Shah Alam, 8 January 2026 – The Universiti Putra Malaysia Alumni Relations Centre conducted an alumni engagement session with Mr Hafidz Arifin, a Universiti Putra Malaysia alumnus from the Class of 2009, at AKE Benefigs, Shah Alam. The session was led by Dr Muhammad Mu'az Mahmud, Deputy Director of the Universiti Putra Malaysia Alumni Relations Centre.

The engagement session aimed to strengthen strategic relationships between the university, its alumni, and industry partners, while exploring long-term collaboration opportunities that could bring mutual benefits. Beyond a courtesy visit, the meeting served as a meaningful platform to discuss potential partnerships, network development, and the mobilisation of the alumni community as a dynamic economic ecosystem.

During the discussion, both parties explored strategic collaboration between public universities and private sector companies through alumni-driven initiatives. Emphasis was placed on building strong alumni–industry synergies, particularly within high-value sectors such as the rapidly growing fig fruit industry.

The meeting also examined opportunities for research and development collaboration in the fig industry, including advancements in agricultural technology, medical and nutraceutical applications, as well as agribusiness and entrepreneurship models. In addition, the potential placement of undergraduate students from Universiti Putra Malaysia for industrial training with Benefigs was discussed as part of efforts to provide students with meaningful industry exposure.

As part of the programme, the delegation visited Benefigs Arus Sdn. Bhd.’s newly established fig farm. With six farm branches operating nationwide, Benefigs is viewed as a valuable industrial learning platform where academic theory meets real-world practice, transforming knowledge into tangible economic value.

The Universiti Putra Malaysia Alumni Relations Centre views this engagement as a strategic step towards activating the potential of more than 180,000 Universiti Putra Malaysia alumni as a sustainable, high-impact economic ecosystem, in line with the university’s aspiration to strengthen alumni and industry collaboration for the future.

Date of Input: 09/01/2026 | Updated: 12/01/2026 | suziana.wil