USM PENANG, 18 June 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has once again earned a place in the annals of history, after being announced as the best university in the world in three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institution), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 announcement released in Istanbul, Turkiye recently.

USM also maintained its excellent performance by being placed 14th best overall globally out of the 2,318 institutions assessed from 125 countries, a marked increase compared to 1,963 institutions listed in 2024.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed said that he was grateful on the achievement and that it was the outcome of a concerted effort by the whole community of USM.

He stated that “Even though the report focuses on the achievement in the global rankings, the reality is that sustainability has been embedded in the daily practices as part of the culture at USM.”

”It’s not merely about efforts to achieve strong rankings, but it’s in fact a part of the identity and work culture at USM. At present, sustainability has been embraced and integrated into every aspect of administration, academics and campus life at USM.

”The success reflects the continued commitment by USM in upholding the sustainable development agenda that would lead to discernible outcomes in society, the country and the world. It also presents the capability of local higher education institutions to be on par with those on the international stage,” the Vice-Chancellor added.

Even more proudly, USM has maintained its number one position for SDG 16 for four years in a row (2022–2025), at the same time strengthening its reputation as the leader in championing justice, good governance, and being an institution of integrity.

65% of the achievements by USM are in the top 100 rankings globally, which include those in SDG 2 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) dan SDG 15 (Life On Land), aside from SDG 1, SDG 16 and SDG 17 which are ranked number one globally.

THE Impact Ranking is a global recognition exercise which assesses the achievement of universities based on their implementation of initiatives in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in elements such as academics, research, governance and community network.

This achievement serves as a testimony yet again that USM has fulfilled its role as a ‘Living Lab’ for sustainable development, in its active contribution to the transformation of society, economy and the environment at the local and global stage.

This historic achievement also embodies the fulfillment of USM’s Vision and APEX Agenda.

Source: USM Media Statement (18 June 2025) by ChM. Dr. Normaliza Abdul Manaf, Coordinator of Kampus Sejahtera, Division of Industry & Community Network (BJIM), USM/Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin