The Mace

The Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) mace, a symbol of the University’s authority, was bestowed by His Royal Highness theYang Dipertuan Agong on 30 July 1977 in conjunction with the installation of UPM’s  first Chancellor, His Royal Highness Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj, D.K., D.M.N., S.P.M.S., D.K.(Brunei), D.K. (Terengganu), D.K.(Kelantan), D.K.(Perlis), D.K.(Johor), S.P.D.K(Sabah), D.P.(Sarawak), D.U.N.M.(Melaka), P.J.K. 

The mace, made of gold and silver, measures 1.4 metres in length and weighs 8 kilogrammes. It comprises : 

- the Torch; 
- the Bowl; and 
- the Shaft. 

The Torch represents the role of the university as a source of knowledge, while its base is surrounded by the verse, 'Bismillahhirrahmanirrahim’, which illustrates that all activities in gaining knowledge are only possible and achievable with the consent of ALLAH. Below the verse is an inscribed carving of UPM’s former name, 'Universiti Pertanian Malaysia', in Roman alphabets.

The bowl represents knowledge. The topside is carved with emblems of all the states in the country, while Malaysia’s official national emblem, the Hibiscus flower, is carved alongside the UPM logo around the bowl to represent knowledge. The bowl base is carved with paddy flowers. These petals are placed on five open books, which represent the quest for knowledge. The books also embody the five pillars upon which the development and extension of the university are based. The book covers are carved with the images of the National Mosque, the Royal Headdress, the Keris, the Federal emblem, the Parliament, a judge in session, a justice scale, a law book, the Malaysian flag and the four major races of Malaysia. 

The shaft consists of three parts which symbolise the university’s main functions. Carved motifs on each part reflect the three functions, which are: 

- Teaching; 
- Research; and 
- Services. 

The pointed curves on the shaft are carved with five symbols that depict the nation's cultural aspects: 

- Islam; 
- Lifestyle; 
- Education; 
- Traditional instruments; and 
- Traditional Games. 

The base, carved with thin lines, represents electronic circuits which signify the qualities of a 21st century university that is progressive in ICT and multimedia.

Updated:: [ali_bakri]