Sustainability Literacy & Knowledge for UM Community

Initiated in 2023, a sustainability survey focuses on climate change has been carried out among UM students during the orientation week (UM Week of Welcome, in short UM-WOW) in collaboration with the Student Affairs (HEP) Division. The result of the 2023's survey can be viewed HERE. 

In empowering and strengthening UM transition towards carbon neutral and sustainable campus, through sustainability enculturation among UM community both staff (academic and non-academic) and students (undergraduate and postgraduate), a more comprehensive and strategic intervention is introduced for the session 2024 onwards. This is a renewed commitment of Universiti Malaya in truly transforming its community to be a sustainability ready individuals, inspiring leaders, and supportive enabling community. 

Universiti Malaya Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC) in collaboration with Dr. Janice Lo Yueh Yea (UM SDG 4 Champion from Faculty of Education) and Corporate Rankings Centre (CRC) initiated a more comprehensive sustainability literacy and knowledge survey dedicated for both staff and students of Universiti Malaya. The survey is designed with the inspiration of Sulitest, a sustainability assessment tool widely used among higher education as guidance. With highlight on localization of sustainability elements, the survey is structured based on the following four (4) key domains:

1) Knowledge of Sustainability Concepts
2) Attitudes Towards Sustainability
3) Behaviours and Practices
4) Awareness of UM Sustainability Bodies

A pilot test of the survey has been successfully carried out among a group of Faculty of Science students in 2024 with the initial results as follows:

Executive Summary: Sustainability Literacy Among UM Staff and Students (2024)

Background

In line with global and national commitments to sustainable development, Universiti Malaya (UM) conducted a pilot test of its Sustainability Literacy Questionnaire for Higher Education. This initiative aimed to assess the level of sustainability knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviours among its academic community—including staff and students. The findings are vital for aligning UM's sustainability strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Malaysia’s national green agendas.

Brief Participant Profile

Total Respondents: 37
Majority Group: Postgraduate students (97%)
Faculties Represented: Primarily Faculty of Science and related disciplines
Gender Breakdown: 76% female, 24% male

Key Findings

1. Knowledge of Sustainability Concepts

1. High Awareness of SDGs: 97% correctly identified the main aim of the SDGs—eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development.
2. Familiarity with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance): 89% correctly identified what ESG stands for.
3. Understanding of Key SDGs: Over 95% could correctly match SDGs to themes such as climate action, gender equality, clean energy, and quality education.
4. Malaysian Sustainability Policies: Strong familiarity was noted with frameworks like the Green Technology Master Plan, Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap, and Low Carbon Cities Framework.

2. Attitudes Towards Sustainability

1. Widespread Support: Most respondents view sustainability as very important for both the planet’s future (73%) and future generations (89%).
2. Institutional Role: 97% believe universities have a significant role in promoting sustainability.
3. Personal Responsibility: 70% feel highly responsible for reducing their carbon footprint; 92% agree that sustainability is a shared responsibiliy among individuals, businesses, and governments.
4. Education & Curriculum: 89% support the integration of sustainability across all university courses.
   
   

3. Behaviours and Practices

1. Daily Actions: A majority reported consistent efforts in recycling, reducing energy and water use, using digital documents, and bringing reusable items.
2. Active Participation: Many respondents are involved in sustainability-focused events, discussions, and university campaigns such as green campus initiatives and zero-waste campaigns.
3. Lifestyle Shifts: A significant number are open to plant-based meals, using public transport, and reducing meat consumption.
4. Sustainable Consumption: Most consider environmental impact when shopping and support sustainable businesses—even if products are more expensive.
   
   

4. Awareness of UM Sustainability Bodies

1. 62% have heard of the Universiti Malaya Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC).
2. Among them, the perception of UMSDC’s effectiveness is evenly split between “very effective” and “somewhat effective,” suggesting room for broader communication and engagement.
   
   

Opportunities for Improvement

1. Broader Engagement: Increase participation from undergraduate students and faculties beyond science.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Promote UMSDC and its initiatives more actively.
3. Integration Across Curriculum: Leverage the strong support to make sustainability education mandatory in all academic programs.
4. Volunteer Programs: Expand student-led and staff-inclusive sustainability initiatives like tree-planting, composting, and clean-up drives.
5. Behavioral Incentives: Encourage sustainable lifestyle changes through recognition, gamification, and reward systems.

Conclusion

The results of the pilot test demonstrate a solid foundation of sustainability literacy at Universiti Malaya, particularly in knowledge and values. However, broader institutional integration and more inclusive engagement strategies are necessary to create a culture of sustainability that permeates every level of campus life, across all portfolios. This pilot offers a strong basis for future programs, policies, and curriculum development as UM continues its journey toward becoming a sustainable, climate-resilient, and globally responsible university.

Follow-up Execution of the Survey

Internal strategic discussions between key members of the survey development project (UMSDC, CRC and UM SDG Champion) were carried out in November 2024 and March 2025 with follow-up implementation of the survey in collaboration with targeted key enablers, are detailed as follows:

1. Staff survey (academic and non-academic) with a maximum of 30 comprehensive questions  through e-HR / UM Portal for staff [in collaboration with Registrar's Office and Department of Human Resource (JSM)]
2. Student survey (undergraduate and postgraduate) to be carried out as per pilot test version through MAYA student portal (in collaboration with Academic Strategic Planning Department (ASPD)
3. While 50% response rate is an ideal target to adequately represent the population, but for internal surveys, the team is aiming for an acceptable response rate between 10% and 30%, with top management support across all portfolios is essential to encourage all staff and students to participate in the survey.
   
   

Acknowledgement: This report is prepared by UMSDC with support of Corporate Rankings Centre (CRC) and advice from UM SDG 4 Champion.