By: Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photos by: Mohammad Izrul Abdul Jabar
SERDANG, 15 June – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has launched the UPM Planetary Health and Sustainability Blueprint, reaffirming its strategic commitment to advancing environmental stewardship, community well-being and sustainable development through knowledge, research and innovation.
The launch of the blueprint was among the key highlights of Putra Synergy Month 2026, held throughout June under the theme “From Campus to National and Global Impact: Synergy for a Sustainable Future.”
The blueprint serves as UPM’s institutional framework for aligning academic, research, innovation and community engagement initiatives to address planetary health challenges while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at both national and global levels.
UPM Vice-Chancellor Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah FASc said the blueprint outlines how the university can contribute meaningful solutions to planetary health issues by leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise in collaboration with government agencies, industry and local communities.
“UPM possesses extensive expertise across diverse disciplines that can be partnered with stakeholders to develop research-driven solutions, innovation, policy recommendations and governance mechanisms to address planetary health challenges.
“Through the UPM Planetary Health and Sustainability Blueprint, the university aims to strengthen its role as a driving force in knowledge generation and solution development that benefits society while contributing to environmental sustainability for future generations,” he said.
He added that achieving planetary health requires collective commitment, cross-sector collaboration and a shift towards more sustainable practices across society.
“Planetary health is a shared responsibility. Synergy between universities, government, industry and the community is essential to safeguard both human well-being and the environment in the long term,” he said.
Meanwhile, Putra Synergy Month 2026 serves as a strategic platform to strengthen the implementation of UPM’s institutional agenda through active participation from the university community while fostering collaboration, inclusivity and shared responsibility in initiatives that benefit society, industry and the nation.
Director-General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Datuk Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman, described the initiative as a reflection of UPM’s commitment to driving institutional excellence through the active involvement of its campus community.
“I see Putra Synergy Month 2026 as a manifestation of UPM’s determination to strengthen a responsive, progressive and resilient higher education ecosystem that aligns with the nation’s higher education aspirations.
“The Ministry of Higher Education remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance staff and student well-being, advance academic and research excellence, and expand community impact. I am confident that initiatives such as Putra Synergy Month 2026 will catalyse greater achievements and strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness at both the national and global levels,” she said.
Vice-Chancellor Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan FASc said Putra Synergy Month 2026 builds on the momentum of the Putra Synergy Workshop: UPM Interim KPI 2026 Focus, held from April 24 to 26.
“The programme brings together members of the University Management Committee and Heads of Responsibility Centres as key drivers of UPM’s strategic agenda.
“Putra Synergy Month 2026 provides a platform to translate the aspirations of the UPM Strategic Plan 2026–2030 into impactful actions while strengthening a culture of collaboration and institutional ownership among the university community,” he said.
The programme focuses on five strategic priorities: Agriculture and Food Security, Planetary Health and Sustainability, Global Prominence, Community Well-being, and the PUTRA Spirit.
Throughout June, a series of university-wide and faculty-level programmes will be organised to strengthen awareness of UPM’s strategic priorities and translate the university’s Interim KPI 2026 targets and the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 into measurable action.
Each committee and responsibility centre has also been encouraged to organise at least one high-impact university-level programme and two faculty- or department-level initiatives to broaden participation and accelerate the university’s transformation agenda.
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