May 23rd, 2025 – In a dedicated effort to reinforce a systematic and high-quality work culture, the School of Graduate Studies (SPS) successfully organized a premier Public Sector Conducive Ecosystem (EKSA) Gotong-Royong program. The event saw full participation from all staff members, demonstrating a collective commitment to maintaining excellence in the university’s administrative environment.

The program, which commenced at 9:00 a.m., was specifically designed to transform the office landscape into a more organized, clean, and inspiring workspace. The primary objective of this gotong-royong was to ensure that every individual workstation and all common areas were maintained at an optimum level. By adhering to the core principles of EKSA, the activity focused on the "Sort, Set in Order, and Shine" components—encouraging staff to declutter unnecessary items, reorganize filing systems, and ensure that their immediate surroundings were spotless. Beyond mere aesthetics, the initiative emphasized the psychological and operational benefits of a tidy desk. A clutter-free environment is scientifically proven to reduce workplace stress and enhance mental clarity, allowing staff to focus more effectively on their daily responsibilities. This is particularly vital for SPS, which serves as a central hub for graduate students, where efficiency and accuracy in handling documentation are of utmost importance.

Throughout the morning, a strong sense of camaraderie was evident as staff members from various units worked side-by-side. While individual workstations were the priority, significant efforts were also directed toward communal zones, including the storage rooms, active file registries, and the pantry. The cleanup also addressed safety concerns, ensuring that emergency exits were clear of obstructions and that electrical cabling was neatly managed to prevent hazards. The management of SPS highlighted that a well-organized workspace is a direct reflection of the department’s professionalism. When the ecosystem is conducive, information retrieval becomes faster, and service delivery to students and stakeholders is significantly improved. This initiative serves as a reminder that excellence begins at one’s own desk.

The program concluded at 12:30 p.m. with a brief appreciation session for all participants. Through this activity, SPS aims to instill a lasting habit of workplace maintenance among its staff, ensuring that the conducive environment achieved today remains a consistent standard in the long run. This commitment to EKSA continues to position the School of Graduate Studies as a benchmark for organizational quality within Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Date of Input: 23/05/2025 | Updated: 13/01/2026 | aslamiah