A university committed to global impact

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 lists war and conflict, polarised politics, a continuing cost-of-living crisis, and the ever-increasing impacts of climate change as some of the most pressing challenges people face in every region of the world. From its headquarters in Malaysia and across its offshore campuses, Bangalore, Colombo, Jakarta and Almaty, the Management and Science University aims to address these risks head-on — bit by bit, with every student it launches into the world of work.

Here, pursuing knowledge goes hand in hand with the mission to spark change. The university includes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into every curriculum. As many as 14 undergraduate and eight postgraduate degrees were specifically designed for such real-world impact; they cover Pharmaceutical Technology, Health Science Management, Investment Management, Early Childhood Education, International Hospitality and Tourism Management, and much more.

But grasping what it takes to create a better future doesn’t start and end in getting a degree. MSU believes that moulding changemakers doesn’t just revolve around what they learn — it’s also about how they learn and how they live.

Campus as a living example

The university has added energy-efficient technologies across its facilities, from LED lighting to advanced HVAC systems, cutting energy consumption. By purchasing about 1.5 million kilowatts of renewable energy per month, MSU is relying less on fossil fuels. Recycling and composting programmes ensure that waste is minimised and methane emissions are kept in check too.

Centrally located at the main entry point of Shah Alam's educational hub, this green campus hosts comprehensive training, seminars, and symposia, often featuring experts in the field, to raise awareness and equip MSU’s entire community with the tools needed to integrate SDG principles into their work. The SDG Committee plays a key role in this, creating and enacting a strategic framework across all faculties and departments.

Another way MSU cares for the planet and people is by getting students to be involved. With vibrant clubs and societies on offer, students don’t need much convincing.

For example, the Environmental Club attracts aspiring change agents by SDG-advancing projects. These include mangrove plantation efforts to protect coastal ecosystems, combat climate change, and promote biodiversity. Through their hard work, students safeguard coastlines and contribute to carbon sequestration efforts, making an impact in the fight against rising greenhouse gas levels. The club is also involved in beach and river cleanups, working alongside local communities to preserve natural habitats.

Faculty members have projects of their own, too. For example, MSU’s Vice President, Professor Dr. Indang Ariati Ariffin, ran the Coral Propagation Project in Terengganu, which began as a modest effort to restore coral reefs. Today, the multifaceted programme involves research, community education, and sustainable tourism development. The local island has since evolved into an eco-tourism destination.

Extracurriculars infused with impact

MSU wants to produce healthcare professionals who understand that their ultimate responsibility lies beyond the individual patient — it's to the broader community. The fusion of SDG principles, particularly those related to health and well-being, into their medical education, ensures students are trained to increase the quality of life within their communities. Focus is placed on key issues such as poverty, hunger, and inequality, fulfilling SDG One (No Poverty) and SDG Two (Zero Hunger).

Fusing SDGs into medical education

“Our core curricula teach them awareness and how they can identify the concerns of their community,” shares Professor Ariffin, who also leads the university’s Medical Education programmes while overseeing research and international affairs. “When they conduct case studies, it always has to involve how they can enhance communities.”

The SDG Knowledge Transfer Programme grant supports researchers in undertaking long-term projects with measurable impacts. Unlike one-off initiatives, these projects are developed and refined until they yield benefits for the communities involved. MSU also offers a publication grant that allows researchers to publish their findings.

To ensure insights are shared, and new developments are discovered in real time, MSU sends lecturers and students abroad to work with international partners on SDG projects. The University-Industry Liaison Unit ensures effective collaborations, bringing together industry partners, government agencies, NGOs, and associations to scale up projects and maximise impact. With over 360 international partners, MSU has already begun SDG collaborations in regions like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and the Middle East.

Funding global solutions and contributing to global knowledge

Students in action

A world-changing education awaits at the Management and Science University.