Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is one of the leading research universities in Malaysia, with a long history in the development of higher education, particularly in the fields of agriculture and science. UPM began as a small institution known as the Sekolah Pertanian Malaya (School of Agriculture Malaya), which was established in 1931 in Serdang, Selangor. Its establishment aimed to train a skilled workforce in agriculture to support the country’s economy, which at that time largely depended on the agrarian sector.

In 1947, the institution was upgraded to Kolej Pertanian Malaya (College of Agriculture Malaya), with the introduction of more systematic and structured academic programs. This development reflected the growing national need for expertise in agriculture. Subsequently, in 1971, the college evolved into a full-fledged university known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (University of Agriculture Malaysia). At this stage, the university began offering various programs in science, technology, and engineering in addition to agriculture, thereby expanding its academic scope. In line with rapid developments in education and research, the university was renamed Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1997. This rebranding reflected UPM’s role as a more comprehensive university, no longer limited to agriculture alone.

Today, UPM is recognized as one of Malaysia’s leading research universities, with strengths in various fields such as agricultural sciences, medicine, engineering, information technology, and social sciences. Its main campus is located in Serdang, and it also has a branch campus in Bintulu. UPM is also active in international-level research and frequently receives recognition in global university rankings. Its commitment to innovation and academic excellence makes it a top choice for students from both local and international backgrounds.

Date of Input: 30/03/2026 | Updated: 14/04/2026 | adibbaharudin