UPM gets new deputy VC
PROF Dr Arifin Abdu ( pic) has been appointed as Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) for a period of three years until Sept 30, 2023.
Prof Arifin, from the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, takes over from Prof Dr Mohd Roslan Sulaiman, who was appointed vice-chancellor of the university beginning Sept 1.
His appointment was done via a letter signed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Noraini.
In her letter, Noraini said she hoped Prof Arifin would give his best service to the university.
Meanwhile, Prof Mohd said appointing Prof Arifin as the new deputy vice-chancellor would support the university’s goal to produce quality, marketable graduates as well as improve student competencies by equipping them with soft skills and business skills.
“Both Prof Arifin and I will fully support the ministry’s aspirations such as (improving) graduate marketability, student entrepreneurship, digitalisation and internationalisation of students,” he added.
He also said Prof Arifin’s portfolio will include leading the entire administration of the Deputy ViceChancellor (Student Affairs And Alumni) office, and the development of student outcomes.
He is also responsible for the activities of the Co-Curriculum and Student Development Centre, Graduate Entrepreneurship and
Marketability Development Centre, Sports Centre, Alumni Centre, College, Student Police Volunteers, Reserve Officer Training Team and the Civil Defense Student Corps, added Prof Mohd.
Prof Arifin, 42, is also the current principal of KPZ Residential College and has published over 90 journals.
He obtained his undergraduate degree in forestry from UPM in 2002.
This was followed by a Masters Degree in Forestry (Environmental Conservation and Management) from the same university; and PhD in Forest Soils, Forest Rehabilitation and Management from Ehime University, Japan.
He has also held various posts in the past including an expert consultant for the Kelantan Forestry Department and Malaysian Timber Industry Board.
He was also a reviewer of various international journals such as the International Journal of Plant and Soil Science and Agronomy and Soil Science Journal.