
By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, June 18: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus will be officially renamed to Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), marking a significant step in Sarawak’s efforts to gain greater autonomy in its education sector and elevate its higher education landscape.
Revealing this today, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development of Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the proclamation ceremony will be held on June 30 at Istana Negara.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is scheduled to witness the historical event.
This significant rebranding marks a new chapter in the higher education corporation between UPM and Sarawak, and this, Rundi said, reflects the university’s commitment to deepen its collaboration with the State government and communities in areas such as quality education, innovative research, development, and nurturing local talent.
“This is a dream come true for Sarawak. Soon, we will have an additional higher learning institution under us that we can be proud of.
“It is also a recognition of Sarawak’s significant role in the development of national higher education. From here, we can plan to do more under our own ‘State brand’, especially in agriculture sector and supporting the food security agenda,” Rundi said at a press conference after attending Sarawak Agriculture department appreciation ceremony 2025.
“Furthermore, Sarawak should not continue allowing West Malaysia to tell us what we need. Instead, it is time for us to tell them what our State needs. Fortunately, we are in the position to do so,” he added.
He further pointed out that with UPMS, they can strengthen efforts to expand access to high-quality education in Sarawak, produce highly skilled human capital, and become a leader in research and innovation that benefits the people of this State as a whole.
UPMS will soon join the list of Sarawak-brand universities such as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus in Kuching, and Curtin University Malaysia Sarawak Campus in Miri.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Agriculture Department’s appreciation ceremony 2025 was held to recognise the achievements and contributions of the ministry’s staff.
The event includes presentation of Excellent Service Awards to 151 officers and acknowledging 46 retiring officers or those who’ve completed their contracts. – DayakDaily