By: Muhammad Aqiff Hakimi Mohd Ghazali & Norazira Mohamed

SERDANG, 13 April 2026 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with Agrobank, Pusat Pertanian Putra (PPP), and the Sultan Abdul Samad Library (PSAS), organised the PROBEST@UPM programme (Inkubator Baharu), involving 25 selected undergraduate students.

The programme was officiated by Encik Mohd Tarmizi Ishak, Head of Administration and Services Division, PPP. The event was also attended by Puan Roziana Binti Mohammad, Section Head, Training and Development, Agrobank Centre of Excellence (ACE), Agrobank.

In his speech, Encik Mohd Tarmizi highlighted agriculture as a key sector contributing to national food security and expressed hope that PROBEST would nurture agro-entrepreneurial interest among students.

The programme introduced three core modules: Chilli cultivation, rock melon farming, and quail breeding. These modules provided participants with practical exposure to agricultural practices and fundamental knowledge of livestock management.

He also shared that a key challenge in the previous programme was balancing academic commitments with fieldwork, including managing 1,200 chilli plants and handling up to 2,000 quails throughout the programme.

UPM Chief Librarian, Cik Haslina Abu Seman @ Talib, said the library plays an important role as a strategic partner by supporting experiential learning through information literacy.BEITA

“The library supports participants in identifying reliable sources, managing information effectively, and producing structured project documentation,” she said.

The two-day workshop also featured modules on Islamic business practices, entrepreneurial mindset development, and Business Model Canvas, along with industry engagement sessions, site visits, and presentations.

This initiative is expected to produce graduates who are competitive in agro-entrepreneurship while equipping them with relevant practical skills.

UPM students receiving offer letters for the PROBEST programme		Encik Mohd. Tarmizi bin Ishak delivering his speech during the opening ceremony
PROBEST participants in a group photo with Puan Roziana Mohammad (Agrobank), Encik Mohd Tarmizi Ishak (PPP), and Cik Haslina Abu Seman @ Talib (PSAS)		PROBEST participants attending the programme briefing session.

Date of Input: 11/05/2026 | Updated: 11/05/2026 | amiruliqhmal