KUCHING: The Federal Government’s backing of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak reflects its commitment to equitable and inclusive higher education development, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for their trust and support in rebranding Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus to UPM Sarawak.
“The declaration is a manifestation of the Federal Government’s commitment, through the MOHE, to support a more inclusive and balanced higher education development agenda across the country.
“This close cooperation is greatly appreciated and it is hoped that it will continue to be strengthened for the advancement of education in Sarawak.”
He said this during the Declaration Ceremony of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak, officiated by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, as UPM’s Chancellor, at Istana Alam Shah, Klang Selangor on Monday (June 30).
Abang Johari said the empowerment of UPM Sarawak is in line with the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), particularly in the agriculture, forestry and renewable energy sectors.
Hence, he affirmed the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to strengthen and expand strategic cooperation with UPM Sarawak.
“Various efforts and strategic collaborations are currently being implemented with UPM Sarawak.
“One notable initiative is the implementation of the AgriHub@Gedong project, the result of a strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Premier’s Office and UPM Sarawak.
“This project aims to lead the transformation of paddy cultivation in Lubok Punggor, Gedong and marks a significant starting point in the effort to develop Sarawak as a high-impact national rice production hub,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted other initiatives, such as the establishment of the UPM Pusaka Chair, which strengthens research in tropical forest management and renewable energy.
Meanwhile, the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Research Chair (Tok Nan Chair) aims to intensify studies related to Sarawak’s ethnic communities and anthropology.
He pointed to the role of the Universitas Borneo University Consortium (KUUB) as a vital regional platform involving 16 universities across Borneo, promoting collaboration in teaching, research and academic mobility.
