Rightways: Times Higher Education

Monday, June 12, 2023

PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IMPACTING THE WORLD

Proud achievement: USM occupies fourth spot in the THE Impact Rankings 2023 overall top 100 list and ranks first in Asia.

Global recognition for USM, UTM and UM

THE latest edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings proves that Malaysian universities are making a positive mark with research involving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For the second consecutive year, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) maintained its position in the top five universities, sitting comfortably at number four on the THE Impact Rankings 2023 overall top 100 list.

Ranked first in Asia, it also came first for SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). This was based on its research on peace and justice, participation as advisers to the government and policies on academic freedom.

In addition, USM is the country’s highest ranked varsity for eight other SDGs. It ranked sixth for SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), seventh for SDG 2 (zero hunger), eighth for SDG 1 (no poverty), 42nd for SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), 51st for SDG 14 (life below water), 55th for SDG 3 (good health and well-being), 65th for SDG 15 (life on land), and 89th for SDG 13 (climate action).

As the country’s sole Accelerated Programme for Excellence (Apex) university, USM, said its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, understands that sustainable practices extend beyond the confines of academia, and aims to inspire its students and staff to become responsible global citizens.

“By embedding sustainability principles in its teaching and research, USM empowers individuals to address complex challenges through innovative solutions and to become advocates for sustainable development in their respective fields.

“We are proud of this achievement as it underscores our dedication to creating a sustainable future, driving positive change, and inspiring a generation of leaders who will shape a world that prioritises the well-being of people and the planet,” he said in a statement following the release of the rankings on June 1.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia ranked first for SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy).

The fifth edition of the rankings by THE, publisher of the globally recognised THE World University Rankings, assessed institutions worldwide on their commitment to the world’s greatest challenges as listed in the UN 17 SDGs.

It assessed university commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.

Universiti Malaya (UM) ranked third globally for SDG 5 (gender equality), marking the first time the varsity has achieved a top five position in any of the SDGs featured in this ranking.

It also ranked 13th for SDG 7, 50th for SDG 1, 60th for SDG 6, 72nd for SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 73rd for SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), 81st for SDG 17, and 85th for SDG 14.

UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor said the rankings show where the varsity stood against other institutions of higher learning in addressing global issues such as poverty, hunger, health and well-being, gender equality, quality education for all, and climate change.

THE chief knowledge officer Phil Baty said: “The growth in participation from Asean has been rapid and hugely impressive, with participation more than tripling since 2000.

“This gives rise to real optimism that Asean can become a global hub of excellence in the drive for a better, more sustainable future for us all.

“It is inspiring to see even more universities participate and see countries that don’t normally rank so highly do so well.”

A record 1,705 universities from 115 countries or regions were assessed, with Western Sydney University in Australia emerging the world’s overall top institution.

For details, visit https://www.timeshighereducation.com/rankings/impact/2023/overall.