Universiti Sains Malaysia's dedication to creating peace, justice, and strong institutions aligns seamlessly with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Through its academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement efforts, USM continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a better, more equitable world. As a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change, USM serves as an inspiring example of how higher education institutions can be a force for progress and transformation in society.

Highlighting information emphasizing USM's dedication to these principles

1. Perlembagaan – clause 24 (2) & clause 70  
2. Perlembagaan – clause 24 (1) (c), clause 24 (1) (e)
3. AUKU – clause 64 (Hal ehwal pelajar MPP) 

USM Board of Governors 

The USM Board of Governors is a diverse and strategic advisory team guiding Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in achieving its mission. This board includes representatives from academia, industry, local residents, local government, and civil society, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise and community perspectives. Their collaboration supports USM's goals in education, sustainability, and innovation, aligning university initiatives with the needs and values of both local and national stakeholders. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia's commitment to empowering voices in governance is a testament to its role as a catalyst for positive change in society. Through its inclusive education programs, community engagement efforts, and innovative use of technology, USM equips individuals and communities with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to actively participate in shaping their governance processes. By fostering a culture of informed and engaged citizenship, USM not only strengthens democracy but also contributes to a more just, equitable, and accountable society.

Student Participation 

• Information about the role of the Student Council (MPP) in university decision-making. 
• MPP resources and initiatives. Read More..

 Staff Engagement

• Explanation of staff participation in senates and LGU 
• Constitution – clause 24 (2) Read More..

 Strength in Unity  

• Overview of the Student Union and its advocacy efforts. Read More..

The USM 2023-2027 Anti-Corruption Organization Plan (OACP) is a guideline developed based on the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) to address corruption, governance, and integrity issues at USM. This plan focuses on two main objectives, namely, enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness in the delivery of USM services and fostering transparency and accountability in public procurement and corporate governance. In order to achieve the vision of making USM a Corruption-Free University, this plan establishes specific strategies for university governance and public procurement, with an emphasis on good governance and a culture of integrity among the USM community. It is hoped that this plan will contribute to shaping USM members into individuals with commendable, ethical, and corruption-free personalities.

1. Anti-Bribery and Ethical Conduct-Description of USM's policies to identify and engage with local stakeholders

a)Policy on Anti-Bribery

The USM 2023-2027 Anti-Corruption Organization Plan (OACP) is a guideline developed based on the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) to address corruption, governance, and integrity issues at USM. This plan focuses on two main objectives, namely, enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness in the delivery of USM services and fostering transparency and accountability in public procurement and corporate governance. In order to achieve the vision of making USM a Corruption-Free University, this plan establishes specific strategies for university governance and public procurement, with an emphasis on good governance and a culture of integrity among the USM community. It is hoped that this plan will contribute to shaping USM members into individuals with commendable, ethical, and corruption-free personalities. 

2. Academic Freedom-Details on USM's commitment to academic freedom

Dasar & Etika Penyelidikan Universiti Sains Malaysia 2022

The Research Policy and Ethics of Universiti Sains Malaysia aim to strengthen a culture of innovative research among academic and research professionals, create a conducive research environment for activities that benefit society and the nation, and ensure the conduct of research with integrity and ethics.

