Introduction

Universiti Malaya Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC) / Pusat Pembangunan Lestari Universiti Malaya 

In order for Universiti Malaya to transition into a more sustainable campus, it needs first to address the sustainability of its key operations (Education, Research. Operations and Governance, and External Leadership) for the wellbeing of its internal campus community (Student, Staff, Flora, and Fauna). The principle is to walk the talk as much as possible and based on this grounding aspire to contribute to the sustainability of the external community at various levels (local community, cities, Malaysia, ASEAN, ASIA, World, etc).

The decision to set up the then Universiti Malaya Sustainability and Development Centre (UMSDC) in November 2021 is a direct result of the Universiti Malaya Transformation Plan (UMTP) exercise under Theme 6 (Enhance Learning & Work Environment) and is closely related to its Taskforce recommendations. UMSDC and its 3 units (EcoCampus@UM, Rimba Ilmu and Makerspace@UM) were administered under the purview of
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
from November 2021 until 31 January 2024.

Our living motto:
"Inspire, Be Inspired"

Our strategic outlook at the moment frames UMSDC in providing innovative solutions for a sustainable future, by using UM campus as a space for creative experimentations and the nurturing of sustainable lifestyle and culture.

The vision is to use innovation (both technology and non-technology-based) to drive UM’s sustainability transitions towards a world-class sustainable campus, which will ultimately contribute to the broader global agenda in transforming society towards a more sustainable future i.e. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Carbon-Neutral and Net-Zero Targets. Through these activities, UM will be able to contribute more practically and meaningfully to a number of key sustainability-related local, national and international policies.

On February 1st 2024, based on the UM restructuring rationalisation announcement by higher management, our Centre is now rebranded to Universiti Malaya Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC) / Pusat Pembangunan Lestari Universiti Malaya positioned under the leadership of
Associate Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Strategy).
UMSDC is also mandated to oversee its enhanced unit now becoming a centre called EcoCampus.