UNIVERSITI Putra Malaysia (UPM) will establish a Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Faculty at its Bintulu campus aiming at strengthening the agriculture and food security agenda, said its Chancellor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

“Its establishment is an effort with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak under the state’s Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry. Congratulations,” he said in his royal address at the first session of UPM’s 47th Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Sri Kenyalang today.

The Sultan of Selangor said the campus had many cooperations with government and private agencies and as of October, it received RM1.27 million in grants.

Sultan Sharafuddin also said he is proud of the Sarawak government’s commitment to sustaining the “Tok Nan Research Chair” until 2027 and for adding the “Pusaka-UPM Chair” in research and development of forests management, food security and renewable energy.

“I am also proud of UPM’s collaboration with the Sarawak Premier’s Office in the AgriHub@Gedong Padi Transformation Project which is capable of having an impact on Malaysia’s food security,” he said.

The Sultan expressed gratitude to the Premier of Sarawak, Abang Johari Openg, for his unwavering support and trust in the campus towards achieving developed state status by 2030.

UPM Bintulu has produced 8,413 graduates since it was opened in 2001.

Sultan Sharafuddin hoped the graduates would continue to uphold the fifth principle of Rukun Negara by maintaining decorum in their communication, especially on social media.

He advised them against remarks that contained elements of slander, insult and envy, especially concerning the 3R issues of royal institutions, religion and race.

Four hundred and eighty seven graduates received their scrolls today – nine for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master’s degree (12), Bachelor’s degree (84) and diploma (382). – Bernama, November 4, 2023.