GEORGE TOWN – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has earned global honours as one of the top education institutions in sustainable practices.
In a statement today, the university said it has been placed at number four internationally by Times Higher Education (THE-GIR) 2022 global sustainability rankings.
The THE-GIR rankings measure the contributions made by an institution and its community in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) by 2030.
This includes the initiatives taken by the institution together with its partners in fulfilling the requirements of the SDGs.
A total of 1,406 higher educational institutions worldwide participated in the latest ranking exercise based on the 17 SDGs of the UN.
In the latest listings released by THE-GIR, USM is ranked fourth, a huge jump compared to when it was ranked in 2021 where it was placed at number 39.
In addition to showing an increase in scores in all 17 SDGs, USM scored top points in gender equality.
Apart from that, USM was highly placed in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), where it reflected the role of USM in taking measures relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and its applications in the community.
It managed to obtain a score of 96.4 for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) based on its efforts in research, management, linkages with authorities and student involvement.
Chairman of the USM Board of Governors, Datuk Awang Adek Hussin said that this is the “highest” acknowledgement given to the institution and reflects its potential as a world leader in sustainable initiatives to raise the quality of life for the community.
“Examples can be seen in the recognition given on the efforts by USM for SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), both reflecting the concerns for the welfare of the students, staff and even the surrounding community, especially the poor and those at the lower rungs of society,” he said.
Vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan said the success is an acknowledgement, befitting the aim of USM of leading in global sustainability as part of its Accelerated Programme for Excellence aspiration.
“Various measures have been taken and continuously monitored all the while to ensure that sustainability will be the norm of the campus community.
“We even have various infrastructure and policies regarding this matter.”
Its deputy vice-chancellor (Sustainability and Institutional Development) Prof Md Roslan Hashim added that the success is due to the collective efforts of various parties. – The Vibes, April 28, 2022
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