KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has urged graduates of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to uphold the university’s motto of ‘With Knowledge We Serve’, with sincerity and integrity. In a statement, UPM said His Royal Highness, as the university’s Chancellor, also reminded graduates to honour and remember the contributions of their parents and educators at the institution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Sharafuddin encouraged the graduates to contribute their efforts back to religion, race, and the nation. He emphasized the importance of knowledge and service, highlighting their benefits for future generations. The Sultan extended his congratulations to the graduates, urging them to remember their roots and the university as a pivotal place for acquiring knowledge.

The Sultan delivered his remarks at the first session of UPM’s 48th Convocation Ceremony, held at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre, UPM, Selangor. At the same event, he con
ferred the Honorary Doctorate Award to Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim and the title of Professor Emeritus to Datin Paduka Setia Datuk Dr Aini Ideris.

He expressed his hope that UPM graduates would become leaders of integrity within their organisations and communities, diligently carrying out their responsibilities. Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized the importance of practicing good values to create a respected society admired globally.

The Sultan also addressed UPM’s Food Security Blueprint, expressing hope that it would drive innovative strategies and initiatives in agriculture to help the nation achieve sustainable food security. He highlighted the need to change negative perceptions about agriculture and recognize its potential and opportunities.

Furthermore, Sultan Sharafuddin recommended collaboration between UPM and other agricultural institutions to revitalize the sector, particularly among the younger generation. The statement revealed that 6,056 graduates would receive their d
egrees this year, including 608 Doctorates, 1,509 Masters, 3,934 Bachelor’s degrees, and five Diplomas during the seven-day convocation ceremony.

Earlier, UPM’s 48th Convocation Ceremony Session 1 was held at Dewan Sri Kenyalang, UPM Bintulu Campus, Sarawak, where 473 graduates were awarded their degrees and diplomas.