MNSSB Mycology-Shroomy Collaboration Event – Our First Mushroom Cultivation Workshop.

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 Received: 16 Aug 2025 / Accepted: 17 Aug 2025
@mnsselangorbranch.org

Highlights

Can we eat this? That’s a question many people ask when they stumble upon mushrooms in the forest. The answer isn’t straightforward; it’s actually quite complex, and it might be a bit overwhelming for someone who isn’t familiar with mushrooms. Because of this, we strongly advise against foraging for unknown mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain about what you’re picking.

A safer and more exciting way to satisfy that curiosity is to join a mushroom cultivation class. And guess what? We have a workshop just for that!

The Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch Mycology Special Interest Group (MNSSB Mycology SIG) has organized a public mushroom cultivation workshop with collaboration with Mushrooms Farm/ Derivatives Supplier, Shroomy Tek Sdn. Bhd. on 16th August 2025, at a baking studio in Selangor. The event aims to promote health awareness and encourage sustainable, eco-friendly practices particularly on mushroom farming. This is also part of the group conservation effort on offering in-depth education, showcase innovative research, and encourage community involvement, making mycology accessible to everyone.

The highlight of the event was the showcase of three fascinating mushrooms: Pleurotus djamor (Pink Oyster Mushroom), Hericium coralloides (Coral Tooth Fungus), and Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane Mushroom). Loon Yit Hong, the Mycology Lead Coordinator of MNSSB, explained why identifying mushrooms in the wild is so crucial, especially when it comes to avoiding poisonous mushrooms.

Crystal Sarah Godon, Co-Founder of Shroomy Tek Sdn. Bhd., provided a detailed overview of the mushroom cultivation process, covering everything from substrate preparation and sterilization to mycelium mixing and harvesting. She emphasized the importance of safety, highlighting the differences between poor and good cultivation practices.

The participants get the chance to dive into the mushroom cultivation process themselves, all while receiving guidance from the facilitators. The highlight of the experience is cooking up the fresh mushrooms, with everyone pitching in as volunteers. The results are incredibly delicious! Plus, participants leave with some of the fresh produce to take home, which makes them really happy.


Group photo of organizing members and participants of the workshop.
(Photo by Loon Yit Hong)


Crystal Sarah Godon, Co-Founder of Shroomy Tek Sdn. Bhd.


Alexia Ng, Mycology Committee Member (Left), Loon Yit Hong, Mycology Lead Co-Ordinator (Center) and
 Crystal Sarah Godon, Co-Founder of Shroomy Tek Sdn. Bhd. (Right)


Pleurotus djamor (Pink Oyster Mushroom)


Hericium coralloides (Coral Tooth Fungus)


Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane Mushroom)








Engaging talks, exciting demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a whole lot of fun in the workshop!
(Photos by Loon Yit Hong)

Conclusions

The event turned out to be a great success, with all the participants understanding the risk of foraging wild mushrooms without proper training and sufficient experience, importance of sustainable farming practice and having fun! This lays the groundwork for the long-term objectives of the Mycology SIG, which include providing thorough education, fostering innovative research, and encouraging community engagement to make mycology accessible to everyone.

Acknowledgement

Crystal Sarah Godon (Co-Founder of Shroomy Tek Sdn. Bhd.)
Loon Yit Hong (MNSSB Mycology Lead Coordinator)
Alexia Ng (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch (MNSSB)
Event volunteer and participants: Cheah Lan Shy, Juzar Mustan, Nor Azlina binti Mustafa Kamal, Woo Kin Hung, Evangel Cheah, Thoo Ching Yen, Norhazlin, Lalith Kumar and Brandon.

Special thanks to Timixilu Baking Studio

Sponsor : Shroomy Tek Sdn. Bhd.

Hi, I'm Loon, a fungi enthusiast who loves exploring, discovering, and hunting mushrooms. Reading and studying about fungi keeps my curiosity alive about the wonders of nature.

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