T he spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of higher education institutions globally. UPM is no exception to this effect. Although COVID-19 is often highlighted in a negative perspective as a threat to human and economic securities, this pandemic has brought our university back to our original role, which is the university for society. If all  this time we have chanted the idea of University for Society (U4S), this is the best time for us to deliver on what we have promised.

Through the Vice Chancellor’s Narrative, Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan Sulaiman invited everyone to reflect on the purpose of the establishment of UPM. What is the philosophy behind the establishment of UPM? Is it for us to be proud of our achievements and recognition that we are increasingly detached from the reality of the society? Or do we need to be realistic to make UPM a caring institution that gives meaningful contributions  to the society and the country?

“I am of the view that a paradigm shift from knowledge for the sake of knowledge to knowledge for the society and the country needs to be championed. We have no choice but to move from the idea of the Ivory Tower to the Tower of Knowledge”, he urged. The tower of knowledge meant here is the way UPM is empowered to become an institution that pioneers the exploration of new knowledge through research and innovation, imparting knowledge to students through teaching and learning activities, and  knowledge transfer to the community through industry and community networks. 

For further reading please click on this link, https://alumni.upm.edu.my/serdang_sun/volume_13_isu_22-13854

Date of Input: 31/08/2022 | Updated: 09/01/2023 | suziana.wil