BANGI, 2 April 2026 – A team from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) achieved a commendable milestone by securing third place in the Business Combat Competition held in conjunction with the Program Usahawan Muda (PUM) 2026 at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The competition brought together 24 teams comprising participants from 20 Public and Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTA and IPTS) across Malaysia, making it a competitive platform to test entrepreneurial ideas and capabilities among students.

Representing UPM, the team known as Ground Leaf Initiative successfully advanced into the Top 3 finalists following their pitching session on the first day of the competition. They then proceeded to the final presentation on the second day to determine the overall winners.

The team presented their concept through the brand Plussixty, a coffee product built on the concept of “from seed to cup to soil”, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and circular economy practices within the coffee industry value chain. Downstream products derived from coffee waste, such as compost fertilizer and organic candles, further reinforce the sustainability concept introduced by the team.

The closing ceremony was officiated by YB Senator Datuk Dr. Hajah Fuziah Salleh, who also presented awards to the winning teams.

The Ground Leaf Initiative team members are Muhammad Badrul Anbiya’ bin Mohd Husni, Mohammad Shafiq bin Sudi, Muhammad Nik Baihaqi bin Taiki, Lailatul Akmal Awiss bin Juharin and Muhammad Iqwan Arif bin Roslin, under the guidance of mentors Ts. Dr. Rosalam bin Che Me, Encik Ludinata bin Misnun and Puan Nur Suhaila binti Juharei.

The participation of UPM students in this competition was supported and guided by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Graduate Employability (CEM), UPM, which served as both mentor and facilitator in empowering students’ entrepreneurial potential at the national level.

This achievement reflects UPM students’ ability to develop innovative and competitive ideas that not only address market needs but are also grounded in sustainability and societal impact. It aligns with the university’s aspiration to produce holistic, entrepreneurial and globally minded graduates.

Date of Input: 06/04/2026 | Updated: 06/04/2026 | sarahshammaddin