08/09/2026

TUESDAY | SEPT 8, 2026

EDUCATION 25

Commitment to sustainability o MSU organises SDG-ESG synergy symposium on leading change for people, planet, prosperity

M ANAGEMENT and Science University (MSU) in collaboration with Times Higher Education (THE) last week organised the SDG-ESG Synergy Symposium: “Leading Change for People, Planet and Prosperity” at the Performing Arts Theatre, MSU main campus. The two-day symposium brought together leaders and experts from higher education institution local as well as international, government, industry and stakeholders to discuss how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles can collectively drive meaningful and sustainable change. The symposium also addressed the growing demand for ESG-related competencies and the role of universities and industries in preparing graduates for an increasingly sustainability-focused workplace. At MSU, this commitment is reflected in 950 documented SDG-related initiatives carried out between 2022 and 2025, including 81 international projects and 92,000 community engagements. Through its Community Outreach Programme, the university supported 2,408 families from 2023 to 2025 and continues to provide RM50 million in scholarships annually through Yayasan MSU to widen access to quality education. MSU’s community efforts also include its Covid-19 vaccination programme, which reached more than 30,000 people in 2021. The symposium was officiated by MSU president and founder Prof Tan Sri Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid. Also in attendance was MSU pro-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, who will contribute to a session focusing on governance for impact. Other speakers include THE president for the Asia-Pacific region Lim Mei Mei, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry director of industry environmental, social and governance division Shireen Jasmin Ali, Affin Group managing director of strategy and

governance-for-impact sessions, sustainability plenaries, social and environmental impact segments, as well as roundtable discussions. MSU’s contribution to this agenda is reflected in its best-ever performance in the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, where it rose to 88th place worldwide. The university ranked third globally for SDG 5: Gender Equality, 29th for SDG 4: Quality Education, 39th for SDG 1: No Poverty and 66th for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These achievements demonstrate the reach of MSU’s teaching, research, institutional practices and community engagement in advancing sustainable development. The symposium reflected MSU’s strengths in holistic education, applied research, industry engagement, entrepreneurship and international collaboration. Its multidisciplinary learning ecosystem connects academic knowledge with real-world practice, enabling students, researchers and industry partners to explore practical responses to environmental and social challenges while strengthening ethical and responsible decision-making. MSU’s emphasis on developing balanced, competent and globally minded graduates also supported the symposium’s focus on responsible leadership. By bringing together perspectives from academia, government and industry, the university continues to encourage innovation, inclusive progress and partnerships capable of translating sustainability commitments into meaningful impact. Through the SDG-ESG Synergy Symposium, MSU reinforces its commitment to sustainability, impactful partnerships and responsible governance, while supporting the global agenda for people, planet and prosperity.

Shukri delivers the presidential address at the SDG-ESG Synergy Symposium. – HANDOUT PIC

entrepreneurship Prof Dr Abdul Jalil Ghazali also contributed to the symposium. They were joined by sustainability and governance experts from Universiti Sains Malaysia, the health sector and local government. Centred on the sub-themes of ESG practices, environmental impact, social impact and governance impact, the programme comprises

operations Jozaimah Johan Ali, University of Manchester executive director for social responsibility and civic engagement Dr Julian Skyrme and Western Sydney University pro vice-chancellor Prof Dr Amir Mahmood. MSU vice president for research Prof Dr Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar and senior vice president for industry linkages and

Open day

17-19 SEPT 2026 Up to Full Scholarship Pay RM300 only for Registration Fee Special Package

World Top Ranked University - QS, THE

99

%

*terms and conditions apply

! Top 88 th

DU019(B) No.4, Persiaran Olahraga, Seksyen 13, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor.