USM Sustainability Achievement 2026

Fifth in the world.
First in Asia.

Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to strengthen its global leadership in sustainability , achieving outstanding recognition in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. This achievement reflects USM's commitment to advancing sustainable development through education, research, partnerships and meaningful action.

#5 In the World
Overall Ranking

#1 In Asia
Overall Ranking

#1 In the World
SDG 17

#1 In Malaysia
SDGs 1, 14 & 17

SOURCE: Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. The rankings reflect USM's reported performance in the respective categories.

USM Sustainability

Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow

The USM APEX aspiration

At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), sustainability shapes how we educate, conduct research, govern our institution and engage with society. Guided by our APEX aspiration, “Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” we bring together knowledge, innovation and collective action to advance the well-being of people and the planet.

Our commitment recognises the close relationship between environmental integrity, social equity and economic resilience. Through a whole-of-university approach aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), USM integrates sustainability across teaching and learning, research, campus operations, partnerships and community well-being.

Our APEX Aspiration

“Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Our Strategic Direction

USM 5-Year Sustainability Transformation Plan 2026–2030

The USM 5-Year Sustainability Transformation Plan 2026–2030 sets the direction for the next phase of this journey. It promotes an integrated approach whereby sustainability informs institutional decisions, resource management, talent development and everyday practices. The emphasis is on coordinated implementation, shared accountability and measurable outcomes that create lasting value for the University and society.

A shared roadmap

From ambition to measurable impact

A coordinated five-year journey to embed sustainability across the University.

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

Coordination & Implementation

Pejabat Kelestarian Universiti (PKU)

University Sustainability Office

Pejabat Kelestarian Universiti (PKU), or the University Sustainability Office, operates under the Division of Industry and Community Network and coordinates the University's sustainability agenda in collaboration with its departments, schools, centres, students, staff and external partners.

PKU aligns institutional priorities with implementation, strengthens collaboration and supports the monitoring and reporting of sustainability progress across USM.

Strategic Priorities

Seven focus areas, one transformation

This transformation is organised around seven interconnected focus areas:

Governance and Sustainability Intelligence

Strengthening institutional coordination, accountability and evidence-informed decision-making.

Planetary Health and Climate Action

Advancing climate resilience, responsible resource use, biodiversity conservation and circular economy practices.

Sustainable Infrastructure and Smart Campus Transformation

Developing accessible, resource-efficient and low-carbon campuses supported by appropriate digital technologies.

Sustainable Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship (RDICE)

Translating knowledge and innovation into practical solutions that generate environmental, social and economic value.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Equipping students, staff and lifelong learners with the knowledge, values and competencies needed to contribute to a sustainable future.

Community–Industry Partnership for Sustainability

Co-creating solutions with communities, industry, government and other partners to strengthen livelihoods, inclusion and resilience.

Health and Wellbeing

Fostering a healthy, inclusive and supportive university environment that promotes physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.

Institutional Capacity

Four strategic enablers

Four strategic enablers support these focus areas: Governance, Talents, Sustainable Investment and Data-Driven Management. Together, they strengthen the institutional capacity, resources and information systems needed to translate sustainability commitments into concrete actions and drive continuous improvement.

ENABLER 01

Governance

ENABLER 02

Talents

ENABLER 03

Sustainable Investment

ENABLER 04

Data-Driven Management

From Commitment to Action

A living laboratory for sustainability transformation

USM aspires to serve as a living laboratory for sustainability transformation, where our campuses connect learning and research with practical action. By bringing students, staff and partners together to develop, test and refine solutions, we extend the impact of our sustainability efforts beyond campus boundaries.

We invite the entire USM community and our partners to help shape this future together. Every responsible decision, shared idea and collaborative effort contributes to a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive tomorrow.

Small Actions. BIG Impact.!

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Explore the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a shared global framework for building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for people and the planet. Select a goal to learn more about it directly from the United Nations.