MestoGo - Malaysia
MestoGo - Malaysia
Explore Malaysia's leading agricultural university in Serdang, renowned for its academic excellence, extensive faculties, research contributions, and beautiful campus rich in educational heritage.
Nestled in the heart of Serdang, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) stands as one of Malaysia’s most prestigious and comprehensive universities, transforming from its humble beginnings as the School of Agriculture in 1931 into a world-renowned institution of higher learning. This journey through nearly a century of educational excellence showcases not just Malaysia’s commitment to agricultural advancement but also its vision for holistic educational development.
The story of Universiti Putra Malaysia begins in 1931 when it was established as the School of Agriculture on a modest 22-acre plot of land in Serdang. In its early years, the institution focused on agricultural education, offering a three-year diploma programme and a one-year certificate course in Agriculture to meet Malaysia’s growing need for agricultural expertise.
A significant milestone occurred in 1947 when Sir Edward Gent, the then Governor of the Malayan Union, elevated the institution’s status by declaring it the College of Agriculture Malaya. This recognition marked the beginning of its transformation into a more comprehensive educational establishment.
The establishment of Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (University of Agriculture Malaysia) came about through a strategic merger between the College of Agriculture in Serdang and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Malaya. Dr. Mohd. Rashdan bin Haji Baba, the principal of the College of Agriculture Malaya, was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor, marking a new chapter in Malaysian higher education.
With its first academic session in July 1973, the university welcomed 1,559 students across three central faculties and one basic division: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, and the Division of Foundation Studies.
The 1980s marked a period of significant expansion for UPM as the university strategically broadened its academic horizons to include Science and Technology (S&T). This forward-thinking move positioned UPM to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s technological advancement and industrial development.
In 1997, a pivotal moment occurred when former and current Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, changed the university’s name from Universiti Pertanian Malaysia to Universiti Putra Malaysia. This strategic change reflected the institution’s evolution from a purely agricultural university to a comprehensive center of higher education capable of providing diverse fields of study, particularly in science, information technology, and emerging disciplines crucial for national development in the new millennium.
Today, Universiti Putra Malaysia boasts an impressive array of faculties, making it one of Malaysia’s most comprehensive universities. The institution offers education across 15 distinct faculties, each contributing to the university’s reputation for academic excellence:
Core Agricultural and Life Sciences:
Engineering and Technology:
Health and Medical Sciences:
Humanities and Social Sciences:
Design and Creative Arts:
UPM has established itself as a research-intensive university, making significant contributions to agricultural science, biotechnology, environmental studies, and numerous other fields. The university’s research facilities and collaborations with international institutions have positioned it as a key player in global academic research.
The main campus in Serdang spans vast green spaces, creating an environment conducive to both academic pursuits and personal development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including:
Beyond academics, UPM offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, societies, and activities that contribute to holistic student development. The university encourages students to participate in:
UPM maintains its leadership position in agricultural research, continuously developing innovative solutions to address global challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. The university’s research contributions include:
The university encourages interdisciplinary research collaboration, bringing together experts from different faculties to address complex challenges. This approach has led to breakthroughs in areas such as:
Universiti Putra Malaysia has established numerous international partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. These collaborations facilitate:
UPM consistently ranks among Malaysia’s top universities and has gained recognition in various international rankings, particularly in agriculture, forestry, and related fields. The university’s commitment to academic excellence has earned it numerous accolades and recognition from both national and international bodies.
As a public university, UPM plays a crucial role in providing quality higher education to Malaysian students from diverse backgrounds. The university’s commitment to educational accessibility has contributed significantly to social mobility and national development.
UPM maintains strong ties with local communities through various extension services and outreach programs, including:
Universiti Putra Malaysia welcomes visitors interested in exploring its beautiful campus and learning about its academic programs. The campus offers:
Location: Serdang, Selangor Accessibility: Well-connected by public transportation Campus Size: Expansive green campus with modern facilities
Universiti Putra Malaysia represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, maintaining its agricultural heritage while embracing modern educational challenges. From its modest beginnings as an agricultural school to its current status as a comprehensive research university, UPM has consistently demonstrated its commitment to educational excellence, research innovation, and national development.
The university continues to play a vital role in shaping Malaysia’s educational landscape, producing graduates who contribute significantly to various sectors both nationally and internationally. Whether you’re a prospective student, researcher, or visitor, Universiti Putra Malaysia offers a unique glimpse into Malaysia’s commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
As UPM continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of society, it remains true to its core mission of providing quality education, conducting meaningful research, and serving the community – a legacy that began in 1931 and continues to inspire future generations of students and researchers.