Taylor’s University recently lifted the curtain on their new Taylor’s Urban Farm (TUF) at its Lakeside Campus.
The one-acre urban green space allows students and staff to actively engage in innovative research, development, and entrepreneurial ventures focused on food security, sustainability, and technology. TUF was also launched to inspire and encourage its community to be drivers of change within the food system, a major component of the Food Security and Nutrition Impact Lab at Taylor’s.
Houses over 20 types of vegetables, fruits, and herbs
There are 3 distinct planting systems found in the farm which are divided into vertical towers, grow beds, and autopots.
The urban farm also implemented a closed-loop system that reduces dependence on external inputs and strengthens the nutrient cycle through recycling the water used for growing plants. It minimises runoff materials such as pesticides and fertilisers from contaminating groundwater and surface water sources, unlike traditional farming.
The system is semi-automated through the use of the precise Internet of Things (IoT) Nido One system which can automatically control and detect several factors in a hydroponic growing system such as:
pH level of the water
nutrient solution
climatic parameters such as temperature and humidity
Annually, the farm has the capacity to grow and harvest a total output of over 4000 kg worth of fresh, organic, and pesticide-free produce.
Playing a part to improve the overall nutrition and sustainability of Malaysia’s food supply by 2030
“The technology and innovations available as well as our commitment to purpose-led learning, coupled with the multidisciplinary collaboration within our institution, puts us in a prime position to become a key player in the cultivation, amplification, and facilitation of debates and activism that can influence change to the food systems,” said Professor Dr Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer at Taylor’s University.
Students will gain practical knowledge in sustainable urban farming practices
Associate Professor Dr Phelim Yong, Head of the School of Biosciences, envisions TUF as a multidisciplinary living lab that will benefit both the university's staff and students, enhancing their food literacy. Moreover, the space is intended to support relevant academic and agricultural research at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, particularly in the cultivation of crops in hydroponic systems.
The significance of the experiential learning opportunities that TUF offers is highlighted through the Minor in Sustainable Urban Farming. Taylor’s is the first private university in Malaysia to offer this study option in which students will be taught several modules in areas such as crop development, production and management through hydroponic systems, sustainable agriculture, and agriculture automation and data management.
80 percent of the produce grown at TUF will be supplied to the university’s academic kitchens
This allows students from Taylor's Culinary Institute and the School of Food Studies and Gastronomy access to a fresh and nutritious supply of vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown within the same campus. This access will enable them to learn about socially conscious green practices, in turn empowering them to create exceptional "farm-to-fork" dining experiences throughout their academic journey and future careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Overall, Taylor’s has introduced 13 Impact Labs where academics, students, and external partners collaborate to deliver solutions that contribute to the community’s shared prosperity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Find out more about the projects under Taylor’s Impact Labs and the institution's commitment to purpose-led learning HERE.
