"Sabah Got Ideas"

Stephanie Yap, 26, showing her first prize winning "Simple Garden" prototype.

KOTA KINABALU: A grown water spinach in a square tray had helped first prize winner Stephanie Yap to bag RM20,000 from a state-level "Sabah Got Ideas" competition on Sunday.
   The 26-year-old lass  who has education and business academic background integrated those knowledge in refining a gardening kit that she named as "Simple garden".
  "The kit is designed to be used for anyone as young as 5-year-old. They just have to scatter seeds, fertilise and water them and it will eventually grow,"she said.
  Yap elaborated that during the cultivating process, children would learn to be responsible in taking care all necessary elements to yield desirable result.
  "As schoolchildren see real plants, they will have better understanding on the scientific term used in classroom," she said, adding that she has started introducing it to few schools in state.
  The kit, priced at RM22.90, also comes with a diary for parents to keep tab on their children's commitment towards the plants.  An acknowledgement certificate will also be issued after completion.
  "It gives bonding time for families, at least five minutes a day, as parents have to observe the growth of the plants and later communicate with children.
  "The best part is to harvest after a month of hardwork, and it makes one-plate serving of organic dish".
  Yap inspired to have the "1 kit for 1 kid" idea when she served the community in Pitas district on few years back.  She was surprised that children there did not have any knowledge in cropping plants.
  "After undergoing few modification, I hope this kit will help others to start gardening at easier way" she added.
  Yap had also fixed nylon strings on the kit to enable the tray to be hung anywhere in case there is an issue on space limitation.
  Twenty eight participants from statewide had presented 60 ideas at the three-day competition. The event is organised for the second year by Sabah Techpreneur Association.