INPUMA UM

“Know Your National Agricultural Policies” – Why it Matters Now More Than Ever!

Did you know that agriculture is no longer just about farms and food? It’s a vital pillar of our national security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. 💡

In his latest column in Sinar Harian, our Executive Director, Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff, breaks down Malaysia’s comprehensive agricultural strategies under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), including:
✅ The National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030 (DAN 2.0)
✅ The National Food Security Policy Action Plan 2021–2025
✅ The National Bioeconomy Policy
✅ The concept of 'Komoditi Bertanggungjawab'
✅ Smart agriculture using AI, robotics & IoT

With challenges like food security, youth involvement in agriculture, climate change and the global economic shifts, this article is a must-read for everyone – from policymakers and students to consumers and future farmers. 📈🌍

Dr Anis calls for better public awareness and multi-sectoral involvement to ensure Malaysia’s agricultural future is both sustainable and resilient.

📖 Read the full article below and see how Malaysia is rethinking the way we feed the nation.

Universiti Malaya

The International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA), Universiti Malaya, cordially invites public servants and citizens of Timor-Leste to apply for the MTCP - Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. This fully sponsored scholarship (4–10 August 2025, Kuala Lumpur) offers:

1. In‑depth insights into good governance & institutional reform
2. Expert-led workshops & field visits
3. Networking opportunities with regional policymakers

🗓️ Closing date: 3 June 2025
🔗 Apply now: https://mtcp.kln.gov.my/courses/detail2/46
📘 Programme brochure:https://mtcp.kln.gov.my/storage/uploads/courses/2025/brochure/174478957346_brochureCourse.pdf

Last year, we were thrilled by the enthusiasm of Timorese colleagues—read about their experiences here: https://inpuma.um.edu.my/news/inpuma-s-mtcp-closing-ceremony-and-dinner

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills and strengthen Malaysia–Timor-Leste ties. Please share widely across all ministries and departments!

🎓 From ‘Publish or Perish’ to ‘Be Visible or Vanish’ — What’s Next for Academia?

In his latest commentary published in Malay Mail, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Tariqur Rahman, Deputy Executive Director (Development, Research, and Innovation) at INPUMA UM, Universiti Malaya, raises a critical question that every academic should reflect on:

👉 Has academia lost its soul in the pursuit of metrics and visibility?

Prof. Tariq argues that the pressure to constantly publish, gather citations, and chase digital visibility is quietly reshaping the purpose of scholarship. Are we compromising depth and originality in favour of algorithmic recognition?

This timely piece calls for a much-needed conversation on what it truly means to contribute to knowledge—and how we can restore meaning in the academic journey.

📖 Read the full article here: https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2025/05/08/from-publish-or-perish-to-be-visible-or-vanish-whats-next-mohammad-tariqur-rahman/175983

Universiti Malaya

From ‘publish or perish’ to ‘be visible or vanish’: What’s next? — Mohammad Tariqur Rahman MAY 8 — Amidst the dictum “publish or perish,” a new vibe has emerged in academia: “be visible or vanish”. The new dictum is introduced in the book “Engage, Influence...

📰 Pak Lah: A Leader Who Led with Conscience

It has been over 20 days since the passing of our beloved former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. And yet, the sense of loss still lingers deeply in the hearts of many Malaysians.

In a poignant and personal OpEd published in Sinar Harian, our Executive Director, Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff, reflects on the quiet strength, humility, and moral conviction that defined Pak Lah’s leadership.

From his early encounters with Pak Lah at a cadet officer graduation in the 1980s to working alongside him decades later, Dr Anis offers rare insights into a leader who led not with fanfare, but with heart.

🕊️ In an era overwhelmed by political noise, Pak Lah’s style of leading with nurani—conscience—reminds us of the kind of leadership Malaysia truly needs.

📖 Read the full piece and be reminded why Pak Lah earned the nation’s respect, not just for his role, but for his character.

🗞️ Published in Sinar Harian (8 May 2025), Page 17

Universiti Malaya

🤝 Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Public Sector Excellence

On 10 April 2025, our Executive Director, Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff, welcomed Mr Azham Zainal Abidin, Acting CEO of the Razak School of Government, and his management team to the Director of UM LEAD's office at the Chancellery, Universiti Malaya

This meeting marked the beginning of a promising collaboration between INPUMA, UM LEAD, and RSOG. The discussion focused on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing leadership development and public policy training within Malaysia's public sector.​

By combining our expertise, we aspire to cultivate a new generation of public servants equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex governance challenges.​

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting partnership!