1. Introduction to the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• USM is a pioneering, transdisciplinary research intensive university that empowers future talents and enables the bottom billions to transform their socio-economic well-being.
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in various ways:
  • Student Diversity: USM boasts a diverse student body, encompassing a range of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, which is celebrated as a key strength of the university. The university's strategies and policies aimed at advancing gender equity are showing positive results, with female students increasingly closing the gap in both access and outcomes. USM monitors key metrics such as commencement, participation, attrition, and successful completion by gender. Recent data reveals minimal discrepancies between male and female students at the institutional level. Notably, 50% of the highest-ranking members of the USM Student Council (MPP) are female, and female students also hold 50% of the top positions in student clubs and associations, demonstrating their strong presence in leadership roles
  • List of student club and association (culture and religion based club). Read More..
  • Internationalization Efforts: USM actively seeks to attract students and faculty from around the world, contributing to a rich international environment on campus and provide local support via KAWAN (students’ ambassadors, is a new volunteer initiative to facilitate and assist postgraduate international students). Read More..
  • Cultural and Religious Sensitivity: The university promotes an inclusive environment by respecting and acknowledging various cultural and religious practices. This may include providing facilities for prayer and creating spaces for cultural celebrations. Read More..
  • Support for Students with Disabilities: USM aims to create an accessible and inclusive campus environment for students with disabilities. This can involve providing physical accommodations, assistive technologies, and support services. (Facilities provided by Exam Units to cater for students with disabilities)
  • List of student club and association (culture and religion based club). Read More..
  • University Diversity Officer: USM delegates committee, office, or officer focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights to provide guidance and implement policies, programs, and educational initiatives within the campus.
• University Legal Office: This office is responsible for creating and implementing policies related to the discipline and code of conduct for university members. It serves as a governing body that advises faculty and staff on preventing human rights violations within the university. Additionally, the office provides training on human rights issues for both students and staff.
• The Pusat Transformasi Insan: This center develops and delivers programs and training focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights on campus.
• Welfare, Disabled, Health, Study Loans & Medal Award Units: This unit provides student-friendly welfare services that support students' physical, mental, behavioral, and psychological development. This includes managing financial assistance, offering moral support, and fostering self-confidence among students.

2. Equality & Diversity

• Alternative Route USM+1 prioritize underrepresented groups application into the university such as the elderly, low-income individuals and minor ethnicity. Read More..
• Our motto, "Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow," reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. We prioritize applications from underrepresented groups ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences contribute to our vision for a sustainable future.
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has implemented a targeted admission strategy to enhance access to higher education for financially disadvantaged students, specifically targeting households within the bottom 20% of the country’s income distribution. This group represents a more narrowly defined target within Malaysia’s broader bottom 40% income category, commonly referred to as B40. This initiative aligns with USM’s commitment to fostering social mobility and reducing educational inequality, creating pathways for students from low-income backgrounds to pursue tertiary education.
• This approach also supports Malaysia’s national education policy, which reserves up to 10% of intake capacity across public universities, polytechnics, community colleges, and training institutes for B40 candidates through a dedicated entry route. This special admission route ensures that students from lower-income households have expanded opportunities to access quality education and build promising futures.
• To support underrepresented groups, USM diligently measures and tracks their applications and admissions. This important process is overseen by the Admission Unit of USM.                

  Priority equity group	Percentage of offer for admission in 2023
  Low socio-economic status (B40)	50%
  With a disability	0.34%
  Female	67%
  Indigenous	0.1%

• In 2023, USM exceeded these national targets, with B40 students comprising 50% of the incoming class. This significant achievement underscores USM’s dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment, bridging economic divides, and empowering students across Malaysia.

• Recruitment for students from under-represented groups in USM is conducted via a dedicated admission route for four key groups—indigenous, low socio-economic status, athletes, and individuals with disabilities offered by Student Enrolment Management Division (UPU MOHE) as mentioned in item 7 of the FAQ document.  Additional to this, Admission Unit of USM provides alternative channel for the under-represented group, specifically for non-traditional students. List of the alternative channel can be access here.

1. Admission Policy 

• USM uses three main policies in student admission consisting of MERIT, POTENTIAL and DIVERSITY. Through these three main policies, USM rules out all forms of discrimination in its admission process as mentioned in here.
• USM has an admissions policy that ensures non-discrimination and explains any applicable positive discrimination measures. This policy is governed by the Malaysian Federal Constitution and the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, as amended by Act A1433, which took effect on August 1, 2012. The non-discriminatory nature of USM's admissions policy is outlined on page 22 of the university's Constitution. It states: "Distinction of Race and Creed Prohibited: Subject to Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, membership of the University, whether as an employee, officer, or student, shall be open to all persons irrespective of gender, race, religion, nationality, or class." The full document is publicly accessible here.

2. Non-Discriminatory Policy 

• USM uses non-discriminatory approach in confirmation of appointment for USM staff as mentioned in the Statute X (professional) and Statute XI (non-professional) Read More..

3. Anti-Discrimination Policy

• Article 8 of the USM Constitution states prohibition of discrimination based on race and beliefs. Read More..

