USM Defends Specific Methodology, Impact-based Assessment In The Sustainability Ratings

GEORGE TOWN, June 29 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has said its performance in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 should be assessed in line with the rating’s specific methodology, which measures universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), rather than being directly compared with other university ranking systems.

USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the Sustainability Impact Ratings are not a general assessment of overall university excellence, but instead evaluate institutions based on their impact across the SDGs, including research, teaching, governance, institutional operations, partnerships and community engagement.

He said comparisons with other global ranking systems, such as the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings or QS World University Rankings, are not appropriate, as each framework has different objectives, indicators, weightings and methodologies.

“A ranking should be interpreted based on what it measures, not merely on figures or headlines,” he said in a statement.

Abdul Rahman said USM’s position among the world’s top five universities in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, as well as its leading placement in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, should be seen as recognition of its high-impact initiatives delivered in collaboration with strategic partners, communities, industry, government and international networks.

He said USM welcomed public debate on higher education, university excellence and global ranking systems, but stressed that discussions must be guided by facts, methodological understanding and proper context.

Constructive criticism, he noted, should be encouraged in an informed society as it enables higher education institutions to reflect, strengthen accountability and enhance their contribution to the nation.

Abdul Rahman stressed that USM does not view any single ranking as an absolute measure of university excellence, but rather as one of several international benchmarks that help identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement and enhance societal impact.

“What matters most is how universities continue to demonstrate their value through quality education, problem-solving research, meaningful innovation, competitive graduates, integrity-driven governance and strategic collaborations that support national development,” he said.

He added that the true strength of a university lies not only in its position in rankings, but in the extent to which its knowledge, research, expertise and values benefit students, society, industry, the nation and the wider world.

-- BERNAMA