UCSI Group announced the establishment of the UCSI Organic Culture, a speciality restaurant and retail shop that offers organic cuisine as part of the Group’s initiative to establish improved nutrition and healthy lifestyle among youths.
UCSI Organic Culture restaurant and retail outlet utilises crops produced from the UCSI Organic Farm, a sustainable edible garden farming project in Cheras under the UCSI Group. It uses a ‘Pot-to-Pot’ concept whereby consumers may take freshly grown crops from the garden farm into the kitchen for immediate consumption.
“Eating should be natural,” said UCSI Organic Culture Director of Operations Jason Wong. “Organic food discourages the use of pesticides and antibiotics to grow crops and livestock to help to bolster natural resistance by retaining valuable vitamins and minerals.” he said.
Citing from the Malaysian Association of Adolescent Health, Jason said that Malaysian youths are exposed to poor dietary habits which result in poor health in adulthood. A study by the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that 60 percent of teenagers do not consume enough fruits, more than 90 percent did not consume enough vegetables and around 70 percent skipped breakfast.
The health risks posed by poor dietary habits could lead to future complications such as obesity, heart diseases, and medical-induced financial difficulties.
He explained that the establishment of the restaurant and retail outlet aims to promote health awareness among students and members of the community that are often exposed to unhealthy fast-food culture.
UCSI’s Organic Culture outlet provides easy and affordable access to organic food for a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, organic foods offer other environmentally friendly health and financial benefits. Consumers develop a stronger immune system by consuming chemically-free food to reduce the need for expensive medical bills. Organic farming encourages biodiversity and water conservation through sustainable practices.
In addition, UCSI Organic Culture Restaurant and Retail outlets will serve as a neighbourhood venue to conduct live performances and social activities for visiting patrons.
UCSI Group is committed to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, especially youths and future generations. The UCSI Organic Culture reflects SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.
