On July 1 and July 2 2019, respectively, the Thammasat University Library welcomed visitors from the University of Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) and University Putra Malaysia (UPM).

UniMAP is a Malaysian public institution of higher learning located in Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia, at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia with Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. The motto of UniMAP is Knowledge, Sincerity, Excellence. Founded in 2001, it has 14, 000 students enrolled. Although it is not certain how the name Perlis was derived, one Malaysian historian, Dr. Mohd Yusuf bin Adil, suggests that the name may have originated from a Thai phrase “Phra Loi” (Thai: มะพร้าวลอย Maphrau Loi) or kelapa hanyut (coconut washed ashore) since many coconuts were found on the shores of Kuala Perlis.

As the university website explains:

Perlis is an ideal location for research thanks to its quiet appeal, rustic charm and peaceful greenery. Most people of Perlis lead simple and modest lives. Known as a place of escape from the frenzy of city life, Perlis offers the perfect environment to be able to succeed in the field of academia.

The mission of UniMAP is

To produce a holistic human that contributes to the nation’s development and industrial competitiveness agenda

Vision:

An internationally competitive academic and research institution

Core Values:

Knowledge, Sincerity, Excellence

The UniMAP Quality Policy states that the university is committed:

to managing high quality academic programs to produce human resources and human capital capable of meeting the needs of stakeholders. UniMAP is committed to implement professional, efficient and effective academic management with emphasis on continuous improvement in making UniMAP competitive internationally.

A specially designed mace symbolizes the university.

A ceremonial mace is an ornamented staff of metal or wood, carried before a sovereign or other high officials in civic ceremonies by a mace-bearer, intended to represent the official’s authority. Processions often feature maces, as on parliamentary or formal academic occasions. Part of the Royal Regalia of Malaysia, ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status, are maces. They include the Cogan Alam (Sceptre of the Universe), a silver mace symbolizing power, including a crescent and 11-pointed gold star sitting. The Cogan Agama (Sceptre of Religion), also made of silver, includes a golden five-pointed star. The UniMAP mace was designed based on the concept of the tree of life, featuring roots, stems, leaves and flowers.

University logo 
The UniMAP logo, according to the university website, identifies the concept and idea of UniMAP as a

dynamic, scientific and innovative engineering university in the context of its mission and vision which considers the aspects of environment, advancement and engineering development – whether they be locally or internationally. The logo sports an aerodynamic design and also displays icons of science and physics of significance. Among the elements suggested are three dimensional images of interplanetary science fiction objects. However, it was decided that the iconography would be grounded in science, technology and engineering. Layers of oval were selected because of its resemblance to atomic orbits… The logo has three colours: blue, yellow and silver, which are UniMAP’s corporate colours. Blue represents nature, knowledge, harmony, discipline, and the field of engineering. Silver represents high technology, might and sincerity. Yellow represents excellence, life, and the sovereignty of Perlis. Besides the three main colours, the oval shapes are associated with the image of globalisation and the iconography of science and technology. The 14 yellow circles are reminiscent of objects in science fiction, echoing the University’s space-age inclination. Fourteen is the number of states in Malaysia. The yellow circles are united in their motion, namely towards north and the orbit of globalisation, signifying readiness to address the numerous challenges it would face. The three silver layers in the logo embody a sense of movement and balance between engineering, dynamism and energy. The silver triangles at the corner of the U, M, and P letters in the logotype speak for the three core values of the University – namely knowledge, sincerity, and excellence.

The university song includes mention of

Knowledge, Sincerity, Excellence
Our Vision of Life…
Selfless, Spiritual, Technologically
Sustainable Leaders
For the Nation, the People and the World…

The following day, a group of students and administrative staff from University Putra Malaysia (UPM) visited the Pridi Banomyong Library. UPM was originally founded as an agricultural training center, although only one of the 41 students present on July 2 was studying agriculture as a major subject. UPM ranks third in Asia, second in Southeast Asia and first in Malaysia for sustainable green campus and environmental management.

UPM’s motto in English is With Knowledge We Serve. Over 19,000 students are enrolled at UPM, with over 2,000 academic staff. UPM is located in Serdang, Selangor,Malaysia.

UPM’s vision, mission, values, and goals:

As a premier institution of learning, widely recognised for leadership in research and innovation, UPM continues to strive for excellence. In order to motivate the entire university community towards achieving excellence, it ensures that all the members, both students and members of staff, share the responsibility of strictly adhering to the demands of the University’s vision, mission and goals.

VISION: To become a university of international repute.

MISSION: To make meaningful contributions towards wealth creation, nation building and universal human advancement through the exploration and dissemination of knowledge.

GOALS:

• Enhancing the Quality and Competitiveness of Graduates
• Creating Value through a Strong and Sustainable RDCE
• Boosting Industry and Community Networking Services
• Strengthening UPM as a Centre of Excellence in Agriculture
• Enhancing the Quality of Governance

The university logo

embodies the tradition, philosophy and vision of the university. The design of the logo is based on the shape of a shield, which traditionally symbolises strong principles, stability and preservation of knowledge for the good of mankind. The water droplet symbolises the commitment of the university in preserving the environment. Water is also fundamental in life, as is knowledge in human development. The thin lines represent electronic circuits, which symbolise the university’s sophisticated approach in the era of information and knowledge. The three lines on the left and right are the symbols of branches, which depict the importance of agriculture. These lines also represent the three main functions of the university, which are teaching, research and services. In addition, these lines symbolise the setting up of UPM with its three pioneering faculties: Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary and Animal Science. The colour red symbolises the quest for knowledge. It also symbolises the pioneering spirit, courage and persistence in confronting challenges. The colour grey symbolises information technology, neutrality, versatility and consistency. The combination of these colours represents harmony, stability, happiness, maturity and dynamics.

The UPM anthem pays tribute to the university for building insights and being an excellent student shaper.

International academic exchange 

UPM has many international collaborations, including in Thailand with the following institutions of higher learning:

• Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)
• Chiang Mai University
• Lampang Rajabhat University
• National Center For Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency (BIOTEC)
• Chulalongkorn University
• Thonburi University
• Kasetsart University
• Thepsatri Rajabhat University
• Mahidol University
• Maejo University
• Srinakharinwirot University
• Silpakorn University
• Prince of Songkla University
• Naresuan University

Among innovative academic programs are the UPM – Naresuan University (NU), Thailand Dual PHD Degree Program. After completing the dual degree program (DDP) and writing a single thesis, students receive certificates from UPM and NU. There is also a UPM – NU Thailand Dual Master of Science Program, organized along similar lines.

(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)