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New Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
UPM Bintulu campus rebranded as UPMS
KLANG: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has rebranded its Bintulu campus as Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) in a move aimed at strengthening the university's role in East Malaysia's agricultural and research development. The renaming was formalised during a proclamation ceremony at Istana Alam Shah here on Monday, which was officiated by UPM Chancellor and Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. The event also marked UPM's 50-year presence in Sarawak. Present were Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, UPM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah and UPMS director Professor Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini. In a statement, UPM said the name change reflected the university's strategic vision to solidify its leadership in agriculture, food security, sustainable development and community empowerment in Borneo. UPMS, which has its roots in the Natural Resources Training Centre established in Semenggok, Kuching in 1974, has become the oldest public university operating in Sarawak. It moved to its permanent campus in Bintulu in 1987 and now offers nine diploma programmes, five bachelor degrees and 51 postgraduate research fields. Among its most notable initiatives is the AgriHub@Gedong project, in partnership with the Sarawak government. The initiative aims to transform padi cultivation in Lubok Punggor, Gedong and positioning Sarawak as a high-impact rice production hub. The university is also home to several strategic academic chairs, including the PUSAKA Chair, which focuses on tropical forest management and renewable energy, and the Tok Nan Chair — named after the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem — which promotes research in Sarawak's ethnic diversity and anthropological studies. To strengthen regional collaboration, UPMS leads the Konsortium Universiti Universitas Borneo (KUUB), a cross-border initiative involving 16 institutions across Borneo. The platform enables cooperation in research, teaching and academic mobility. UPM said the rebranding aligned with its Strategic Plan 2021-2025, particularly in boosting access to quality education in East Malaysia and reinforcing national food security priorities. In support of these goals, UPMS is also planning the establishment of a School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Kuching. The school is expected to be the first of its kind to be developed through a collaboration between a public university and a state government. It aims to produce local veterinary professionals and enhance livestock sustainability in Sarawak. UPM said the Higher Education Ministry played a key role in enabling the campus' elevation, and that continued federal-state cooperation would be essential in advancing education equity across Malaysia, especially in Borneo. As one of the country's premier research universities, UPM is currently ranked 134th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is recognised as one of Malaysia's top institutions with over 28,000 students enrolled across its campuses.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
UPM Bintulu Campus renamed UPM Sarawak with Sultan of Selangor's consent
KLANG: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has consented to the rebranding of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus in Sarawak as UPM Sarawak (UPMS). Sultan Sharafuddin said the rebranding was a strategic move by UPM to expand its role in conjunction with the university's 50th anniversary in Sarawak. UPM was formerly known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. 'I am very proud of this university's achievements, not only as a centre of excellence in agriculture, forestry and food security, but also as a catalyst for national development, especially in Sarawak. It has become a competitive institution in the Borneo region and on the international stage. 'I hope UPM's efforts and commitment will continue in developing talent and expertise to advance the country's socio-economic progress, particularly in Sarawak, through the UPM Food Security Blueprint that has been developed,' said His Royal Highness at the UPMS Proclamation Ceremony held here today. Sultan Sharafuddin was accompanied by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. Also present were Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. In his speech, Abang Johari said the strengthening of UPMS aligns with the aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), particularly in the agriculture, forestry and renewable energy sectors. He said one of UPMS's notable achievements is the implementation of the AgriHub@Gedong project, a strategic collaboration between the university and the Sarawak Premier's Office. 'This project aims to spearhead the transformation of padi cultivation activities in Lubok Punggor, Gedong, and marks an important starting point in efforts to develop Sarawak as a national-level high-impact padi production hub,' he said. Abang Johari added that, in line with Sarawak's commitment to higher education and strategic research, the School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SVAS) will be established in collaboration with UPMS to support the state's food security aspirations. He also expressed the state government's commitment to providing funding to ensure the sustainability of SVAS, which will be the first model of its kind involving a partnership between the Sarawak government and a public university. 'The establishment of this school will open up more opportunities for Sarawakian youth to pursue studies in veterinary science, thereby strengthening the sustainability of the livestock industry and improving animal health standards in Sarawak,' he said.
Barnama
30-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UPM Bintulu Campus Renamed UPM Sarawak With Sultan Of Selangor's Consent
KLANG, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has consented to the rebranding of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus in Sarawak as UPM Sarawak (UPMS). Sultan Sharafuddin said the rebranding was a strategic move by UPM to expand its role in conjunction with the university's 50th anniversary in Sarawak. UPM was formerly known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. 'I am very proud of this university's achievements, not only as a centre of excellence in agriculture, forestry and food security, but also as a catalyst for national development, especially in Sarawak. It has become a competitive institution in the Borneo region and on the international stage. 'I hope UPM's efforts and commitment will continue in developing talent and expertise to advance the country's socio-economic progress, particularly in Sarawak, through the UPM Food Security Blueprint that has been developed,' said His Royal Highness at the UPMS Proclamation Ceremony held here today. Sultan Sharafuddin was accompanied by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. Also present were Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. In his speech, Abang Johari said the strengthening of UPMS aligns with the aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), particularly in the agriculture, forestry and renewable energy sectors. He said one of UPMS's notable achievements is the implementation of the AgriHub@Gedong project, a strategic collaboration between the university and the Sarawak Premier's Office. 'This project aims to spearhead the transformation of padi cultivation activities in Lubok Punggor, Gedong, and marks an important starting point in efforts to develop Sarawak as a national-level high-impact padi production hub,' he said.
