Written and Translated by: Nur Fazrini Alia Abd Majid

Edited by: Suziana Che Wil

Serdang, 30 January 2026 – The Vice-Chancellor’s Address and Mandate 2026 was successfully held, bringing together the entire Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) community in a unified commitment to move forward with a clear, structured direction grounded in the university’s core values.

Anchored in the True North UPM strategic framework, the address underscored the importance of translating strategic planning into outcome-based actions to ensure that every initiative undertaken delivers tangible impact to the university, society, and the nation. This approach is viewed as a critical foundation in strengthening UPM’s sustainability and competitiveness amid an increasingly challenging higher education landscape.

In his mandate, the Vice-Chancellor of UPM, YBhg. Dato’ Professor Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, emphasised that True North is not merely a slogan, but a shared directional framework that requires deep understanding and collective commitment from all members of the university community. He noted that only through such alignment can UPM progress towards its goals in a planned and phased manner.

He further stressed that the experiences and challenges encountered throughout 2025 should serve as valuable lessons in shaping more agile, effective, and integrity-driven responses. All members of the university were urged to manage issues prudently to safeguard the institution’s reputation and credibility.

In his address, he highlighted that the university’s agenda cannot be realised through individual efforts alone, but instead requires the collective commitment of the entire UPM ecosystem, encompassing staff, students, alumni, retirees, as well as industry and community partners as strategic stakeholders. Students were also recognised as ambassadors of the university, reflecting the core value of “Berilmu Berbakti”.

In parallel, UPM continues to position itself as a strategic partner to the nation by focusing on accountable governance, the adoption of artificial intelligence and digitalisation, financial sustainability, and five key strategic focus areas. These efforts aim to ensure that UPM remains relevant, competitive, and high-impact as it moves towards 2050.

The address also held special significance for the UPM Alumni Relations Centre, which had the opportunity to contribute to the university’s vision and mission through the launch of a coffee table book titled “Insan Bernama Cikgu Rashid.” The success of this publication reflects the spirit of togetherness and close collaboration between top management and the wider university community.

Overall, the Vice-Chancellor’s Address and Mandate 2026 reaffirmed Universiti Putra Malaysia’s commitment to placing integrity at the core of its strategic direction, in alignment with the True North UPM agenda, as the university navigates the challenges of 2026 and beyond.

Date of Input: 31/01/2026 | Updated: 31/01/2026 | suziana.wil