By: Dr. Aidi Hizami Alias

SERDANG – The year 2015 marks 30 years of existence of University Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Department of Civil Engineering. A dinner with department alumni was held, with the cooperation of UPM’s Faculty of Engineering, to celebrate the occasion.

Close to 200 alumni comprising the first batch of department students who graduated in 1985 as well as current students attended the anniversary dinner.

The event was also attended by staff of Civil Engineering Department, including retirees who were academic, technical and administration personnel. It was graced by former heads of the department - Ir. Dr. Syed Mansor, Dato` Ir. Abang Abdullah, Prof. Ir. Megat Johari, Prof Dato` Ir. Dr. Mohd Saleh and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim.

Ir. Dr. Syed Mansor Syed Junid who served as the first head of the department was given the honour to officiate the event which was held at the foyer of the Faculty of Engineering. The dinner provided an opportunity for alumni members to return to UPM and see for themselves the achievements it had made thus far.

Head of Department, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Raizal Saifulnaz Muhammad Rashid is the patron of the event while Dr. Syazwani. Idrus is the Programme Director. The dinner was handled by some 47 committee members who are staff of Civil Engineering Department, assisted by Civil Engineering Students Club (CESC) members.

A book on the department’s 30 years of existence, covering its good track record of accomplishments and history as a symbol of camaraderie and excellence between department students and staff, was launched.

Taking into consideration the importance of unity between department and alumni for more meaningful achievements in the future, a pro tem committee was announced at the event to be the driving force behind the establishment of UPM Civil Engineering Alumni Chapter.

This dinnner with alumni in conjunction with 30 years of establishment of the university’s Civil Engineering Department, also served as a platform to enhance strategic ties between alumni members and their alma mater.

In addition, in upholding the aspiration of Putra Global 200 (PG200) for Universiti Putra Malaysia to be listed among the world’s 200 top universities by 2020, the event is expected to be able to help enhanced the existing link between Civil Engineering Department and alumni. - UPM

Date of Input: | Updated: | amir_peli