Borneo Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
UPM Bintulu Campus renamed UPM Sarawak with Sultan of Selangor's consent
The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah shaking hands with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, after signing a plaque in conjunction with the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak Proclamation Ceremony at Istana Alam Shah, Klang, today. – Bernama photo KLANG (June 30): The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has consented to the rebranding of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus in Sarawak as UPM Sarawak (UPMS). Sultan Sharafuddin said the rebranding was a strategic move by UPM to expand its role in conjunction with the university's 50th anniversary in Sarawak. UPM was formerly known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. 'I am very proud of this university's achievements, not only as a centre of excellence in agriculture, forestry and food security, but also as a catalyst for national development, especially in Sarawak. It has become a competitive institution in the Borneo region and on the international stage. 'I hope UPM's efforts and commitment will continue in developing talent and expertise to advance the country's socio-economic progress, particularly in Sarawak, through the UPM Food Security Blueprint that has been developed,' said His Royal Highness at the UPMS Proclamation Ceremony held here today. Sultan Sharafuddin was accompanied by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. Also present were Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. In his speech, Abang Johari said the strengthening of UPMS aligns with the aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), particularly in the agriculture, forestry and renewable energy sectors. He said one of UPMS's notable achievements is the implementation of the AgriHub@Gedong project, a strategic collaboration between the university and the Sarawak Premier's Office. 'This project aims to spearhead the transformation of padi cultivation activities in Lubok Punggor, Gedong, and marks an important starting point in efforts to develop Sarawak as a national-level high-impact padi production hub,' he said. Abang Johari added that, in line with Sarawak's commitment to higher education and strategic research, the School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SVAS) will be established in collaboration with UPMS to support the state's food security aspirations. He also expressed the state government's commitment to providing funding to ensure the sustainability of SVAS, which will be the first model of its kind involving a partnership between the Sarawak government and a public university. 'The establishment of this school will open up more opportunities for Sarawakian youth to pursue studies in veterinary science, thereby strengthening the sustainability of the livestock industry and improving animal health standards in Sarawak,' he said. – Bernama
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Set clear roadmap to boost rice self-sufficiency, rep tells S'wak govt
Yong says Sarawak should also conduct a comprehensive review and audit of all major padi cultivation projects implemented since 2010. – Bernama photo KUCHING (June 13): Pending assemblywoman, Violet Yong, has urged the Sarawak government to devise a clear and measurable roadmap to raise the state's rice self-sufficiency level to at least 60 per cent, in a bid to strengthen food security. She said the state should also conduct a comprehensive review and audit of all major padi cultivation projects implemented since 2010. 'I also urge the state government to publish data on rice production and progress made under recent state initiatives,' she said in response to State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom's recent statement that warned of a potential rice supply crisis if exports from Vietnam and India were disrupted. While global risks are real, Yong said the situation reflects deeper structural gaps in Sarawak's food security planning. She expressed regret that Sarawak's rice self-sufficiency remains low, hovering around 38 to 40 per cent despite decades of development and repeated initiatives aimed at strengthening local production. 'This is despite numerous initiatives and repeated commitments to strengthen local rice production,' she said. She said Sarawak had seen several major padi initiatives fall short of expectations over the years, citing the mini estates in Sungai Tulai and Sungai Tekap (Meradong), covering 662 hectares, which have officially been acknowledged as failures with no meaningful output. 'The much-publicised Jelapang Padi Batang Lupar, announced in 2013, remains largely dormant with no visible results more than a decade later. 'Traditional padi schemes in Samarahan and Sri Aman continue to struggle with the same unresolved issues including poor irrigation, lack of mechanisation and minimal state follow-through. 'These are not isolated setbacks but they point to systemic shortcomings in planning, execution and accountability,' she said. She noted that while newer efforts like Gelombang Padi and AgriHub@Gedong may look promising on paper, the public has yet to see solid evidence of their effectiveness. She said there must be greater transparency and accountability, particularly regarding actual yields, hectares genuinely cultivated and the long-term sustainability of these programmes. Without concrete performance data, Yong warned, such initiatives risk becoming little more than headline-driven projects with limited impact. 'As we move forward, it is essential that the Sarawak government goes beyond repeated announcements and shifts focus to consistent execution, robust monitoring and meaningful support for farmers on the ground especially in rural areas. 'Food security cannot be treated as an afterthought or a reactive measure. It requires clear direction, long-term commitment and genuine collaboration. 'Sarawak must plan with foresight, not scramble in crisis,' she said. food security padi self sufficiency violet yong
