USM and UM Shine in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025: Malaysia’s Global Ascent in SDG-Focused Higher Education
Malaysia’s position as a regional and global leader in sustainable development has been reinforced as two of its premier institutions, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Malaya (UM), rose to global prominence in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2025.
Both universities were recognised for their outstanding commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—placing Malaysia firmly on the global map of sustainability-driven higher education.
🌏 Malaysia’s Top Universities Dominate ASEAN and Asia
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USM: Ranked joint 14th globally, the top university in Malaysia, Asia, and ASEAN
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UM: Climbed to 25th place globally, up from 63rd last year
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Both institutions jointly held the No.1 global spot for SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
“Universities here are not just talking about sustainability—they are leading the way,” said Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer, THE.
USM also secured the No.1 global position in:
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SDG 1: No Poverty
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
UM stood out for its performance in:
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SDG 14: Life Below Water (6th globally)
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SDG 15: Life on Land (12th globally)
🏆 How THE Impact Rankings Are Measured
The THE Impact Rankings assess universities’ progress toward the 17 UN SDGs, based on four core pillars:
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Teaching
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Research
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Outreach
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Stewardship
The rankings aim to reflect real-world impact, not just academic reputation, highlighting how universities contribute to tackling global challenges like poverty, climate change, gender equality, and institutional transparency.
🎓 Other Malaysian Universities Making Global Impact
Out of 2,526 universities worldwide and 31 Malaysian institutions included in the 2025 edition, many local names achieved impressive results:
| University | Global Rank / Highlight |
|---|---|
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 53rd overall; 26th for SDG 12 |
| Sunway University | 81st (First entry into Top 100) |
| Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | 101–200 band; 41st for SDG 10 |
| Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMPSA) | 101–200 band; 18th for SDG 7 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | 101–200 band |
| Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) | 101–200 band |
| Management & Science University (MSU) | 101–200 band |
| Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) | 201–300 band |
| Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) | 301–400 band |
| Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | 301–400 band |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 401–600 band |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | 401–600 band |
| University of Cyberjaya | 601–800 band |
| Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) | 601–800 band |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | 801–1000 band |
Malaysia’s growing list of high-performing universities reflects a national commitment to inclusive, innovative, and impactful education.
🌱 Global Recognition of Malaysia’s Role in Sustainability
As THE noted in its analysis, Southeast Asia is home to some of the most dynamic universities committed to the SDGs. Malaysian universities are increasingly seen as active agents of change, integrating sustainability in education, research, and community engagement.
The Impact Rankings also validate efforts tied to the Madani framework and national education policies aligning higher education with:
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Climate action
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Environmental stewardship
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Societal equity
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Global collaboration
🏛️ Why It Matters for Malaysia’s Future
This international recognition comes at a time when Malaysia is asserting leadership in:
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ASEAN sustainability diplomacy
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SDG-aligned urban development
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Green economy transition
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Inclusive education reform
The Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry have also reaffirmed support for sustainability-oriented innovation within academic institutions, echoing Malaysia’s ambition to be a top-12 most competitive economy globally by 2033.
🔍 Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Malaysian Higher Education
The stellar performance of USM, UM, and other Malaysian universities in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 is not only a point of national pride but also a signal that Malaysia is on the right path—one that balances academic excellence with sustainable development leadership.
As global institutions race to align with the SDGs, Malaysian universities are showing that impact, not just prestige, defines the next era of higher education.
