Serdang, 11 July 2025 – The Closing Ceremony of the International Archives Day 2025 celebration at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was held meaningfully on Friday, 11 July 2025, at the Termasa Room, Sultan Abdul Samad Library (PSAS).

This event marked the highlight of the celebration of UPM’s 94th Anniversary: Honouring History, Shaping the Future, held to commemorate the importance of archival management and institutional memory as the foundation for shaping the university’s identity and future direction.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Mahbob Yusof, Chief Librarian of Universiti Putra Malaysia, who represented YBhg. Dato’ Professor Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice-Chancellor of UPM. In his speech, Mr. Mahbob highlighted the importance of archival management in supporting the university’s strategic achievements and in preserving the historical values that have underpinned UPM’s establishment and growth since 1931.

The event also featured a keynote address by Dato' Dr. Idris Bin Abdol, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), who served from 16 June 2000 to 31 January 2003. In his address, Dato’ Dr. Idris shared personal reflections from his time in UPM’s administration and emphasized the significance of documenting the lived experiences of the university community as a legacy for future generations.

Throughout the celebration week, various programs were held, including a record disposal workshop, oral history workshop, archival donation campaign, DIY diary workshop, and a UPM History Quiz, with active participation from UPM staff and students. These initiatives aimed to raise awareness across campus about the importance of archival preservation and the library’s role in sustaining the university’s collective memory.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to departments that contributed archival materials in response to the Archival Donation Campaign. Among the contributing departments were:

• Institute for Mathematical Research (INSPEM)

• UPM Islamic Centre

• Putra Agricultural Centre

• Research Management Centre (RMC)

• Alumni Relations Centre

Congratulations were also extended to Goh Yoong Qing from the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, who emerged as the champion of the UPM History Quiz.

The International Archives Day celebration was organised by the Media, Archives and Conservation Division of PSAS, which remains committed to strengthening institutional record and documentation management as a cornerstone of transparent and accountable governance, in line with UPM’s aspiration to be a world-class university.

Date of Input: 15/07/2025 | Updated: 15/07/2025 | amiruliqhmal