UPM land awarded by His Highness late grandmother has to be further developed to enhance the importance of higher education 

By Khairul Anuar Muhamad Noh
Photo by Marina Ismail

SERDANG - Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the proposal to establish a new Agriculture University is not necessary, instead the existing allocation for such a proposal could in fact be allocated to UPM to further strengthen high-impact sustainable agriculture to benefit the community at large.

Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized that although the University has changed its name from Universiti Pertanian Malaysia to Universiti Putra Malaysia, it has always continued to strengthen various aspects of its niche in agribio, which has been the main foundation since its establishment, such as agriculture, forestry and veterinary sciences, as well as other related disciplines in line with the needs of the community and the nation.

"Recognition as a Research University and as Centre of Excellence in Agriculture Education and Agro-Biotechnology is testimony to UPM’s support of the government's policy and objective to improve the competitiveness of the value chain in the agricultural sector, as well as to increase food production in a sustainable manner.

"I hope the government, especially the Ministry of Education will continue to support the efforts for the empowerment of UPM as the leading institution of higher education and research in agriculture," he said at the first session of the of the 37th UPM Convocation here.

In addition, the Sultan hopes UPM land that was originally awarded by his late grandmother with the purpose to benefit the local as well as global community, will be further developed to enhance the importance of higher education.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is also proud of UPM’s success in producing quality human capital to contribute to the development of technology, particularly in agriculture and agro-related fields.

The Sultan hopes the legacy of UPM in spearheading excellence in agriculture since its inception 82 years ago, will be an example as well as a source of reference and inspiration for the people and the country to improve the quality of education and research in agriculture.

"UPM as a multi-disciplinary university with its niche in various areas of agriculture and bioresources, should make a paradigm shift to channel its expertise to the community and the nation through publications such as guidebooks and reference manuals, high-impact journals, social media and websites,” he said.

He also added that in the meantime, UPM would continue to increase its efforts towards ensuring food security, particularly through human resource development, supply and transfer of technology besides being the advisory institution on agriculture and food policy in elevating the preparedness level to face challenges in today's agriculture sector, challenged by low productivity due to lack of technology adoption and hampered by agricultural practices that are not feasible.

“Through the Urban Agriculture campaign launched by UPM, the university is able to be the catalyst in encouraging urbanites to grow their own food in the city, generate income, alleviate the cost of living, enhance social interaction, and recycle organic waste and putting waste water to good use.

"I hope this Urban Agriculture campaign which encompasses activities in forestry, food science, veterinary science, halal technology and bioresources will be relevant to urban and suburban areas," said Sultan Sharafuddin.

The Sultan is also impressed with the UPM Education Park programme (Edu-Park UPM) which uses edutourism in its concept such as UPM Conservatory Park, Museum of Human Anatomy, Serdang Gallery, Museum of Veterinary Anatomy, Farm 16, SISFEC (Sultan Idris Shah Forest Education Centre) and Equine Centre. These locations will be the attraction of edutourism destinations in Malaysia.

At the first session of the 37th UPM Convocation Ceremony, the Sultan will present scrolls to 795 graduates and led by the Honorary Doctor of Science Award recipient, Prof. Dr. Morio Matsunaga, President of Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan.

A total of 7,149 graduates will receive their degree and diploma scrolls respectively at the 37th UPM Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) from 26 October to 29 October. Of the total number of recipients, 440 will receive their PhDs, 2,197 their Masters, while 4,158 will receive their Bachelors and 354 their Diplomas.

Date of Input: | Updated: | hairul_nizam