SERDANG, 14^th April – The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), YBhg. Dato' Prof. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah received a courtesy visit from the Secretary-General of the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), Datuk Dr. Abdul Aziz S.A. Kadir at the Putra Chancellery Building, UPM. The IRRDB delegation was also joined by Mr. Tajuddin Ismail (IRRDB Fellow) and Mr. Irwan Hakim Dzulkifli (IRRDB Administrative Officer), who were also welcomed by representatives of the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP) UPM, Prof. Ts. Dr Siti Khairunniza Bejo (Director of IKP) and Prof Dr Wong Mui Yun (Deputy Director of IKP).

The objective of this visit was to discuss further related to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will be signed by IRRDB and UPM. IRRDB is a non-governmental organization established in 1960 to promote international cooperation in natural rubber research and development, with the current membership of 20 natural rubber producing countries.

IRRDB's vision is in line with the thrust and focus of IKP, UPM, on the future of the Malaysian plantation industry. The collaboration between UPM and IRRDB is seen to open potential towards research collaboration, staff research attachment programs, conference organization, and attachment/internship programs for post-graduate students.