By Noor Eszereen Juferi
SERDANG, 1 December — Graduates of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have been urged to continue elevating the university’s name on the regional and international stage by playing an active role as alumni upon leaving campus.
UPM Pro Chancellor Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui said alumni are a strategic asset in strengthening the university’s reputation and excellence globally.
“Alumni are a crucial component in enhancing the university’s standing at the regional and international levels. The moment you step out of this campus, you automatically become UPM alumni,” he said in his address at the 49th UPM’s Convocation Ceremony, Session 2, held at the Grand Hall of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre, UPM.
He stressed the importance of sustained engagement between alumni and their alma mater, aligned with the culture of giving back to the university.
“I hope that as mature alumni, you will continue to support efforts to strengthen and deepen your relationship with UPM. The concept of ‘giving back’ to the university is highly valued and respected,” he said.
Tan Sri Peter added that various collaborative projects between alumni and the university have been planned and implemented, including the development of Menara Putra Warisan Budi, a new UPM landmark symbolising unity among the alumni community.
“As a symbol of strong collaboration between alumni and their alma mater, several projects have been undertaken, with many more to be planned in the future,” he said.
He also reaffirmed UPM’s commitment as a research-focused university, emphasising high-impact and relevant research aligned with the institution’s vision and mission.
“UPM places strong emphasis on empowering relevant and high-impact research as a core driver to elevate the university’s vision and mission to a higher level of excellence,” he said.
Through structured and systematic initiatives, Tan Sri Peter noted that UPM has emerged as one of the leading universities in technology commercialisation, with 270 intellectual property assets successfully commercialised at national and international levels, alongside the establishment of 80 start-up companies.
Among the notable innovations is Mr MoleC, a plant-based bio-repellent that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and more effective than conventional chemical pesticides.
“This innovation not only helps farmers improve yields and income, but also reduces dependence on harmful chemicals,” he said.
Tan Sri Peter also expressed pride in UPM’s efforts to strengthen its role as a leading institution in national food security through the establishment of the Food Security Nexus network, which brings together 20 public universities and seven private universities for collaborative research and programmes.
“In recognition of this commitment, UPM has been entrusted to lead the ASEAN University Network for Agriculture and Food Security, in line with the university’s aspiration to prioritise the planetary health agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
The call for graduates to remain actively engaged as alumni reflects UPM’s standing as a leading research university and underscores hopes that the excellence cultivated on campus will continue through alumni contributions, networks and global collaborations.
