KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Sept – Universiti Malaya (UM) has strengthened its position in global sustainability rankings, placing 35th worldwide, among the top 10 universities in Asia and first in Malaysia in the UI GreenMetric Sustainable University Rankings 2026.
The latest achievement marks continued progress in UM’s sustainability performance, following its rise from third place in Malaysia in 2023 to second in 2024 and 2025 before securing the top national position this year.
UM said the improvement reflected sustained efforts to integrate sustainability across its operations and core functions, including climate and energy action, resource management, sustainable mobility, biodiversity, infrastructure, education, research, community engagement, governance and digitalisation.
Vice-Chancellor Dato’ Seri Professor Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the latest ranking demonstrated the university’s collective efforts to translate sustainability commitments into measurable action and impact.
“Sustainability is no longer a choice, nor can it remain a statement of intent. It must be visible in how a university thinks, operates, builds, teaches and creates impact.
“Reaching No. 1 in Malaysia, Top 10 in Asia and 35th globally is therefore more than a ranking for Universiti Malaya. It is evidence that our collective actions are producing measurable results,” he said.
Noor Azuan said UM would continue strengthening its sustainability efforts, including through research, campus initiatives and the development of graduates equipped to address future challenges.
“But leadership is not defined by the position we reach. It is defined by what we do next,” he said.
UM’s sustainability efforts involve collaboration across its faculties, research centres, administrative units and the wider campus community.
Beyond environmental management and carbon reduction, the university’s approach also covers research and innovation, education, institutional governance and community engagement, alongside efforts to create a healthier, more inclusive and resilient campus.
The university said the latest recognition reflected the contributions of its wider community and its continued commitment to making sustainability a shared institutional responsibility.
As UM marks its 121st year, the university said it would continue strengthening sustainability across teaching and learning, research, operations and community engagement, while extending its impact beyond the campus.
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