Sunway’s sustainable efforts yield results

Sunway University: Committed to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

SUNWAY University (pic) has, for the first time, entered the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

With this recognition in the 2021 edition of the international university rankings, the varsity is now the highest ranked private university in Malaysia for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

In addition, the varsity has made it into the Top 200 for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), reflecting its dedication to creating career and business opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and building resilient societies and economies.

Sunway University vice-chancellor Prof Graeme Wilkinson said the varsity is a signatory institution to the SDG Accord, and is committed to aligning its educational and research efforts with the SDGs.

“We take very seriously our responsibility to educate our students on sustainability issues, and to undertake research on policies and technologies that can make an impact in relation to the SDGs.

“This ranking demonstrates that our efforts are yielding results,” he said in a press release on June 3.

UN resident coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Stefan Priesner said the education sector is a key driver in the whole-of-nation approach towards achieving the SDGs.

“Academia has a crucial role to play in nurturing future SDG champions and developing thought leadership for a more sustainable world.

“As an organisation, universities can contribute by walking the talk and being SDG compliant in their business operations as demonstrated by Sunway,” he said.

Among the varsity’s sustainable practices is ensuring high standards in sustainability research, sustainable work practices and sustainable consumption.As the host for the new UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) office in Asia, it coordinates continent-wide sustainability initiatives with the SDSN offices in New York and Paris.

Last year, it was one of two universities that won the National Energy Award in recognition of its efforts on energy efficiency.

Launched by Times Higher Education in 2019, the Impact Rankings has almost tripled the number of participating international premiere universities from nearly 100 countries from across the world.

It is the only global performance table that assesses universities against the

SDGs, using carefully calibrated indicators to provide comprehensive and balanced comparisons across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.