Written and translated by: Husna Shafiyah binti Hishamuddin

Edited by: Suziana binti Che Wil 

SERDANG, 22 May — The first steering committee meeting for Sirih Pulang ke Gagang @ Homecoming XIII was successfully held for the first time at the Senate Hall, Centre for Strategy and Corporate Relations (PSPK), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), marking an important milestone in preparations for the upcoming alumni event.

The biennial Homecoming XIII Dinner places the UPM Alumni Relations Centre (ARCUPM) as the main organiser, in collaboration with the UPM Alumni Association and supported by various Responsibility Centres (PTJ), including the Centre for Strategy and Corporate Relations (PSPK), Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Centre for Arts and Culture, UPM Agricultural Centre, WAZAN, APSEC, faculties and residential colleges.

Also present were Mr. Fahmi Azar Mistar, Director of the UPM Alumni Relations Centre (ARCUPM), and Mr. Mohd Norashedy Ab Rashid, President of the UPM Alumni Association. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Mohamad Aris Mohd Mokhlas, who welcomed committee members and representatives from the respective PTJs. He emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration and systematic coordination to ensure the smooth execution of Homecoming XIII. 

The meeting aimed to gather views, suggestions and ideas from committee members to strengthen planning efforts for the event, which is scheduled to take place on 24 October 2026. Throughout the session, each committee presented its respective scope of responsibilities, work plans and implementation timelines to be utilised during the preparation phase.

Discussions also focused on proposed improvements and coordination strategies to ensure the programme is organised more effectively and systematically. The session provided a comprehensive platform to refine preparations while strengthening collaboration among all parties involved.

Various aspects of planning were reviewed to ensure the 13th edition of the programme can be implemented smoothly, efficiently and in line with the expectations of the wider UPM alumni community.

Overall, the inaugural steering committee meeting for Sirih Pulang ke Gagang @ Homecoming XIII was successfully conducted and served as an important platform in aligning efforts while strengthening cooperation between ARCUPM, the UPM Alumni Association and university responsibility centres ahead of the event.

Date of Input: 25/05/2026 | Updated: 25/05/2026 | suziana.wil