By: Muhammad Zafarul Adib Zaidi | zafarul@upm.edu.my

SERDANG, 2 April – The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FPV), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), received a strategic visit from a delegation of the Fujian Pet Industry Association, China, aimed at strengthening academic and industry collaboration between both parties. The visit served as an initial platform to explore potential partnerships in veterinary science, the pet industry, and professional training development.

The delegation was welcomed in an official session chaired by Prof. Dr. Shamsul Bahri bin Hj. Md Tamrin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations). Also present was the President of the China Fujian Pet Service Industry Association, Mr. Chen XiaoWei, along with other members of the delegation.

The session began with an introduction to the role of the Centre for Industry Relations and Networks (CiRNeT), delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Sudesh Prabhakaran, Deputy Director (Training and Professional Development), CiRNeT. The presentation also covered the centre’s operational structure and strategic initiatives such as URIIS 2026, alongside discussions on potential industry–academic collaboration, particularly in strengthening ties between universities and industry players within the veterinary and pet sectors.

This was followed by an exchange session with UPM professors in the fields of veterinary science and the pet industry. The discussion focused on UPM’s role in developing the agricultural and pet industry sectors in Malaysia, current research trends in veterinary medicine, and future opportunities for research and industry collaboration.

The visit continued with a tour of the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), providing the delegation with exposure to the teaching and clinical facilities, as well as related academic programmes offered by FPV. Overall, the visit marked a significant step in strengthening UPM’s international network and opened avenues for high-impact strategic collaboration in advancing the global veterinary and pet industry.

An interactive and constructive two-way discussion session

Explanation of the facilities and operations at the Student Surgery Unit

Group photo at the Diagnostic Imaging Unit to conclude the visit

Date of Input: 02/04/2026 | Updated: 02/04/2026 | zafarul