MALAYSIA achieved a breakthrough in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, with two universities breaking into the global top 10.
This marks the country’s first-ever entry into the top tier.
Leading the way is Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which ranked fifth globally for its efforts in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), up from =14th place last year (“=” denotes a shared rank with another varsity).
It is the highest ranked Asian university and also holds the number one position for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This underscores its role as a world leader in fostering strategic collaborations that support the SDGs.
It also achieved outstanding results in three other SDGs – SDG 1: No Poverty (2nd), SDG 14: Life Below Water (11th) and SDG 15: Life on Land (23rd).
USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the achievement reflects the strength of its holistic and well-coordinated sustainability ecosystem.
“It not only acknowledges our performance on the global stage but also demonstrates that a Malaysian university can lead the global sustainability agenda through knowledge, innovation, strategic partnerships, and impactful solutions for society,” he said in a June 24 statement.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is also in the global top 10, having leapt from =53rd in 2025 to =7th, sharing the spot with Japan’s Hokkaido University.
Among its most notable jumps are in SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which rose from 26th to 2nd in the world; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, from 21st to fourth; SDG 15: Life on Land, from 56th to 15th; and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, from 36th to 13th.
UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh said the latest ranking is the result of the effectiveness of its holistic approach to integrating the sustainability agenda into education, research, innovation, governance and community engagement.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya is ranked 24th, up from =25th, while Sunway University jumped from 81st in 2025 to 45th this year.
UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the ranking is a recognition of the varsity’s responsibility to humanity and of the role universities play in securing the world’s future.
“We (Universities) must be among the institutions that lead with knowledge, act with courage and deliver solutions that protect lives, strengthen societies and preserve the planet for future generations,” he said.
Rounding off the Malaysian entries in the top 100 is Management and Science University, which climbed from the 101-200 band to =88, sharing the rank with Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom.
At the top of the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 is the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, followed by Griffith University, Australia.
Overall, 1,646 universities from 116 countries or territories are featured in this eighth edition of the rankings.
THE chief global affairs officer Phil Baty said: “It is particularly exciting to see the sheer diversity of success stories when it comes to social and economic impact: this rating system proves that excellence comes in many shapes, sizes and contexts – not just from the traditionally dominant universities of the Global North.”
Previously known as the THE Impact Rankings, this is the only global performance table that assesses universities against all 17 SDGs.
The rankings are based on SDG data submitted by the universities, with institutions that provide data on SDG 17 and at least three other SDGs included in the overall rankings.
This accomplishment proves that Malaysian universities excel not only in teaching and research, but also in delivering meaningful contributions to society and the global sustainability agenda.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir
