SEPANG, 22 November – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development and Graduate Employability (CEM), has launched the Agropreneur Harapan 2025 Programme, a high-impact human development initiative that offers a second chance to 50 Orang Diselia (ODS) through a year-long comprehensive agricultural training at the Sepang Resident Reintegration Centre (PRP).

The programme, which runs from November 2025 to October 2026, is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) and the Malaysian Prisons Department, further strengthening the national agenda on rehabilitation, empowerment, and social reintegration through community-based education and training.

The launch ceremony was officiated by the Director of CEM UPM, Associate Professor Dr. Hizmawati Madzin, who emphasized that the programme integrates modern agricultural training, character development, and entrepreneurial skills in a holistic and structured format.

“The strategic cooperation between UPM, KPT, and the Malaysian Prisons Department provides a meaningful second chance for the ODS community to build a new future upon returning to society,” she said.

The Deputy Head of PRP Sepang, Prison Assistant Superintendent Muhammad Hilmi Rasol, also expressed his appreciation for UPM’s commitment in supporting the rehabilitation process of the residents. According to him, the implementation of this annual-scale programme not only enhances the participants’ skills but also strengthens positive relationships between the rehabilitation institution, university students, and the academic community.

The Agropreneur Harapan 2025 Programme involves the participation of 50 ODS, 100 UPM students, and 20 mentors from five UPM residential colleges, namely Kolej Canselor, Kolej Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, Kolej Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah, Kolej Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee, and Kolej Sepuluh.

Throughout the programme, participants will undergo various modules including modern agricultural training, introduction to agro-technology and innovation, project management, entrepreneurial skills, as well as hands-on training related to crop cultivation and product marketing. The involvement of 100 UPM students as peer mentors is expected to strengthen their leadership, social empathy, and soft skills.

With a longer and more structured implementation period, the programme is expected to have a profound impact on participants’ development, not only through enhanced technical skills but also through increased self-confidence, emotional management, and readiness to reintegrate as functioning members of society.

This initiative once again reflects the commitment of UPM, KPT, and the Malaysian Prisons Department in strengthening social reintegration efforts through education, lifelong learning, and community-oriented training.

Date of Input: 25/11/2025 | Updated: 26/11/2025 | zubair