UNIMAS Global Mobility for Peace and Sustainability: A Journey Towards International Engagement and Sustainable Development

At Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, the UNIMAS Global Mobility for Peace and Sustainability initiative reflects the university’s commitment to meaningful international engagement, student mobility, and global partnerships. Through this project, students gain valuable global exposure while contributing positively to society and the international community.

This project has recently been shortlisted for THE Asia Awards 2026 in the International Strategy of the Year category. This is a significant recognition at the regional level and a testament to the dedication and teamwork of UNIMAS Global staff who have worked tirelessly to position UNIMAS on the global stage.

The impact of this initiative goes far beyond the university. It contributes to world peace and the Sustainable Development Goals by giving students the chance to live and learn across cultures. Each exchange fosters empathy, mutual respect, and understanding, which are essential for building inclusive societies.

Over 1,900 UNIMAS students have participated in outbound mobility programmes around the world, while more than 1,300 international students have joined inbound programmes at UNIMAS. These exchanges go beyond academic learning. They build bridges between nations, reduce stereotypes, and encourage dialogue over division. Students return home with knowledge enriched by cultural diversity and a commitment to inclusivity, nurturing future leaders who can contribute to peace and global harmony.

Support from the UNIMAS Mobility Fund has been instrumental in making these opportunities accessible to students from all backgrounds. Beneficiaries often return as advocates for sustainability and inclusivity, amplifying UNIMAS’s positive impact on both local and international communities.

Partnerships with universities such as Wakayama University in Japan, Queensland University in Australia, Dongseo University in South Korea, and the University of Maine in the United States have expanded research, student exchanges, and community engagement. These collaborations demonstrate how internationalisation builds networks of trust and shared purpose. UNIMAS also strengthened ties with Indonesia, signing more than 30 additional MoUs in 2024, building on agreements established in previous years. Cross-border enrolment, particularly from Kalimantan, continues to grow, showing the long-term significance of these collaborations.

In 2024, UNIMAS hosted a flagship Erasmus+ Info Session with the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia. This event sparked new faculty collaborations and led to the selection of a UNIMAS student for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to pursue studies at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. This milestone firmly positioned UNIMAS within European academic networks and marked an important step in the university’s internationalisation journey.

Perhaps the most compelling outcome of UNIMAS’s international strategy is its alumni. Returning students act as ambassadors of peace and sustainability, sharing their experiences abroad and inspiring new cycles of exchanges. Their stories of collaboration, discovery, and cultural immersion demonstrate how education brings the Sustainable Development Goals to life. UNIMAS shows that higher education is not only about academics. It is a bridge to peace, inclusivity, and sustainability, and a pathway to a better, more harmonious world.

This remarkable journey and all of these achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the UNIMAS Global team and the support of the top management. Their vision, guidance, and encouragement continue to drive UNIMAS forward on its path to excellence in internationalisation.