By Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photo by Mohammad Izrul Abdul Jabar

SERDANG, 6 March — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has formed a strategic collaboration with the Department of Industrial Relations Malaysia (JPPM) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the development of industrial relations in the country through education, research and expert services.

The partnership will focus on developing educational and professional training programmes, providing consultancy services for organisational conflict resolution, establishing a Centre of Excellence in Industrial Relations, as well as undertaking joint research and publications to support policy development and best practices in the field.

UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim Abu Talib, said the MoU reflects a shared commitment between academia and government agencies in addressing the increasingly dynamic landscape of industrial relations.

“This event is not merely symbolic, but a manifestation of our collective commitment to strengthening synergy between academia and government agencies for the benefit of the nation,” he said.

Deputy Secretary-General (Operation) of the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, Sutekno Ahmad Belon, noted that the collaboration will enhance human capital development and improve the management of industrial relations issues nationwide.

“The integration of academic expertise and practical experience will enable organisations to manage industrial relations matters in a more systematic, fair and effective manner,” he said.

As a research university, UPM continues to be guided by its True North framework, which emphasises impactful excellence, talent empowerment and strategic collaborations that benefit society and the nation.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Marzuki Wan Jaafar, said the collaboration paves the way for the development of a reference centre that could emerge as a national hub of excellence in industrial relations.

“Through this partnership, we aim to establish a Centre of Excellence in Industrial Relations that will serve as a national hub for reference, research and training,” he added.

Date of Input: 09/03/2026 | Updated: 13/04/2026 | hairul_nizam