Top ranked: UM continues to lead among Malaysian varsities in the QS World University Rankings 2025. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
UNIVERSITI Malaya (UM) can add another feather in its cap, having climbed 17 spots to rank 115th globally, in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 (see infographic).
The country’s oldest varsity is now the top ranked institution in Malaysia, and the ninth in Asia, in the third instalment of the international university rankings.
UM is the highest ranked institution in the country for sustainability, seeing impressive scores in Knowledge Exchange (72nd), Employability and Outcomes (113th); and Environmental Sustainability (46th).UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said he is proud of the university’s recognition as a “leader in sustainability” both locally and internationally.
“As Malaysia’s premier public research university, this achievement inspires us to strengthen our efforts to create a sustainable future for our nation and the global community.
Together, we are building a legacy of resilience, innovation, and progress for generations to come,” he said in a statement on Dec 10, when the results were revealed.
Prof Noor Azuan
Prof Noor Azuan said the varsity’s commitment to sustainability is “deeply embedded” in their UM Master Plan 2050, which outlines an ambitious vision for transforming the campus.“Central to this plan is a strong focus on decarbonisation and green policies, alongside a dedication to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
The jump in rankings also underscores the UM community’s shared determination to tackle key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and to foster meaningful change through education, research, and collaboration, he added.
Rounding up the top five most sustainable Malaysian university list were Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (245th), Universiti Sains Malaysia (251st), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (328th) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (333rd).
UCSI University (472nd), which was ranked sixth in Malaysia, is the country’s highest ranked private university.
Prof Siti Hamisah
UCSI vice-chancellor Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir said ESG issues must not be overlooked.
“We have incorporated ESG elements in research and we will continue working with our stakeholders from the industry and society to champion a more equitable future.
“I’m encouraged that our students and staff are empowering refugees, adopting rivers, working with NGOs, and launching social entrepreneurships that improve lives for the underprivileged and marginalised,” she said, adding that UCSI would continue driving change through its two Regional Centres of Expertise in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching — centres entrusted by the United Nations University to spearhead education for sustainable development at the local level.
Sunway University (480th), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (554th), Taylor’s University (557th), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (559th) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (607th) rounded up the top 10 list of Malaysian institutions in the rankings.
A total of 29 institutions ranked by QS were from Malaysia. The overall global average score was 52.5, with Malaysia coming in at 28th spot, ahead of Japan, the Philippines and Iceland.
Malaysia is also home to seven of Asia’s top 100 universities for Sustainability, Employability and Outcomes.
QS vice-president Ben Sowter said Malaysian universities have outstanding results in the Environmental Sustainability and Knowledge Exchange categories this year.
“The Asian higher education system is gradually improving in global rankings and Malaysia is no exception,” he said in a press release.
The rankings showcases over 1,740 universities from 107 countries and territories.
QS CEO Jessica Turner said, “Sustainability is a top priority for today’s students, with nine in 10 identifying it as important and 40% actively researching universities’ sustainability strategies during the application process.”
