New Student Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Session with University Management Brimming with Enthusiasm at UPM

Serdang, 12 August 2025 – The New Student Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Academic Session with the University Management was held in a vibrant and spirited atmosphere on the evening of 12 August 2025 (Tuesday) at the Grand Hall, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre (PKKSSAAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

The annual programme, organised by the Foundation of Agricultural Science Centre (ASPutra), UPM, brought together 968 newly registered students, who completed their enrolment on 10 and 11 July, alongside the university’s senior management.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah, accompanied by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Abd Rahim Abu Talib, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr. Zamberi Sekawi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Mr Muhazam Mansor, UPM Registrar,  Ms. Siti Amira Shukor, UPM Bursar, YBrs. Pn. Ir. Maznah Sahran, Director of Development and Asset Management and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Mohd. Top @ Mohd. Tah, Director of ASPutra. Also present were residential college leaders, ASPutra administrators, academic staff, and university officers.

The arrival of UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah was accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Mohd. Top @ Mohd. Tah, Director of ASPutra, together with senior officials of Universiti Putra Malaysia

A Spirit of Enthusiasm and Gratitude

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of prayers as a mark of gratitude, followed by the singing of Negaraku and Putra Gemilang, which echoed with great enthusiasm.

Director of ASPutra, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Mohd. Top @ Mohd. Tah said that as the main gateway to the university, ASPutra plays a vital role in laying the foundation for students’ academic journey towards excellence. UPM continues to uphold the field of agriculture in line with its role as a leader in national food security, by producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also conscious of the importance of sustainability and innovation.

She also expressed her appreciation for the support of parents, families, peers, lecturers, staff, and the university management in ensuring the success and excellence of the students.

The welcoming address was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Mohd. Top @ Mohd. Tah, Director of ASPutra, along with her hopes and aspirations for the new students.

ASPutra is not merely producing students but nurturing future leaders of the nation who will go on to spearhead various strategic fields. Guided by the True North compass and rooted in UPM’s motto, With Knowledge We Serve (Berilmu Berbakti), every graduate is expected to carry the knowledge they have gained to benefit both society and the nation. With a strong foundation and unwavering spirit, ASPutra continues to serve as a platform for shaping a new generation that is visionary, ethical, and ready to face global challenges.

A Meaningful Message from the Vice-Chancellor

UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah warmly welcomed the new students while introducing the university’s management team, residential college principals, and academic staff.

He emphasized that this phase marks the beginning of a more open, challenging, and maturity-oriented form of learning. The difference from school life, he noted, lies not only in the new environment but also in the shift in ways of thinking, acting, and carrying oneself as a more responsible and mature student.

In line with the mission and vision of ASPutra, he stressed that the students’ presence at the institution is a vital first step in strengthening their academic foundation in science and agriculture before advancing to undergraduate programmes—while also cultivating character and unlocking their full potential.

UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah, delivering his keynote address

At the same time, students are expected to face and overcome various trials and challenges throughout their studies at ASPutra and UPM. The responsibility they carry goes beyond merely acquiring knowledge it also bears the trust and high hopes of parents, society, the university, and the nation. The success they achieve will ultimately stand as proof that the effort, determination, and sacrifices made during their studies bear fruit, contributing not only to personal excellence but also to the prestige of the university and the nation’s development.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) will continue to uphold the slogan PUTRA – Agriculture for the People as its guiding compass in driving the advancement of the nation’s agricultural sector. Anchored in the food security blueprint, the university focuses on reducing dependency on imported goods, thereby strengthening the nation’s economic resilience. Agriculture, for UPM, is not merely a field of study but has become part of its DNA in producing a generation that understands, appreciates, and upholds the sector.

Food security has also been identified as a key priority in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), with emphasis on the adoption of modern technologies driven by knowledgeable and innovative youth. This initiative not only paves the way for national development but also ensures that people have access to food that is healthy, affordable, readily available, and accessible to all levels of society. In line with this, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Malaysia’s agricultural sector has become increasingly vital in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his hope that all students would make full use of every opportunity and avenue available at ASPutra. Beyond striving for academic and personal excellence, this one-year journey will become a proud milestone in their university life, strengthening the legacy of excellence in line with UPM’s motto, With Knowledge We Serve (Berilmu Berbakti).

Student Pledge and Performances

The ceremony then reached its highlight with the recitation of the new students’ pledge, led by Arif Aman Asmayatim. The pledge symbolized the students’ readiness to abide by all university regulations, uphold ethics, image, and decorum throughout their studies.

New students taking the pledge of commitment

Arif Aman Asmayatim hands over the pledge document to UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah.

The event was further enlivened with a video montage and student performances that added to the vibrancy of the evening, concluding the ceremony in an atmosphere filled with pride and inspiration.

It is hoped that the journey of ASPer21 in this land of knowledge will mark the beginning of countless steps toward success adorned with noble values commendable character, and the spirit of With Knowledge We Serve (Berilmu Berbakti) that will be cherished for a lifetime.

WRITERS:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norazlinaliza Binti Salim
Amizatul Najeha Lukmanulhakim
Noor Hidayu Aris
Azman Jali

Media, Publicity and Reporting Committee
New Student Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Session with the University Management

Date of Input: 20/08/2025 | Updated: 28/08/2025 | hasniah