| CORPORATE STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Putra Bakti as volunteerism platform, launched


By: Azman Zakaria
Photo: Marina Ismail

SERDANG, April 20 - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has set up ‘Putra Bakti’ as a platform for university staff and students to work together to carry out volunteerism activities and works for the society, with focus on humanitarian efforts and expertise.

The launching by UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris was held in conjunction with her 100th day in office.

In her keynote address at UPM Vice-Chancellor’s 100th Day In Office here, she said the re-branding of UPM volunteerism program as “Putra Bakti” and placed under the same roof, was to ensure that UPM volunteerism works could be brought to greater heights.

At present, UPM staff and students were involved in various volunteerism activities but all these were carried out in silo.

“This is, indeed, a disadvantage as it does not give any big impact. In view of this, it is better if volunteerism activities can be done collectively and streamlined under a strong coordination,” she said in her message, themed ‘Ihsan Tonggak Kecemerlangan’ (Good deeds are pillar of excellence).

Among those who attended the event were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni),  Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohammad Shatar Sabran; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof. Datuk Dr. Mad Nasir Shamsudin; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof Dato’ Dr.Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network), Prof Dr.-Ing. Ir. Renuganth Varatharajoo, staff and students.

Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini added that university volunteerism activities must be carried out with great commitment for success and impactful results.

“Therefore, I am proposing three approaches that can take volunteerism activities to a higher level, firstly, give focus to university’s niche, that is agriculture and multidiscipline, secondly, such activities must be based on knowledge transfer and expertise and thirdly, they are based on the concept of collectivity and cooperation,” she added.

She also said the Corporate Strategy and Communication Office (CoSComm) is responsible in outlining strategies to optimize high-impact volunteerism activities.  – UPM.


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