By: Aimi Mohamad Farid
SERDANG, 15 April - Four researchers from the Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) were awarded the Director General’s Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their contributions and active involvement in strategic collaboration initiatives with the Department of Industrial Relations Malaysia (JPPM), Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).
The recognition reflects UPM’s continuous commitment to strengthening industry collaboration and contributing to the development of a more sustainable industrial relations ecosystem in Malaysia.
The recipients were Dr. Suriani Ismail, Prof. Dr. Ismi Arif Ismail, Dr. Ahmad Aizuddin Md Rami and Dr. Siti Noormi Alias, while Datin Dr. Zoharah Omar, Senior Manager Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Elektrisola (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., was also honoured for her involvement in the initiative.
The award was presented in appreciation of their strong commitment in implementing various research, training and consultancy initiatives that have been consistently carried out since 2023.
Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Educational Studies, UPM, Dr. Suriani Ismail, said the collaboration has enabled research outputs to be translated into practical applications within the industrial relations sector.
“Through this collaboration, we are able to strengthen research activities and contribute directly to the development of industrial relations policies and practices in Malaysia, which led to the development of the Industrial Relations Information System (IRIS) to support more systematic analysis of industrial relations scenarios,” she said.
“The development of IRIS has contributed to improving the governance of industrial relations measurement in Malaysia and reinforced efforts to promote industrial harmony at the national level.”
The certificate presentation ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Director General of JPPM, Puan Meriam Mohd Noor, at the JPPM office, KESUMA, Putrajaya.
She highlighted that the active involvement of UPM researchers in joint initiatives with JPPM reflects the capability of higher education institutions in contributing to the development of the nation’s industrial relations sector.
“Strategic collaborations like this are essential in ensuring that industrial relations policies and practices remain relevant, competitive and responsive to current challenges,” she said.
The recognition also emphasizes the expertise of UPM researchers in research, training and industry networking, particularly in the field of industrial relations.
In line with the university’s aspirations, this achievement reflects UPM’s role as an institution committed to producing high-impact researchers and contributing to national development through collaborative and innovative approaches.
