USM Ranked 5th Globally in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has achieved a major global milestone by rising to 5th place worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, improving significantly from 14th position in 2025.
The ranking evaluated 1,603 universities globally, highlighting USM’s growing leadership in sustainability-focused higher education and its strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Strong Global Performance in Sustainability Rankings
USM’s performance reflects a consistent and institution-wide commitment to sustainability across governance, education, research, operations, and community engagement.
A key highlight is its continued dominance in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), where USM retained its No. 1 global ranking. This achievement underscores the university’s extensive international collaboration network involving:
- Government agencies
- Industry partners
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Local and global communities
- Higher education institutions
Outstanding SDG Achievements
In addition to SDG 17, USM recorded strong results in several other Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
These results demonstrate USM’s multi-dimensional impact on environmental protection, social development, and poverty reduction.
Leadership Perspective on Sustainability Success
According to Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, the achievement reflects a coordinated institutional effort to embed sustainability into all aspects of the university system.
He emphasized that USM’s success is built on a strong sustainability ecosystem integrating:
- Strategic governance
- Academic programs and research
- Campus operations
- Community engagement initiatives
Announcement at Global Sustainability Event
The results were officially announced at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026 held in Jakarta, a key international platform for advancing sustainability discussions among global institutions.
Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across multiple dimensions, including:
- Research impact
- Teaching and learning
- Institutional governance
- Environmental operations
- Community engagement
USM’s rise to 5th place globally confirms its position as a leading university in sustainability impact. The recognition strengthens Malaysia’s presence in global higher education and highlights USM’s role as a model institution driving innovation, partnerships, and sustainable development solutions worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What ranking did USM achieve in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026?
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was ranked 5th globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.
How much did USM improve compared to the previous year?
USM improved from 14th place in 2025 to 5th place in 2026, marking a significant rise in global sustainability performance.
How many universities were evaluated in the ranking?
A total of 1,603 universities worldwide were assessed in the 2026 edition of the ranking.
What is USM’s strongest sustainability area?
USM retained its No. 1 global ranking in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), highlighting its strong international and multi-sector collaborations.
Which SDGs did USM perform well in besides SDG 17?
USM also recorded strong performance in:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
What does the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings measure?
The rankings evaluate universities based on their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across areas such as teaching, research, governance, operations, and community engagement.
Where was the 2026 result announced?
The announcement was made at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026 in Jakarta.
What factors contributed to USM’s high ranking?
USM’s performance was driven by its integrated sustainability approach across:
- Academic programs and research
- Institutional governance
- Campus operations
- Community engagement
- Strategic global partnerships
