On June 28, 2025, the School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) officially launched its innovative sustainability project, ReEarth: Hair on Earth, in collaboration with the UPM Student Representative Council (MPP). The launch took place during Culture Fest: MPP Inklusif Raikan Diversiti, an event organised by MPP to celebrate inclusivity, culture, and student engagement.

The launch was officiated by Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah, CEO@SBE UPM and Chairman of Pertubuhan Amal THZ.

Hair on Earth marks the first phase of the broader Harvest Hub Regenerative Farming Initiative, a long-term effort to advance sustainable agriculture through regenerative practices. The project creatively repurposes donated human hair into nutrient-rich compost, which is then used to restore soil health, enhance crop productivity, and promote eco-friendly farming methods.

This collaborative effort between SBE UPM and Pertubuhan Amal THZ includes a wide range of activities such as training in regenerative agriculture, agropreneur support, development of composting facilities and regenerative farms, and outreach programmes aimed at improving national and regional food security.

The launch of Hair on Earth also brought together a diverse group, including over 20 industry partners and numerous SBE alumni, demonstrating broad support for the initiative. The Graduate Student Club (GSC) and SBE MBA Club UPM were also key contributors to the programme’s execution and will continue to play an active role as the project progresses.

Hair on Earth stands as a cross-sector platform, uniting academia, industry, civil society, and government in a shared mission to create measurable, scalable impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—including SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Ultimately, the project sends a powerful message: even a simple strand of hair can spark change. Sustainability starts small but grows through innovation, collective action, and community-driven purpose.

Date of Input: 04/07/2025 | Updated: 04/07/2025 | asyikeen