Summary
- USM clarifies scope of THE Sustainability Impact Rankings.
- Says sustainability rankings differ from global university rankings.
- Reaffirms commitment to education, research and societal impact.
- Calls for evidence-based discussions on higher education.
GEORGE TOWN, June 29 — Universiti Sains Malaysia has defended its performance in the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026.
Saying the assessment measures contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals rather than overall university excellence.
Vice-Chancellor Abdul Rahman Mohamed said USM’s top global sustainability ranking reflects its commitment to research, governance, partnerships and community impact.
He urged the public to avoid comparing different university ranking systems directly and called for informed, fact-based discussions on higher education.
