Kota Samarahan, 23 August 2025 — Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by becoming the first public university in Malaysia to publish an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report and to implement a comprehensive ESG Policy across the entire university. These achievements establish UNIMAS as a leader in ESG initiatives in higher education and set a strong example for universities throughout the country.
The ESG Policy provides a framework that integrates sustainability into teaching, research, campus operations and community engagement. It aligns with Malaysia’s national ESG agenda and Sarawak’s Green Economy Policy, ensuring that UNIMAS contributes both to national development and to global sustainability goals.
Professor Ts. Dr. Shanti Faridah Salleh, Director of the Institute of Sustainability and Renewable Energy (ISuRE), explained the significance of this achievement. “ESG is no longer optional. It is fundamental to credibility, competitiveness and accountability. At UNIMAS, we not only embed ESG into our own governance but also lead the way for higher education institutions across Malaysia. Through our ESG Policy and initiatives such as the recent ‘ESG for Higher Education’ training with AKEPT, we are equipping leaders and stakeholders with the tools and strategies they need to integrate ESG meaningfully into their institutions.”
On August 18 and 19, 2025, UNIMAS Business School, in collaboration with the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), organized the ESG for Higher Education training program in Putrajaya. The event brought together university leaders and stakeholders from across the country, providing them with practical strategies for implementing ESG frameworks, building governance competencies, and preparing roadmaps that align with international standards.
UNIMAS has already established a strong track record in ESG initiatives. The university has published its own ESG Report, introduced the UNIMAS Sustainability Masterplan, developed the Low Carbon Campus Roadmap, and created a GHG Dashboard. Beyond academia, UNIMAS has collaborated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to design ESG modules for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), delivered training to more than 50 organizations, and produced ESG reports for industry clients, including Asteel and Sundrop.
Looking ahead, UNIMAS is planning to establish Malaysia’s first university-backed ESG Innovation and Assurance Hub. This initiative will allow the university to expand its role from being a knowledge provider and trainer to becoming a certifying body, offering affordable and credible ESG certification that is both locally relevant and globally recognized.On 18 and 19 August 2025, UNIMAS Business School together with the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) organised the ESG for Higher Education training programme in Putrajaya. The event brought together university leaders and stakeholders from across the country and provided them with practical strategies to implement ESG frameworks, build governance competencies and prepare roadmaps that align with international standards.
UNIMAS’s track record in ESG is already well established. The university has published its own ESG Report, introduced the UNIMAS Sustainability Masterplan, developed the Low Carbon Campus Roadmap and created a GHG Dashboard. Beyond academia, UNIMAS has collaborated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to design ESG modules for SMEs, delivered training to more than 50 organisations and produced ESG reports for industry clients including Asteel and Sundrop.
Looking to the future, UNIMAS is preparing to establish Malaysia’s first university-backed ESG Innovation and Assurance Hub. This initiative will allow the university to expand its role from knowledge provider and trainer into a certifying body, offering affordable and credible ESG certification that is both locally relevant and globally recognised.
About UNIMAS: Established in 1992, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and community development. With a vision of becoming a “Leading Global University for a Sustainable Future,” UNIMAS incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its academic, research, and operational strategies. This approach aims to generate a lasting positive impact on society and the environment.