Curtin Malaysia students explore sustainability and economic potential in Bokashi composting workshop

Miri, Sarawak – 30 November 2024 – Economics students at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently took a hands-on approach to sustainability and economic innovation during a Bokashi composting workshop designed to merge eco-friendly practices with real-world economic opportunities.

Held on 25 November, the workshop introduced the students to Bokashi composting, a revolutionary waste management technique that uses anaerobic fermentation to transform food waste into nutrient-rich compost. Unlike traditional methods, Bokashi is faster, more versatile, and capable of processing materials like vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat that are typically unsuitable for conventional composting.

Organised by economics instructor Crystal Lau, the workshop was part of Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to equipping students with practical, forward-thinking knowledge. “With global environmental challenges on the rise, our aim is to teach students how to integrate economic principles with sustainability solutions,” said Lau. “This isn’t just about protecting the environment; it is about finding innovative ways to create economic value while reducing waste.”

During the session, local sustainability expert Mathew Benson, a Green Environment Ambassador with the Miri City Council and representative of the Miri Creation Justice Commission, demonstrated how to set up Bokashi bins and create Bokashi powder using budget-friendly ingredients.

The students learned how to layer food waste with the powder and manage the composting process to ensure successful outcomes. Mathew’s demonstration highlighted Bokashi’s economic and environmental benefits, such as reducing landfill contributions, lowering waste disposal costs, and generating valuable by-products like compost and liquid fertilizer.

Through the workshop, students explored how sustainable practices like Bokashi composting align with the circular economy model, which emphasises resource efficiency and waste reduction. Lau explained that this approach offers businesses opportunities to cut costs and increase profitability while contributing to environmental conservation.

“Sustainability isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s a smart economic strategy,” said Lau. “Workshops like this help our students see how they can be part of the solution to environmental challenges while driving economic growth.”

The session also featured case studies showcasing how Bokashi composting has been implemented in Miri. For example, urban businesses have adopted the method to manage food waste more efficiently and reduce operational costs. The students were inspired by these real-world examples, seeing firsthand how sustainability initiatives can be scaled to benefit entire communities.

The workshop left a lasting impression on participants. One student remarked, “It was fascinating to see how a simple process could have such a significant impact on both the environment and the economy. This experience opened my eyes to the possibilities of integrating sustainability into business models.”

Feedback from the session indicated that over 90 per cent of attendees felt motivated to adopt sustainable waste management practices in their daily lives and future careers.

Curtin Malaysia’s School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) is dedicated to offering transformative educational experiences that prepare students to tackle global challenges. Workshops like the Bokashi session underscore the university’s mission to blend academic knowledge with practical skills, empowering students to become leaders in sustainability and innovation.

For more information about SPACE, visit cmspace.curtin.edu.my or email cm.space@curtin.edu.my. Explore Curtin Malaysia at curtin.edu.my or connect via Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Crystal Lau (seated front row, 2nd left) with Mathew Benson and his team, alongside participating students

Mathew demonstrating how to DIY a Bokashi composting bin

Students attentively learning about Bokashi composting techniques