KUCHING, June 30: The Sarawak government will establish a School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SVAS) in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the State’s food security agenda and enhance the sustainability of its livestock industry.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement during the official declaration ceremony of UPMS, formerly known as UPM Bintulu Campus, held at Istana Alam Shah in Klang today.
“The Sarawak government will provide long-term funding to ensure the sustainability of SVAS,” Abang Johari said, adding that the school will offer more opportunities for Sarawakian students to pursue higher education in veterinary fields.
Abang Johari highlighted that the establishment of SVAS represents a strategic commitment to developing local talent and enhancing animal health standards in the State, which are crucial for supporting Sarawak’s growing agricultural and food industries.
“The school will also play a key role in strengthening the sustainability of the livestock industry and improving veterinary services across the State,” he added.
He noted that food security and sustainable agriculture are among the core focus areas in Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), and the partnership between the Sarawak government and UPMS reflects a shared vision to achieve those goals.
UPMS, officially declared as a full-fledged university by His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, the Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia, is expected to play a pivotal role in driving innovation, education, and strategic development in Sarawak and the Borneo region.
The royal ceremony was also attended by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
The Premier said the rebranding of UPMS represents more than a name change—it affirms the university’s expanding role in supporting the State’s socio-economic development through inclusive and impact-driven higher education.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement during the official declaration ceremony of UPMS, formerly known as UPM Bintulu Campus, held at Istana Alam Shah in Klang today.
“The Sarawak government will provide long-term funding to ensure the sustainability of SVAS,” Abang Johari said, adding that the school will offer more opportunities for Sarawakian students to pursue higher education in veterinary fields.
Abang Johari highlighted that the establishment of SVAS represents a strategic commitment to developing local talent and enhancing animal health standards in the State, which are crucial for supporting Sarawak’s growing agricultural and food industries.
“The school will also play a key role in strengthening the sustainability of the livestock industry and improving veterinary services across the State,” he added.
He noted that food security and sustainable agriculture are among the core focus areas in Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), and the partnership between the Sarawak government and UPMS reflects a shared vision to achieve those goals.
UPMS, officially declared as a full-fledged university by His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, the Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia, is expected to play a pivotal role in driving innovation, education, and strategic development in Sarawak and the Borneo region.
The royal ceremony was also attended by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
The Premier said the rebranding of UPMS represents more than a name change—it affirms the university’s expanding role in supporting the State’s socio-economic development through inclusive and impact-driven higher education.