Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is required for our Hydroponic Fundamentals course. This program starts from the basics and assumes no previous knowledge of farming or hydroponics.

Our other courses have different prerequisites:

• Vertical Farming Systems - Recommended to complete Fundamentals first, but not strictly required if you have basic hydroponic knowledge
• Commercial Production - Should have completed at least one basic course or demonstrate equivalent experience
• Advanced courses (Nutrient Management, IPM) - Basic hydroponic understanding required

If you're unsure which course suits your level, contact us and we'll help assess your current knowledge and recommend the best starting point.

Class sizes are limited to 12-15 students to ensure personalized attention and adequate hands-on practice time with equipment.

Schedule: Most courses run 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with lunch break and regular intervals. We offer courses multiple times per month, with options for:

• Weekday sessions (Monday-Friday)
• Weekend sessions (Saturday-Sunday)
• Intensive formats (consecutive days)
• Spread formats (one day per week over several weeks)

Check our current schedule and register through the contact form, or call +60 8 1842 49850 for upcoming dates.

Our primary focus is hands-on, in-person training because practical experience is essential for developing hydroponic skills. However, we do offer:

• Online supplementary materials - All enrolled students receive access to video tutorials, reading materials, and resources they can review remotely
• Virtual consultation sessions - Graduate students can schedule video consultations for ongoing support
• Hybrid learning options - Some theoretical content delivered online, with condensed in-person practical sessions

We're developing fully online introductory courses for those outside Sarawak, expected to launch in 2026. If you're interested in remote learning options, contact us to discuss possibilities.

Course fees are all-inclusive and cover:

• All instruction and hands-on training
• Course materials and workbooks
• Access to facility equipment and systems
• Lunch and refreshments during training days
• Certificate of completion
• 6 months of graduate support (email/phone consultation)
• Access to online learning portal and resources
• Invitation to graduate networking events

Not included: Accommodation and transportation to/from the facility. We can recommend nearby hotels and provide directions for those traveling from outside Kuching.

Yes, all courses conclude with both practical and theoretical assessments. These evaluate your understanding of concepts and ability to apply skills learned during training.

Assessment format:

• Practical demonstration - You'll perform key tasks (e.g., system setup, nutrient mixing, problem diagnosis) under instructor observation
• Written exam - Multiple choice and short-answer questions covering course content
• Passing score: 70% overall

Over 95% of students pass on first attempt. If needed, you can retake assessments at no additional cost. Successfully completing assessment earns you a certificate recognized by the Malaysian Department of Agriculture and industry organizations.

Deep Water Culture (DWC) represents the simplest starting point for most beginners:

Why DWC is beginner-friendly:

• Simple design with few components (container, air pump, growing media)
• Easy to monitor—you can see nutrient solution and roots directly
• Forgiving system—large nutrient reservoir provides stability
• Low-cost entry—basic DWC systems can be built for under RM 200

Best crops for beginners: Leafy greens (lettuce, bok choy, spinach), herbs (basil, mint, cilantro). These grow quickly (30-40 days), tolerate beginner mistakes, and have high success rates.

Our Hydroponic Fundamentals course provides hands-on experience building and operating DWC systems, plus exposure to other system types so you can choose the best fit for your goals.

Hydroponics is remarkably space-efficient—you can start in surprisingly small areas:

• Balcony/patio (2-4 sqm): Enough for 15-30 plants in vertical towers or stacked systems. Suitable for household fresh greens and herbs.
• Spare room (8-12 sqm): Can accommodate 50-100 plants with proper lighting and ventilation. Potential for small income or significant household food production.
• Small greenhouse (20-50 sqm): Commercial potential with 200-500 plants. Can generate meaningful part-time income.
• Commercial facility (100+ sqm): Full-time business potential with 1,000+ plants and substantial revenue.

Vertical farming techniques (covered in our Vertical Farming Systems course) can triple or quadruple production in the same floor space by stacking growing levels.

Space considerations: You also need access to water, electricity, and (for indoor) ventilation. Working space around systems for maintenance and harvesting is important—don't pack systems so tightly you can't access plants comfortably.

Yes! Malaysia's tropical climate is actually excellent for hydroponics, with some considerations:

Advantages of Malaysian climate:

• Year-round growing—no winter dormancy or frost concerns
• High natural light levels reduce lighting costs for greenhouse operations
• Abundant rainfall provides free water source (with proper collection and filtration)
• Strong demand for fresh produce in urban areas

Challenges and solutions:

• Heat: Solution temperatures above 28°C reduce oxygen and promote pathogens. Use shading, evaporative cooling, or grow in air-conditioned spaces for sensitive crops.
• Humidity: High humidity (often 80%+) can encourage fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and consider dehumidification for enclosed spaces.
• Heavy rainfall: Can flood outdoor systems or damage structures. Proper drainage and robust greenhouse design are essential.

