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Recently, the School of Computing (SoC) and the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Engineering (APCORE) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised a hands-on microgreen training session, featuring Dato’ Kalaimohan Somu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DK Assets Group Berhad and Sri Chakra Agro Enterprise. 

Led by Dr Adeline Sneha John Chrisastum (Senior Lecturer, SoC at APU), Ts Dr Arun Seeralan (Assistant Professor, School of Engineering at APU), and Ts Suresh Gobee (Senior Lecturer and Head of APCORE, School of Engineering at APU), the training provided students 

with an opportunity to gain practical exposure to sustainable cultivation, while exploring the potential of technology in modern agriculture.

Connecting AI and Engineering with Smart Agriculture

The training commenced with an introduction to microgreen cultivation, where Dato’ Kalaimohan introduced students to its fundamentals; providing them with a better understanding of how growing conditions, plant development, and cultivation practices contribute to healthy plant growth. 

Through their exposure to microgreen cultivation, students were able to consider how visual and data-based technologies could potentially support the monitoring of plant growth and development, while relating their technical knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges. 

Additionally, it enabled students to consider how artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering can be applied to address genuine agricultural needs; developing their understanding of how technology-based solutions can be designed around real-world applications.

Exploring Microgreen Cultivation

During the practical session at APU’s AGRHI Technology Hub, Dato’ Kalaimohan introduced students to microgreens as young edible plants harvested during their early stages of growth, 

while sharing practical knowledge on cultivation techniques, growing conditions, and their relevance to urban farming and sustainable food production. 

The hands-on activities exposed students to the practical considerations involved in plant care; including growing conditions, regular monitoring, and responsible resource management. 

On top of that, the experience allowed students to relate their technical knowledge to real-world challenges in agriculture and food production; considering how their skills could be applied to address practical needs within the sector. 

Learning through Sustainable Agriculture

Overall, the training enabled students to gain practical exposure to sustainable agriculture, while developing a better understanding of its connection with AI and engineering. 

Through this experiential learning opportunity connected to APU’s AGRHI Technology Hub, students broadened their understanding of how emerging technologies can be applied alongside sustainable agricultural practices to address real-world challenges.