University of Cyberjaya Ranked 601-800 in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021

University of Cyberjaya Ranked 601-800 in
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021

Cyberjaya, 22 April 2021 – The University of Cyberjaya has been ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for the second year in a row. The Rankings is organised and published by Times Higher Education (THE), the publishers of the World University Rankings. THE Impact Rankings 2020 recognises universities across the world for their social and economic impact based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).  

Aside from an overall ranking of Top 800, the University of Cyberjaya was also assessed under 6 individual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) namely, SDG 1: No Poverty (Top 200), SDG 2: Zero Hunger (Top 400), SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (Top 300), SDG 4: Quality Education (Top 800), SDG 5: Gender Equality (Top 600) and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (Top 600). This is also the first time the university has been ranked in the No Poverty (SDG 1) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2) SDGs respectively.  

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings use carefully calibrated indicators to deliver thorough and balanced comparisons across research, outreach and stewardship.  

The University’s ranking within the Top 200 for the No Poverty SDG (SDG 1) reflects its dedication to communities in need. For instance, the university’s Psychology students have travelled to indigenous villagers living in the Orang Asli village at Pos Telanok in Pahang to run a series of education activities and healthcare workshops. Students and staff members also engaged with elderlies in the village while assisting in medical check-ups and donation kits distributions.  

The ranking of Top 400 Zero Hunger SDG (SDG 2) highlights the University of Cyberjaya’s contributions towards students struggling during the pandemic especially during times where strict movement control orders were imposed. As many students were stuck in hostels or areas with limited access to affordable food, the Student Affairs team took the initiative to launch the ‘We Care, You Stay’ COVID-19 Emergency Aid Fund in partnership with the university’s Welfare & Zakat Fund (TAZUoC). The programme provided food aid and other welfare support for 250 students, Muslim and non-Muslim.  

The Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) SDG highlights the University of Cyberjaya’s contributions towards increasing health and well-being for people of all ages and improving sanitation and hygiene through its many community health awareness programmes both locally and across Southeast Asia. This is reflected in the University international humanitarian mission, Twenties For Smileys (TFS) that has conducted 7 international missions in the South East Asia region to engage in volunteerism and humanitarian programmes. The University’s health Faculties boast over 15 years of contributing to the development of over 3,000 healthcare professionals, thus heightening access to physicians and healthcare professionals.  

In fact, the University of Cyberjaya’s MBBS programme is internationally recognised and accredited across 7 different countries. The University is also one of the very few Malaysian universities with a Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy and the only Malaysian university with a Doctor of Pharmacy programme that was jointly developed by the University of Southern California, United States. 

The University’s ranking within the Top 800 for the Quality Education SDG (SDG 4) reflects its commitment to delivering high quality and industry relevant curriculum. It has been awarded a 5-Star rating by SETARA since 2011 and has also received a rating of 5-Stars for Teaching, Facilities, Employability and Inclusiveness under the QS Stars programme.  

Realising the need for gender equality, the University strives to ensure education opportunities are extended to all regardless of their gender as a means to spur social growth and development. The University is honoured that its efforts to advocate for this cause has been recognised, putting the University at Top 600 under the Gender Equality SDG (SDG 5). 

The programmes at the University of Cyberjaya are also accredited by the Australian Register of Homoeopaths, Institution of Occupational Safety & Health, UK, and the Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety & Health which we believe contributed to us being awarded Top 600 for the Partnerships for the Goals SDG (SDG 17). With these programmes that integrate workplace-focused elements and problem-based learning experiences, the University nurtures highly employable graduates. 

Vice Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Abd Razak said: “It is with great pleasure that we accept this recognition for the second time in a row. The university growth and progress has been a wonderful journey thanks to our students, staff (both academic and administrative), main stakeholders and shareholders.”   

Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Research Excellence (ARE), Prof. Dr. Khairul Baharein bin Mohd Noor said: “We’re proud to be ranked in two new SDGs, namely No Poverty (SDG 1) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2). We are always finding ways to teach our students to be holistic individuals academically and socially".  

Dr. Reishmi B. Devan, member of the university’s Sustainability committee and Assistant Lecturer of the Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine said: “We are committed to understanding and implementing sustainable practices at the university and will continue to find ways to achieve the right balance between the needs of the community and delivering quality education to our students”.  

The University is proud to be a part of this renowned ranking, one that demonstrates the differences a university makes in the world we live in. For more information on the 2021 THE Impact Rankings, visit  https://www.timeshighereducation.com/rankings/impact/2021/overall