Our training specifically addresses Malaysian growing conditions—all techniques taught work in our climate. Many of our graduates successfully operate in Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and throughout Sarawak.

Solution change frequency depends on system size, plant load, and management approach:

General guidelines:

• Small systems (under 100L): Change every 7-10 days
• Medium systems (100-500L): Change every 10-14 days
• Large systems (500L+): Can extend to 14-21 days with proper monitoring

Signs you need to change solution sooner:

• EC becomes difficult to manage (swings wildly or won't stabilize)
• pH drifts excessively or adjustments stop working effectively
• Solution appears cloudy or develops odor
• Nutrient imbalances appear despite proper feeding

Between changes: Top up with fresh water to replace transpiration/evaporation losses. Add nutrients based on EC readings to maintain proper concentration. Monitor and adjust pH daily.

Our Advanced Nutrient Management course covers solution management in depth, including strategies for extending solution life while maintaining optimal plant health.

These two measurements are fundamental to hydroponic success:

pH (Potential of Hydrogen):

• Measures acidity/alkalinity on 0-14 scale
• Optimal range for most crops: 5.5-6.5
• Why it matters: pH controls nutrient availability. Outside the optimal range, plants can't absorb certain nutrients even if they're present. For example, iron becomes unavailable above pH 6.5, causing yellowing leaves despite adequate iron in solution.
• Management: Check daily, adjust with pH up/down solutions as needed. pH naturally drifts as plants uptake nutrients—this is normal.

EC (Electrical Conductivity):

• Measures dissolved salts/minerals in solution
• Reported in mS/cm (millisiemens per centimeter) or ppm (parts per million)
• Typical range: 1.5-2.5 mS/cm for most crops (varies by plant type and growth stage)
• Why it matters: EC indicates total nutrient concentration. Too low = plants starve. Too high = nutrient burn and stunted growth.
• Management: Check every 2-3 days, add nutrients or dilute with water to maintain target range.

Understanding and managing these parameters is covered extensively in all our courses, with particular depth in Advanced Nutrient Management.

Some hydroponic equipment is specialized, but many items can be adapted from general supplies:

Must-have specialized items:

• pH meter: Digital pH meters (RM 100-500) are essential. Paper test strips aren't accurate enough for hydroponics.
• EC/TDS meter: Measures nutrient concentration (RM 80-300). No substitutes work reliably.
• Hydroponic nutrients: Regular garden fertilizers often lack micronutrients and proper formulation. Use nutrients specifically designed for hydroponics.
• Growing media: Rockwool, clay pebbles, or perlite designed for hydroponics. Soil and regular growing media don't work.

Can adapt from general supplies:

• Containers: Food-grade plastic bins, buckets, or PVC pipes work well
• Water pumps: Aquarium or fountain pumps are perfect for small systems
• Air pumps: Aquarium air pumps and stones work excellently
• Tubing and fittings: Standard plumbing supplies often work
• Lighting (if needed): LED grow lights are specialized but regular LEDs can work for small hobby systems

Our courses teach both DIY approaches for budget-conscious growers and commercial equipment options for professional operations. We'll help you understand where investing in quality equipment matters most.

Hydroponics actually has advantages for pest management—no soil means no soil-borne pests or diseases!

Common hydroponic pests:

• Aphids (small sap-sucking insects)
• Whiteflies (tiny white flying insects)
• Spider mites (barely visible, cause stippling on leaves)
• Fungus gnats (if using organic growing media)

Prevention strategies (most important):

• Screen greenhouse/growing area vents to exclude flying pests
• Quarantine any new plants before introducing to growing area
• Maintain cleanliness—remove dead leaves, clean spills immediately
• Monitor regularly with sticky traps and visual inspection

Organic control methods:

• Beneficial insects: Ladybugs, predatory mites, parasitic wasps target specific pests
• Neem oil: Disrupts pest feeding and reproduction
• Insecticidal soap: Kills soft-bodied insects on contact
• BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis): Biological control for caterpillars

Our Integrated Pest Management course provides comprehensive training in identification, prevention, and control strategies specific to hydroponic systems.

