Yayasan JCorp Expands Smart Farming Initiative with Eight Greenhouse at SMK Tasek Utara

Yayasan Johor Corporation (Yayasan JCorp) has launched its eighth Smart Farming Greenhouse at SMK Tasek Utara, Johor Bahru, marking another milestone in its efforts to strengthen STEM education and sustainability awareness among students across Johor.

Implemented by Yayasan JCorp in collaboration with the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), the Smart Farming Greenhouse is supported by Johor Plantations Group Berhad (JPG) and Waqaf An-Nur. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening STEM education while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among students.

Beyond serving as a STEM learning facility, the greenhouse also provides schools with opportunities to generate income through the sale of harvested produce. Participating schools are able to earn close to RM1,000 from each harvest cycle, with proceeds channelled towards student activities and the continued upkeep of the greenhouse. Students cultivate a variety of leafy vegetables, including pak choy and salad greens, while gaining hands-on experience in modern farming techniques, crop management and entrepreneurship.

The greenhouse was established under the Sustainable School – STEM Programme at SMK Tasek Utara, a Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ). The facility serves as a practical learning space where students can apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts through hands-on agricultural activities.

Equipped with Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technology, the greenhouse allows students to monitor temperature, humidity, irrigation systems and plant growth in real time. Through this exposure, students gain valuable insights into modern agricultural practices, data-driven decision-making and sustainable food production.

The Smart Farming Greenhouse Programme now reaches schools across Johor, including Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat and Segamat. The continued expansion reflects the foundation’s commitment to broadening access to innovative STEM learning opportunities throughout the state. The initiative is part of Yayasan JCorp’s broader efforts to nurture environmentally conscious and future-ready learners through experiential learning.

Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan JCorp, Dato’ Mizan Yahya, said the initiative aims to cultivate greater awareness of food security while equipping students with future-ready skills.

“Food security is becoming an increasingly important global issue, and it is crucial that our young people understand where food comes from and how it can be produced sustainably. Through the Smart Farming Greenhouse, students gain first-hand exposure to the technologies and innovations shaping the future of agriculture,” he added.

“More importantly, they learn valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and data analysis, which are essential for success in an increasingly technology-driven world,” he added.

“Beyond the greenhouse, we hope to inspire students to become changemakers who will contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and food-secure future.”

Students participating in the programme are involved throughout the cultivation process, from seed germination and planting to harvesting and monitoring crop performance. The initiative also supports project-based learning and entrepreneurship activities, enabling students to develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills while gaining practical experience.

Johor Plantations Group contributes agricultural expertise and technical guidance to support the operation of the greenhouse, while Waqaf An-Nur strengthens the programme through its community-focused approach.

As the dedicated “Membela” arm of Johor Corporation (JCorp), Yayasan JCorp translates the Group’s commitment to improving environmental and social well-being through impactful initiatives, across Johor and Malaysia.