🫖 A Sip of Tea... with Microplastics?

Did you know that your daily cup of tea might come with an unexpected ingredient—microplastics? Recent discussions have highlighted how common practices, like using plastic tea bags or certain packaging, can lead to microplastic contamination in our beverages.

In his latest article for the New Straits Times, Prof. Dr. Tariqurrahman, Deputy Executive Director of Development, Research, and Innovation at INPUMA, Universiti Malaya delves into the presence of microplastics in our food and drinks. He sheds light on how even simple pleasures like sipping tea are not exempt from environmental concerns.

This eye-opening piece is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental health and the subtle ways pollution affects our daily lives.

📖 Read the full article here: https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2025/04/1209253/sip-hot-tea-side-microplastics

Let's stay informed and make conscious choices for our health and the environment.

A sip of hot tea with a side of microplastics | New Straits Times When you buy hot tea or coffee at restaurants, they’re typically delivered in plastic cups.

📢 Reclaiming the Right to Disconnect from Work

In today’s hyper-connected world, are we ever truly off duty?

Dr Sheila Ramalingam—Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya, and Deputy Executive Director of UM LEAD, INPUMA—highlights an urgent issue many of us quietly endure: the erosion of personal time due to 24/7 work expectations.

In her latest commentary, she sheds light on how constant connectivity and blurred work-life boundaries are harming employees’ mental health and well-being. She argues for clear boundaries, realistic workloads, and mental health support to build a healthier, more resilient workforce.

📄 Read her timely and thought-provoking article published in The Sun Daily here: https://thesun.my/opinion-news/reclaiming-right-to-disconnect-from-work-FK13912153

It’s time we take the conversation about workplace wellness seriously—and start with the right to disconnect.

[📣 NEW ARTICLE]
Is poverty in Malaysia still a major issue despite 12 national development plans?

In his latest Rintihan Rakyat column, Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff asks this bold question and urges us to rethink poverty—not just as a lack of income, but as a deep-rooted socio-economic issue.

He explores how zakat and waqf can be strategic tools for wealth redistribution and social justice, especially if integrated into policymaking more effectively. This timely piece challenges policymakers, scholars, and the public to stop treating poverty as an individual failure and to start seeing it as a systemic problem needing bold, inclusive solutions.

📖 Don’t miss this thoughtful read, especially as we prepare for RMK13.

🗞️ Read the full article in today’s Sinar Harian.

🎉✨Last Friday, we were delighted to welcome our new cohort for Intake II, 2024/2025 into the Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme. Our incoming students—an inspiring mix of professionals from government, the private sector, and civil society—are set to embark on a dynamic academic journey.

Designed with working professionals in mind, our MPP classes run from 6 to 9 pm, allowing them to maintain their daytime careers while pursuing their academic ambitions. During registration, the students were introduced to the programme, INPUMA, Universiti Malaya and the exciting learning opportunities ahead by Dr Aslam Abd Jalil, our programme coordinator.

We wrapped up the orientation with a convivial dinner and a breaking-fast session, where our international students enjoyed a delightful introduction to our local cuisine. We’re thrilled to see such enthusiasm and look forward to the remarkable contributions they will bring to our community.

Welcome aboard and here’s to a successful academic year ahead!

We’re excited to share our Executive Director, Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff’s, latest piece, featured in today’s Sinar Harian newspaper, titled “Ramadan: Bulan Melawan Nafsu” (Ramadan: A Month of Self-Restraint).

Written in Bahasa Melayu, this article offers profound insights into how Ramadan isn’t merely about abstaining from food and drink; it’s also a call to resist negative impulses, cultivate moral discipline, and nurture spiritual growth.

By encouraging greater empathy, patience, and self-control, Datuk Dr Anis reminds us that the true essence of Ramadan goes beyond hunger and thirst. It’s an opportunity to strengthen our resolve, build better habits, and foster unity within our communities.

We highly recommend reading his thoughtful commentary in Sinar Harian, especially during this blessed month, as a reminder to realign our actions and intentions for a more meaningful Ramadan.

🌙 Ramadan Kareem from all of us at INPUMA! ✨

As the crescent moon graces the sky, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone observing the holy month of Ramadan.

INPUMA joins you in celebrating the spirit of Ramadan, a time for compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. May this sacred time bring you peace, joy, and spiritual reflection. May your days also be filled with kindness, your nights with tranquility, and your hearts with gratitude.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and fulfilling Ramadan.