A productive collaboration between Salcon Engineering Berhad and Water Watch Penang led to the organization of Training of Trainers (TOT) programme on May 4, 2024, at Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara, KL. The event was participated by 11 teachers from various schools, including SJKT Ladang Effingham, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Sunway, SK Puncak Perdana, SMK Damansara Utama, and SK Subang Bestari 2, alongside representatives from Salcon Berhad which are Ms. Anita, Assistant Manager for Corporate Affairs, and Mr. Ching Yaw Ying, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Executive.
The main objective of the river-focused activities was to train teachers about river and water education programme so that the teachers could conduct the programme for their students, as part of ‘multiplying’ effects in environmental education. The programme started with an inspirational speech by WWP’s President, Prof Dato’ Dr. Chan Ngai Weng. Next, WWP’s Executive Manager, Dr. Hong Chern Wern, initiated the session by guiding the teachers on how to use the training manual for education session with the students.
After that, to kickstart the river monitoring session, the teachers were divided into 4 groups, with assistance from trained facilitators and interns: Mr. Hanson Yeoh, Mr. Sharvind Sivan, Ms. Elsheena Joan, Ms. Kimberly Wong Jin Li, Ms. Nur Atiqah Roslan, and Ms. Nur Fatin Azahara Mohamad Zaidi.
All the teachers were guided on hands-on exercises. Under WWP facilitators’ guidance, they conducted physical assessments of the river’s parameters and chemical analyses using test kits to evaluate water quality factors such as pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite levels.
After a short break, each group performed a biological assessment and successfully identified macroinvertebrates as indicators of river health. Using a “catch and release” approach, teachers determined the Biological Water Quality Index by counting various macroinvertebrates present, including dragonfly nymphs, freshwater shrimp and damselfly nymphs.
The programme concluded with Salcon presenting certificates and souvenirs to them for participating this programme. Water Watch Penang expressed its gratitude for Salcon’s continued CSR partnership. For inquiries, individuals can contact WWP Executive Manager, Dr. Hong Chern Wern, via email at hong.wwp@gmail.com or reach out to WWP at +60 19-575 1253.