UPM Strengthens Global Academic Ties through Putra Agriculture Summer Programme 2026

SERDANG, 4 August – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through the Faculty of Agriculture in collaboration with the Putra International Centre (i-PUTRA), continues to advance its internationalisation agenda by hosting the Putra Agriculture Summer Programme 2026, a week-long academic mobility programme that brought together 38 students from two leading agricultural universities in the People’s Republic of China.

The programme provided an enriching platform for participants to gain first-hand exposure to Malaysia’s tropical agriculture expertise, while fostering knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and academic networking between UPM and its international partners.

Coordinated by the Office of the Deputy Dean (Academic, Student Affairs and Alumni), Faculty of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture Student Representative Council (PERMATANI), the programme welcomed 18 students and two accompanying officers from Gansu Agricultural University, alongside 20 students from South China Agricultural University.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Dr Loh Teck Chwen, said the programme represents a strategic initiative to showcase UPM’s expertise and capabilities in tropical agriculture while strengthening academic partnerships with higher education institutions at the international level.

“The programme not only provides participants with exposure to innovations and technologies in tropical agriculture, but also creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and professional networking among students and academics from different countries,” he said.

Throughout the programme, participants attended a series of academic lectures delivered by experts and lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture, covering various aspects of sustainable agriculture. The participants also visited modern agricultural farms and research centres, enabling them to gain first-hand insights into the application of research, innovation and technology within Malaysia’s agricultural sector.

The programme further incorporated cultural exchange activities aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding. Participants visited Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, where they were introduced to Malaysia’s rich history, heritage and multicultural society.

For Zhang Huang Zhou, a participant from South China Agricultural University, the programme offered a memorable opportunity to experience Malaysian culture, particularly through the traditional food-making activity.

“Making onde-onde was a very unique experience. I was especially excited because the delicacy is green in colour, and I like green,” he said.

The Putra Agriculture Summer Programme 2026 reflects UPM’s continued commitment to expanding international academic networks and strengthening strategic partnerships with leading global institutions. Such initiatives also contribute towards developing graduates with global competencies and intercultural awareness, in line with UPM’s aspiration to remain a leading institution of higher education in agriculture, food security and related fields.

The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony for all participants, recognising their active participation throughout the programme. Beyond commemorating their academic and cultural experience at UPM, the programme is expected to serve as a catalyst for closer academic engagement, knowledge exchange and future collaboration between UPM and its international partner institutions.

Date of Input: 07/08/2026 | Updated: 07/08/2026 | wazien