As a leading academic institution, USM is committed to aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of our significant contributions under SDG 16—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—is the 2023 Translational Research Program for Social Well-being titled “Strengthening Sustainability Policies in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs)”, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). Led by Prof. Dr. Azlan bin Amran, our Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Industry and Community Network, this project represents a significant collaboration between academic institutions and government departments, aimed at fostering sustainable practices within the higher education sector.

The project is a pioneering policy-driven research initiative focused on translating research findings into actionable policies for government and institutional use. In particular, this project aims to address gaps in sustainability governance by designing policies that empower HEIs to adopt and maintain sustainable practices, thereby fulfilling SDG 16’s call for strong institutions and transparent, accountable governance.

Prof. Dr. Azlan bin Amran leads a collaborative team of experts from various Malaysian academic institutions, including:

• Universti Sains Malaysia: Professor Dr. Saidatulakmal Mohd, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Teoh Ai Ping., Ms. Sharifah Nurlaili Farhana Syed Azhar, Ms. Siti Izaidah Azmi
• Universiti Malaya: Professor Dr. Nazia Abdul Majid.
• Universiti Teknologi MARA: Dr. Amirul Ab Rashid.
• Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology: Dr. Leow Lei Ping.

The project team collaborates with policymakers to identify challenges faced by HEIs in implementing sustainable policies and develops targeted solutions. Such collaboration is essential in ensuring that the policies formulated not only align with national agendas but also respond to the unique sustainability challenges facing HEIs in Malaysia. Through regular consultations, workshops, focus group discussions, and stakeholder validation workshops, the project fosters a cooperative environment where academia can contribute insights from research, while the government provides guidance on regulatory and policy frameworks.

This project exemplifies USM’s commitment to contributing to SDG 16 through participatory and policy-focused research. By collaborating with government departments and engaging various stakeholders, we are not only enhancing our institutional sustainability practices but also positioning ourselves as a leader in the national effort to achieve sustainable development in higher education. By actively engaging with government stakeholders, we align our research with national priorities, ensure that our research is grounded in real-world challenges, and contributes directly to the formulation of effective sustainability policies. This initiative underscores the importance of building stronger, more accountable institutions and promoting peace and justice through sustainable practices. Our collaborative efforts will pave the way for a more sustainable future for higher education in Malaysia and beyond.