.

3) Once established, the bush has a weedy side. When the stems touch the ground, they will take root quickly. To prevent this, cut back every now and then to keep it looking fresh and neat. 

4) You can deadhead plant to stop unwanted seedlings production.

5) Feed regularly with organic goat fertilizer or any balanced liquid fertilizer.

6) Can be easily propagated using its stem cuttings of about 12cm long. Insert about halt the length of the cutting into some damp clean crumbly soil.

EcoExplorace 2014

EcoExplorace 2014 is an annual environmental event held by Environmental Science and Management Club (SPAS Club) supported by Environmental Secretariat of University of Malaya (UMCares).

This race has a concept similar to treasure hunt. As the President SPAS Club, Director of EcoExplorace 2014 and Tunza Eco-Generation Malaysia ambassador, I have taken the initiative to lead this project with the following objectives:

a) Promote environmental learning through fun way;
b) Provide a platform for avid participants to explore the environmental side of University of Malaya;
c) Promote sustainable lifestyle through the activities conducted in each checkpoint.

There are 3 main tasks that participants will have to complete. 

The first one is named as Fun Learning in which participants will have to complete tasks in 6 checkpoints in order to collect points. It is my utmost gratitude that this section has been well-planned in a way that the participants gain opportunity to visit various hidden gems around UM.

Checkpoint 1: UMCrops Urban Farm
Game name: Urban Farmer
Objective: Some of the citizens have misconception on farming as a practice only suitable in rural areas as well as obsolete and impractical to do it in a city. Well, UMCrops Urban Farm is a successful example that organic farming can be done in concrete jungle. It is an initiative started by UMCares under a flagship program called UMCrops. In fact, everyone should consider adopting green fingers and produce your own food when the agriculture industry is getting nastier with excessive usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. So in this checkpoint, participants had hands-on experience in making own organic fertilizer as well as harvesting kangkung (spinach).

Checkpoint 2: Stream of Life
Game name: Citizen Scientist
Objective: Contestants will learn the technique on monitoring water quality of a river using a simple testing kit. We want them to know that each and every one of us can be a scientist regardless of whether you are from science stream or not, so long you are able to study/investigate an environmental problem using any method. This can then drive a person to take further action in environmental protection such as reporting to the authority on river pollution or maybe embark on a community project.

Checkpoint 3: Sastera Court
Game name: Recycling Maniac
Objective: The aim of this game is to teach them a skill in distinguishing recyclables and non-recyclables item. Do not be shock that is not even aware that electronic waste can be recycled!

Checkpoint 4: Tasek Varsity (Varsity Lake)
Game name: Water Conservationist
Objective: In regards of latest water crisis in Malaysia, we want to instill awareness on participant that every drop counts. As such, in the game, they are required to maximize the amount of water collected while transferring it from one place to another.

Checkpoint 5: Zero Waste Campaign Site (ZWC)
Game name: Recycling Selfie + Fear Factor
Objective: Majority of us is not aware that beverage carton can actually be recycled into roofing tiles. In this station, in regards to achieve zero waste status in UM, participants will have to recycle the beverage carton in correct way by practicing 3Fs: flip, flap and flat. Read here to know more. Besides, UMCares under the flagship program of ZWC has long initiated composting project in which food waste from cafeteria is collected and turned into compost/soil conditioner for UM landscaping purpose. Participant will learn new information on the process of composting by looking for the clues hidden inside the compost!

Checkpoint 6: Rimba Ilmu Botanical Garden
Game name: Now You See Me
Objective: For your information, UM was once a large forested area and due to its construction, trees were chopped off, remaining what is witnessed today as Rimba Ilmu. It is magnificent how UM’s Rimba Ilmu Botanical Garden is a house to diverse plants and animals species and in fact, various exclusive species that can only be found here! Thus, we would like to take this opportunity to let participants explore the jungle, by looking for particular plant species.

The second task of this race is called Voice Action. We assign participants to spread 10 awareness sheets to the public because we do not want their environmental learning to stop within themselves but also to reach out to more people.  We believe that awareness without action is equaled to zero. Thus, we hope to inculcate this sense of responsibility in them.

And lastly, we enhance the participant’s learning by conducting a quiz session with them in our final section called UM Eco Ace. Our aim is to embed the environmental knowledge in all of them.


Do you know that drink packs can be recycled into roofing tiles?

A drink packs are 75% paper, 20% plastic, 5% aluminium and 100% recyclable. The plastic and aluminium layers can be extracted and recycled into roofing tile.

Tetrapak has an initiative called the Careton Project in which beverage cartons are collected to make roof for Orang Asli home and it is an honour for us to host the launching of UM Beverage Carton Recycling in our EcoExplorace 2014 closing ceremony.

Following that, we had our prize giving ceremony in which the champion, 1st runner up and 2nd runner up receive cash prize of RM300, RM200 and RM100. Besides, 4th placing tied with the 5th and so, each group received a mini hamper. All of the participants also received certificate of participation and goodies bag containing items from UMCares (main sponsor) and Tunza Eco-Generation.

Tied winner

Tied winner

2nd Runner Up

1st Runner Up

Champion

I dare to say that this explorace is different and more innovative than any other as it is special in various ways:

1) The awareness sheets are printed on used paper so as to maximize the usage of paper as well as reducing demand on new paper;

2) Participants are encouraged to take shuttle bus or carpool throughout the race;

3) Each participant group bears the name of endangered flora and fauna in Malaysia so as to increase their attention towards conservation and protection work

Malayan tiger, sun bear, sea turtle, pitcher, tapir, orang utan, Asian elephant, leopard, rafflesia and many more
4) Meatless lunch is served so as to promote sustainable lifestyle as well as reducing one’s carbon footprint on Earth

Do you know that high demand on beef can result in global warming? This is because as cow farts, it releases methane gas, a type of gas four times more harmful than carbon dioxide!

Cheers!