USM Advances Sustainability through Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on the SDGs

Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to demonstrate leadership in advancing national and international discussions that unite academia, government, industry, and civil society in the pursuit of sustainable development. These initiatives reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusive dialogue and collective action to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through cooperation across sectors.

Guided by the USM Sustainability Policy (Revised 2024), USM upholds the mission to “engage communities for sustainability” (pp.2) and the principle of “Networking for Sustainable Development” (pp.6). These commitments underpin the university’s active role in building multi-stakeholder partnerships that contribute to policy innovation, social transformation, and sustainable economic progress.

In 2024, USM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and leading industry representatives, organised the Dialogue Session with Electrical and Electronics Industry Partners. The session provided a national platform to exchange perspectives on sustainability-driven innovation, workforce development, and policy alignment with Malaysia’s high-technology and industrial transformation goals. Participants identified opportunities to advance circular economy practices, enhance energy efficiency, and expand collaborative research that supports sustainable industrial ecosystems.

USM also played a central role in the Commonwealth Academic Forum 2024, which focused on strengthening women’s leadership in higher education. The forum brought together scholars, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across the Commonwealth to share approaches to gender-inclusive policy and sustainable institutional governance. The discussions reinforced the connections between education, equality, and partnerships as essential drivers for achieving the SDGs.

At the international level, the International Conference on Business Sustainability and Innovation (ICBSI 2024), hosted by USM, convened global experts and practitioners to discuss business transformation strategies that align economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. The conference explored sustainable entrepreneurship, green innovation, and adaptive management frameworks that contribute directly to Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.

Through these engagements, USM continues to play a bridging role between academia, government, and industry. The university’s facilitation of open dialogue ensures that research evidence and community insights inform decision-making and policy design. By creating platforms for cross-sectoral exchange, USM advances its mission to transform sustainability principles into practical solutions that benefit society and the environment.

As USM continues to host and participate in regional and international forums, its focus remains on building long-term partnerships that strengthen collective capacity to achieve the SDGs. The university’s commitment to collaborative dialogue reflects its position as a sustainability-led institution dedicated to nurturing ideas, innovation, and leadership for a better future.