BY ASYRAF HALIM
KUCHING: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) continues to play a key role in driving Sarawak’s progress through its expertise in modern agriculture biodiversity tropical research and community development, a role strongly supported by the Sarawak Government.
National Unity Minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. said UPM Sarawak is not only a strategic knowledge hub but also a main partner to the state government in food security and developing highly skilled human capital.
“I am confident the Sarawak Government under Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will continue to support the development of UPM Sarawak which now serves as a central academic reference for Borneo,” he said.
He made the remarks when officiating the Alumni Dinner ‘Sirih Pulang ke Gagang’ Homecoming Alumni XIII of UPM at a hotel here on Saturday night.
As patron of the UPM Sarawak Alumni Association, he said UPM Sarawak, which was rebranded on 30 June this year, has grown rapidly since its establishment in Semenggok in 1974, becoming a strong institution contributing to the state’s development.
“UPM continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading university in the region with its latest achievement ranking 20th in Asia in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2025.
“UPM also secured second place in the 2025 ASEAN Energy Awards through its campus renewable energy initiatives, showing the university’s commitment to sustainability,” he said.
He said UPM’s achievements in graduate employability were also recognised through the 2025 Employer Choice Awards by Talentbank showing that UPM graduates remain highly sought after by industry.
Reflecting on his own journey, Aaron said all his achievements today, from becoming Member of Parliament to Minister of National Unity, began at UPM where he studied at the Faculty of Forestry from 1979 to 1983.
“UPM was not just a place for me to study but a place where I learned the meaning of discipline, responsibility and leadership,” he said.
He stressed that the alumni play a major role in enhancing the university’s reputation and opening opportunities in industry networking research and human capital development.
“Wherever we are as scientists, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs or community leaders, we carry the name of our alma mater,” he said.
In his speech, Aaron expressed appreciation to the organising committee, and hoped the alumni university relationship would continue to strengthen UPM’s excellence nationally and globally.
The event brought together UPM alumni from the 1970s to young professionals across fields including agriculture forestry economics engineering and computer science.
