Prof Dr Japar (right) explains the future development programmes of UPMKB.
UPM chancellor Sultan Sharafuddin planting a tree.
BINTULU: Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, who is Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) chancellor, declared open UPM Bintulu campus (UPMKB) yesterday.
It was his Royal Highness’ first visit to UPMKB, and during the opening ceremony he also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UPMKB and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA).
Representing UPMKB was its vice-chancellor Professor Dato Dr Mohd Fauzi Ramlan and BDA was represented by its general manager Datu Mohidin Ishak.
The MoU is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two parties in the field of agriculture and the implementation of community development activities here through agricultural extension programmes, besides serving as the pathway for students’ skill development by providing industrial training under BDA agencies.
Sultan Sharafuddin, who is the Sultan of Selangor, was briefed on the development of UPMKB by Mohd Fauzi.
Other highlights of the opening ceremony were the planting of an ‘Engkabang’ tree in front of Dewan Sri Kenyalang and the signing of a plaque.
Dinner for the royal entourage was held at the Millennium Ballroom of ParkCity Everly Hotel, and it was filled with local cultural shows.
Sultan Sharafuddin is scheduled to visit Similajau National Park today, and he will be briefed about the park’s uniqueness and its forest management by Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
Among those present yesterday were Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunication) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip and UPMKB Dean (Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences) Prof Dr Japar Sidik Bujang.