BINTULU: The AgriSTEM programme implemented at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kampung Baru has borne fruit, as 40 members of the school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Club successfully harvested their very first golden melon yesterday.
The harvest marks a significant milestone for this innovative educational initiative, which integrates STEM with modern agricultural practices.
Launched on February 26, the project involved the cultivation of 200 golden melon plants at the school’s mini farm, under the guidance of Ts Dr Shiamala Devi Ramaiya, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB).
Far more than just a co-curricular activity, the project served as a hands-on learning experience that bridged classroom theory with real-world application.
“This harvest symbolises not only the students’ success in agriculture but also their understanding of scientific knowledge and entrepreneurial skills,” said Dr Shiamala.
Throughout the programme, pupils were exposed to the complete planting process – from media measurement, nutrient management, and soil pH control to manual pollination and the creation of melon-based products such as ice cream and pudding.
This achievement was made possible through the strong support of the school and local community.
The presence of parents and residents during harvest day boosted students’ morale and sparked wider interest in agriculture as a part of daily life.
Headmaster of SK Kampung Baru, Mohamed Khaidir Mohamed Arebi, described AgriSTEM as a transformative programme that has reshaped the way pupils engage with learning.
“This experience adds value to their education – not just understanding concepts but seeing tangible results,” he said.
He also expressed hope that AgriSTEM would be expanded further, with a second planting cycle expected to begin soon as a continuation of the learning journey.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the SK Kampung Baru Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Sikong Lusek, voiced full support for the initiative, viewing it as an excellent platform to nurture students who are not only STEM-literate but also poised to become future leaders in the agrotechnology industry.
This achievement stands as proof that holistic, practical education can shape a generation that is innovative, competitive, and vital to the nation’s development.
