SERDANG, 26 July 2023 - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) warmly welcomed a delegation from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) for a benchmarking visit aimed at exploring best practices in human resources, consultancy, financial management, and research grant management. The program, held on the 26th of July 2023, provided a valuable platform for UBD delegates to exchange ideas and learn from UPM's expertise in these critical areas.

The benchmarking visit began with a cordial welcome by Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Ab Rahman, Director of PUTRA International Centre (i-PUTRA), at the Bilik Lembaga, Canselori Putra Building. UPM representatives from i-PUTRA management were present to facilitate the discussions. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Ab Rahman in his welcoming remarks, expressed delight in hosting the UBD delegation and emphasized UPM's commitment to fostering fruitful collaborations and knowledge-sharing endeavors with universities from around the world.

The program featured four insightful sessions, each focusing on a specific aspect of UPM's operations. The first session involved discussions with the Human Resources Service Division, wherein UBD delegates engaged with Madam Siti Fatimah Abdul Ghani, Head of the Intervention Service, and Madam Siti Nadirah Binti Mat Na'ain, Assistant Administrative Officer.

In Session 2, UBD delegates concurrently discussed topics with two divisions: the Human Resources Development Division, represented by Madam Ruhaida Mohd Yusuf, Head of Replacement Plan Section, and the Bursary Department, represented by Madam Siti Amira Shukor, Deputy Bursar, and Madam Wan Suzaimas Binti Wan Sulaiman, Senior Assistant Bursar.

The third session involved discussions with the Human Resources Management Division, where UBD delegates engaged with Madam Suhana Binti Md Chairi, Head of Division, to gain insights into UPM's effective HR management practices.

After a sumptuous lunch, the delegates proceeded to the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) for Session 4, where they engaged with UPM's Research Management Centre. Prof. Dr. Goh Yong Meng, Deputy Director of the Research Grant Division & Research Project Monitoring Division, and several representatives from the Research Financial Division were present to share UPM's experiences in research grant management.

Throughout the benchmarking visit, the UBD delegates had the opportunity to learn from UPM's experiences in centralizing or decentralizing budgets, managing research grants, and implementing a robust Human Resources Management System. Discussions also encompassed staff onboarding, academic promotion processes, competency frameworks, digitization of human resources filing, exit policies, and effective consultancy practices.

The program concluded at 5:00 P.M. with the UBD delegates expressing their gratitude to UPM for the invaluable insights and knowledge shared during the benchmarking visit. The exchange of ideas and best practices is expected to yield positive outcomes for both institutions, fostering continued growth and excellence in their respective domains.

The benchmarking visit marks a significant step towards building stronger academic partnerships and driving institutional advancement. Both UPM and UBD look forward to reaping the benefits of this collaboration, solidifying their positions as leading institutions in their regions and beyond.

Tarikh Input: 31/07/2023 | Kemaskini: 30/08/2023 | sh_najiyah