Forward-looking: (From left) Prof Abdul Rahman and Prof Noor Azuan lead Malaysia’s top two universities in sustainability.
SUSTAINABILITY is part of the identity and way of life at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), says Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed.
The USM vice-chancellor affirmed that the varsity is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainable development and practices that have a tangible impact on society, the nation and the world.
Prof Abdul Rahman was responding to USM’s performance as Malaysia’s highest-ranked institution in the recently released Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2025. The varsity sits in joint 14th position with National Taiwan University in the overall ranking, up from 18th place last year.
“This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of the entire USM community.
“Sustainability has become an integrated culture across all aspects of administration, academics and campus life.
“It is not merely an effort to secure a strong position, but part of our identity and work ethic,” he said in a statement.
The varsity also topped the global rankings in three of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It came first for SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and joint first with Universiti Malaya (UM) for SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).
In total, 65% of USM’s performance falls within the world’s top 100, including SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 15 (life on land).
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya (UM) - the country’s second highest-ranked university - secured joint 25th position with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia.
Besides sharing first place with USM for SDG 17, UM was ranked fourth globally in SDG 1 for its strong student support systems - including financial aid, affordable housing and transportation - and outreach to marginalised communities.
It also leads the Asia region in sixth place for SDG 14, and ranks joint seventh globally for SDG 11 due to its green campus efforts and sustainability policies, and 12th for SDG 15 for its leadership in biodiversity conservation and environmental education.
Commenting on UM’s number one global ranking in SDG 17 with a 99.8% score, its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman called it a testament to the university’s shared vision and collective effort.
“This recognition reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the cause of sustainable and future-driven development.
“It reflects how strategic sustainable plans have been transformed into practical realities - benefiting not only our immediate community, but future generations and the world as a whole,” he said in a statement.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Sunway University are the other two Malaysian universities that made their way into the top 100 of the rankings. UKM climbed to joint 53rd while Sunway University ranks 81st, up from the 201–300 band.
In total, Malaysia has 34 universities in the rankings. Other Malaysian universities that stood out in individual categories include Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), which ranks 18th for SDG 7; Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), 41st place for SDG 10 (reduced inequalities); and UKM, 26th position for SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production).
The seventh edition of the University Impact Rankings was released on June 18 by THE, publisher of the globally recognised THE World University Rankings.
The rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the UN SDGs across four broad areas - research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.
Universities are ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each individual SDG.
A record 2,526 universities were ranked globally from 130 countries, with Asian universities claiming more than half of the rankings for the first time.
THE chief global affairs officer Phil Baty said: “Universities worldwide are stepping up to help the world take on its most pressing grand challenges, from the climate crisis to delivering economic growth to supporting peace and justice across the world.
“Asia is leading the way on the sustainability agenda.
“Asia’s clear dominance of the rankings in terms of overall representation, and so many outstanding individual university performances, including several world number-one positions for individual SDGs, shows that when it comes to universities’ social and economic impact, the world will increasingly look to Asia.”
For more information, visit https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings.