4. Anti-Harassment Policy

• As a government agency, USM adopt the Malaysian Government Circular No. 22 (updated Circular No. 5 2018)
  Universiti Sains Malaysia has a high commitment to providing and promoting a safe and prosperous work and study environment for campus residents. Sexual harassment as defined by USM is an act that can threaten the safety and well-being of individuals and the community on campus. Therefore, the USM would not tolerate acts of sexual harassment and all campus residents must adhere to the University's Policy on Sexual Harassment. University's Policy on Sexual Harassment. 

5. Disability Policy

• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) provide comprehensive services to all its members, including those categorised as Persons with Disabilities (OKU). Various efforts and initiatives have been carried out by USM in the spirit of supporting the need for infrastructure provision, welfare, accessibility, governance process and psychosocial support for the disabled people. USM's efforts are also in line with the focus emphasised by the Malaysian Ministry of Education through the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Inclusive Policy for Persons with Disabilities (OKU) in Higher Education Institutions .
• The objectives of the USM OKU Policy are to: 
  • To increase community awareness about the rights of OKU.
  • To empower USM's OKU with equal rights and opportunities to enable full and effective participation in their education at the University.
  • Provide accessibility to all USM’s OKU, to strives in providing effective facilities for them to live life as part of campus.
• USM provides access schemes for OKU in line with the Garis Panduan Pelaksanaan Dasar Inklusif Orang Kurang Upaya di Institusi Pendidikan Tinggi. These Guidelines aim to help higher education institutions to implement the Inclusive Policy for the Disabled in their respective institutions in a comprehensive and holistic manner. It requires a comprehensive change of mind to break down the stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of empathy among non-disabled towards the disabled.The document is available publicly here. 

4. Whistle Blower Policy

• The purpose of this policy is to uphold the highest values of integrity among employees and students of the university, in line with the University's Integrity Pledge. It aims to encourage and facilitate the exposure of unusual conduct among university members and the scrutiny of accounts that raise doubts. The policy also focuses on internal university affairs related to the protection of employees and students who disclose crucial information to the university, ensuring their safeguard against detrimental actions, in accordance with the University Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) and the University Constitution.

We aspire to be a place where diversity is celebrated, and where our commitment to inclusivity ensures that no one is left behind. Our mission is to provide unwavering support to students, staff, and faculty from under-represented groups.

Low-income Student Support

USM understands the substantial impact financial challenges can have on a student’s academic journey and is dedicated to reducing these barriers through comprehensive support programs. To enable students from low-income families to focus on their studies and complete their university education successfully, USM provides essential services free of charge. These services include transportation, food security initiatives, legal assistance, and counseling and consultation programs.

These targeted supports ensure that students have access to critical resources and guidance throughout their university experience, empowering them to overcome financial obstacles and succeed academically. By prioritizing student well-being and removing financial pressures, USM is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.

Here are key support programs available for students in need:

• Counselling programme based on the Guidelines Of Mental Health Disorders Management For Students by the Counselling Unit, Students Development Affairs and Alumni Division. The guidelines can be access here.
• Consultation and counselling program via web-based application for staff and faculty to access counselling services provided by the Registrar Office of USM. Read More..
• Psychosocial rehabilitation by the Mentari@USM at USM Health Campus that provides diagnostic examination, psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation and therapy as well as mentoring for mental illness. Read More..
• Peer support programs for students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities are facilitated through USM Buddies. The Buddies help the under-represented students such as students from developing countries adjusting to their new environment and surroundings, ensuring a smooth transition. Read More..
• Additional Support: In addition to these services, USM continuously seeks to expand its offerings to support the holistic well-being of low-income students, ensuring they have access to housing, healthcare, and other essential resources as part of the university's commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment. 
• Shuttle Bus Service: USM provides a free shuttle bus service for all students, making transportation on campus and between designated areas more accessible. This service ensures that students can attend classes, labs, and other university facilities without worrying about transportation costs. The shuttle bus routes cover a wide range of areas, allowing students to commute comfortably and efficiently throughout the campus. Read More..
• Food Bank: To combat food insecurity among students from low-income families, USM has established a Food Bank initiative. The food bank provides essential groceries and meals to students in need, ensuring that no student goes hungry during their studies. The initiative is a vital resource for those struggling to meet their daily nutritional needs, helping them focus on their academic responsibilities. Read More..
• Legal Services: USM also offers free legal services to students facing legal challenges. Whether it's guidance on personal legal matters, tenancy issues, or other concerns, USM's legal team is available to provide support and advice. This service helps students navigate complex legal situations without incurring additional costs, ensuring they can focus on their studies without worrying about legal troubles. Read More..