Profit margins vary significantly based on crops, scale, and efficiency:

Typical margins by product type:

• Microgreens: 60-75% gross margin (highest margin crop)
• Specialty lettuce/herbs: 45-60% gross margin
• Common lettuce varieties: 35-50% gross margin
• Fruiting crops (tomatoes, peppers): 30-45% gross margin

Net profit margins (after all expenses):

• Well-run small operations: 25-35%
• Efficient commercial operations: 20-30%
• Learning phase (first year): Often breakeven or slightly negative

Major cost factors affecting margins:

• Electricity: 15-25% of operating costs (lighting and climate control)
• Labor: 20-35% for commercial operations
• Nutrients and supplies: 10-15%
• Packaging and distribution: 8-12%
• Facility costs: 10-20% (rent/mortgage, maintenance)

These figures come from actual graduate operations. Your specific results depend on market conditions, efficiency, and business management. Our Commercial Production course includes detailed financial modeling workshops where you develop projections for your specific situation.

Yes, commercial food production requires proper registration and compliance:

For commercial operations in Malaysia:

• Business registration: Register with SSM (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia) as sole proprietor, partnership, or company
• Local authority license: Obtain business premise license from your local council
• Food safety: While hydroponics is agriculture (not food processing), some retailers/restaurants may request food safety documentation
• Tax registration: Register for income tax once generating revenue; consider GST registration if applicable

Optional but beneficial certifications:

• MyGAP (Malaysian Good Agricultural Practice): Enhances marketability and may be required by some buyers
• Organic certification: Commands premium prices but has strict requirements
• Halal certification: Required for some markets/customers

For small-scale/farmers' market operations: Requirements may be less stringent, but you should still maintain proper business records and food safety practices. Check with your local council regarding specific requirements.

Our Commercial Production course covers regulatory requirements and certification processes. We can also connect you with consultants who assist with licensing and certification applications.

Multiple market channels exist—successful growers typically use 2-3 simultaneously:

Direct-to-consumer:

• Farmers' markets: Immediate customer feedback, full retail margins, builds brand recognition
• Farm stand/on-site sales: If location permits, convenient for customers near your facility
• Subscription boxes/CSA: Predictable revenue, loyal customer base, requires variety of products
• Online sales: Increasingly popular, especially post-pandemic; requires reliable delivery logistics

Restaurants and cafes:

• Higher volume than retail, willing to pay for quality and freshness
• Approach: Start with samples, emphasize consistency and delivery reliability
• Build relationships with chefs—they appreciate locally-sourced, unique varieties

Retail stores:

• Grocery stores, organic shops, specialty food retailers
• Higher volume potential but lower margins and strict quality standards
• May require certifications (MyGAP, liability insurance)

Marketing strategies that work:

• Social media showcasing growing process and farm life
• Farm tours and educational events build community connections
• Professional branding and packaging justify premium pricing
• Consistent quality and reliability—word-of-mouth remains most powerful

Our Commercial Production course includes a full module on marketing and customer acquisition, plus our graduate network facilitates connections with potential buyers.

We want you to be completely satisfied with your training experience:

Cancellation by student:

• 30+ days before course start: Full refund minus RM 50 administrative fee
• 14-29 days before start: 50% refund or full credit toward future course
• Less than 14 days: No refund, but full credit toward future course (valid 12 months)
• After course begins: No refunds, but you may complete missed days in future session

Transfer policy:

• You may transfer registration to another person anytime before course starts (no fee)
• You may reschedule to different session once (no fee if requested 14+ days before original start date)

Cancellation by academy:

• If we cancel due to insufficient enrollment or other reasons, you receive full refund
• We'll notify you at least 7 days before scheduled start date

Satisfaction guarantee:

• If you're unsatisfied after the first day of training, you may withdraw for full refund
• This applies only to first day and requires notification before day two begins

Yes, we offer flexible payment options to make training accessible:

Payment plans (no interest):

• Single course: 50% deposit at registration, balance 14 days before course starts
• Multiple courses: 30% deposit, remainder in 2-3 monthly installments
• Package pricing available when enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously (save 10-15%)

Government assistance programs:

• KWSP Withdrawal: Our accreditation allows EPF (Employees Provident Fund) Account 2 withdrawals for training purposes
• PTPTN: Eligible students may apply for PTPTN educational loans
• State/Federal grants: Various agricultural development grants exist; we can provide documentation to support applications

Group discounts:

• 2-3 students enrolling together: 10% discount each
• 4+ students: 15% discount each
• Corporate/organizational training: Custom pricing for dedicated classes

Scholarships (limited availability):

• We offer 2-3 partial scholarships quarterly for students demonstrating financial need and strong commitment
• Application required with essay explaining your goals and how training will help achieve them
• Contact us for scholarship application information