SERDANG, Sept 17 - A total of 124 Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students from around Malaysia and Brunei participated in the Forestry Camp 2021 (KH2021) through the Zoom application from September 6 to 17.
The ‘Forestry Camp 2021: Dynamic, Strong, Digital’ was designed to introduce new students from different academic backgrounds to the basic theory and skills of forestry; develop soft skills such as communication skills, social responsibility, professionalism and leadership.
It also aimed to inculcate teaching and learning practices (T&L) that are focused on the learning outcomes and concept of fun learning guided by the practice of Context-based Learning, Student-Centred Learning and Experiential Learning using a modular approach.
The camp is an annual programme organised by the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (FPAS), UPM. It is also a compulsory course for students from the Bachelor of Forestry Science (BSH), Bachelor of Parks and Recreation Science (BSTR) and Bachelor of Wood Science and Technology (BSTK), FPAS, UPM.
Each year, the camp is held at the Sultan Idris Shah Forestry Education Centre (SISFEC), Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Puchong, Selangor. However, this year it was held virtually due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), and the move is known to be the first of its kind in the world.
The closing ceremony of the programme was officiated by Professor. Dr. Ir. B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), UPM, attended by the Forestry Camp 2021 partnering and sponsoring agencies as the guests of honour.
The programme had received cooperation from Malaysia Timber Council (MTC), UNESCO-IHP, Bayou Lagoon Park Resort Melaka, National Water Services Commission (SPAN), Sarawak DUN, Skytrex Adventure Sungai Congkak, Sawarak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Taiping Zoo and Night Safari, Argan Azalea Resources, Bangi Wonderland Theme park and Resort, Eclipse Green Sdn. Bhd., The Nest@ MAEPS, Mahseer Chalet, FJ Group, Habbul Enterprise, Malaysian Arborist Association (PArM), Malaysia Timber Certification Council (MTCC), Placestogo, Raintree Arborist Sdn. Bhd. and Core Outdoor and Tactical.
Four modules, namely the Forest Survival Module, consisting of Campground Preparation, Leave No Trace, Culinary in the Wild Module and Emergency First Aid, and three other academic modules, were used to achieve the programme's goals.
The academic modules consisted of the Forest Ecosystem Module: Forest Plant Composition and Climate Function, Composition and Importance of Wildlife Module, Water Tale Module: From Cloud to Cup (in collaboration with SPAN and UNESCO-IHP), Inspirational Forest Gems Module (in collaboration with MTC) and Development Plan Module of a Recreation and Ecotourism Centre (in collaboration with the Sarawak Assemblymen and Argan Azalea Resources).
The module competition prizes were fully sponsored by KH2021 partners and sponsors.
All the modules were conducted by the academic and non-academic staff of FPAS, UPM.
Forestry-related content was also disseminated in a webinar where speakers were from the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM), MACC, MTCC, UPM Counselling Division, UPM Teaching Hospital (HPUPM) and Forestry Camp Alumni who were previously crowned as Rimbawan and Rimbawati.
Among the awards presented at the closing ceremony were the KH2021 Rimbawan and Rimbawati Awards and KH2021 Best Group Award. – UPM