Through these comprehensive support systems, USM demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and student welfare, making higher education accessible to all, regardless of financial background. 

Special Need Community

USM celebrates the special need community in the campus by always placed importance on providing facilities for the disabled (OKU) within the campus. The OKU are considered as among ‘the bottom billion,’ one of the key focus areas of the USM agenda in its emphasis on Sustainable Development. The support services for disability provided by USM are:

• Transportation support to assist students with disabilities in navigating the campus
• 93 unit of designated accommodations for students with disabilities. Read More..
• Peer support group by Sekretariat Insan Istimewa USM, a student association comprising both regular students and students with disabilities. Read More..
• Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) Cluster that serves as a hub centre for the people with disabilities as well as to provide current information about the rights and environmental needs on legislative, social and physical disabilities to the public and the university. Read More..
• Rehabilitation and learning programs according to the trainee's (the disabled) needs to improve their abilities and potential progress and development. Read More..
• Problem solving service and training for the disabled based on occupational therapy concept by the Disability Transformation Unit
•  

We Care “You, Us & Me” 

USM demonstrates its commitment to good employment practices: for example paying staff living wage, union recognition, policies against exploitation (incl. early stage researchers), process to appeal, etc.

• Paying Minimum wage
  USM, as a statutory body, has been paying all staff based on the salary scheme set by the Federal Government of Malaysia. In 2023, the basic salary plus allowance give USM staff a minimum salary of RM1900, which is more than the current minimum wages at RM1500.00
• Union and labour right
  USM has respected the union and the labour right of both academic and supporting staff. This can be proven by forming of separate unions for both groups.
• Anti-discrimination policy
  The USM constitution also mentions that there should not be any discrimination in the workplace, subject to the provisions stated in the Federal Constitution (Article 153).
• No forced labour, no modern slavery and no human trafficking, and no child labour policy
  Being a statutory body, USM has committed, together with Malaysian government, not to conduct any practice linked to forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour. In, USM has obliged to follow Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966 and Anti-Trafficking in Person and Anti-Smuggling of Migrant Act 2007.
• Equal rights for third-party’s workers
  The university follows the government policy that guarantees equivalent rights to third-party workers involved in the university projects. This involves the social insurance protections must be provided to those workers. Besides, USM also applied the prevalent Law of Malaysia that make sure a standard form of contract is used for projects under ministry of work; there are clauses that cover the welfare of these workers are equal protected. Read More..
• Pay scale equity and elimination of gender pay gaps
  The gender equal pay is protected since USM has applied the same pay scale set by the federal government without considering the staff gender. The differences in the salary are decided by the staff’s ranking in USM organisation. Subject to certain work performance conditions, all staff will entitle for the annual salary increment. With the pay scale, it also eliminates any possible pay gaps based on gender.
• Tracking pay scale gender equity
  USM has kept the data of salary received by female and male staff, making it possible to track the pay scale gender equity.
• Employees to appeal on employee rights and pay
  The right for staff to appeal on any issue related to their rights and pay can be conducted via the ombudsmen office. Moreover, USM also oblige the Act605 Appeal of Staff to handle any appeal from staff who are given a disciplinary action.

USM committed to publishing a comprehensive report specifically addressing activities and programs related to SDG 1-17 annually. USM's commitment to sustainability and its various initiatives demonstrate its efforts in contributing to the overall SDG agenda.

• USM SDG Report 2018
• USM SDG Report 2019
• USM SDG Report 2020
• USM SDG Report 2021
• USM SDG Report 2022
• USM SDG Report 2023

Financial data highlights for USM are shown in the Document Reported by Auditor General of Malaysia in USM Financial Statement

• USM Financial Report 2021
• USM Financial Report 2022
• USM Financial Report 2023