PUTRA International Centre (i-PUTRA) commenced the new year with a strategic workshop series aimed at fortifying its foundation and establishing a clear path forward. With the involvement of 29 dedicated staff members, the programme began with two preparatory sessions and culminated in a comprehensive strategic retreat designed to realign goals, empower staff, and inspire future growth.

To set the tone for the series, Professor Dr Alyani binti Ismail, Director of i-PUTRA, delivered an inspiring message: “Success starts from the way we think.”

The first pre-workshop session took place on January 3, 2025, at the OSH Hall, Occupational Safety and Health Management Office, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This session focused on cultivating a success-oriented mindset, aligning i-PUTRA’s strategic direction with UPM’s overarching vision, clarifying individual roles and responsibilities, and enhancing resource management to drive innovation and operational excellence. 

The momentum continued on January 10, 2025, at Thinker Space 2.0, Faculty of Engineering, UPM, where Dr Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah delivered a keynote titled “The Unicorn Mindset: Secrets to Thrive in the Career.” This session explored how embracing unconventional thinking, resilience, innovation, and personal excellence can rewire the brain, unlocking both personal and professional growth. Dr Azurahanim emphasised, “The world needs scientists who dare to dream, innovate, and lead. Unicorn scientists will shape the future by staying curious, persevering through challenges, and daring to dream.”

Building on the insights gained from the pre-workshop sessions, i-PUTRA hosted a three-day strategic workshop at Grand Lexis Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, from January 31 to February 2, 2025. Professor Dr Alyani opened the event by establishing a dynamic atmosphere for discussions, presentations, and interactive team-building activities. The workshop focused on refining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each unit, strengthening roles and responsibilities for greater efficiency, and fostering collaboration and synergy across the team.

To commemorate the success of the workshop and celebrate the team’s commitment, the i-PUTRA Staff Welfare Club (Kelab Kebajikan Warga i-PUTRA, KKWiP), with support from i-PUTRA’s top management, organised a Staff Appreciation Night. The evening featured a heartfelt award ceremony, gift exchanges, and moments of gratitude to recognise the passion and hard work of every staff member.

Through this initiative, i-PUTRA not only reinforced its internal foundation but also demonstrated its commitment to aligning with UPM’s vision—creating a meaningful, lasting impact as it continues to grow, evolve, and innovate into the future.

Date of Input: 10/07/2025 | Updated: 10/07/2025 | nurulshabila