It is with immense pride and unwavering commitment that I introduce UiTM’s The.Global.Goals 2023 report, a testament to our dedication to higher education and the enduring pursuit of empowerment. For more than six decades, UiTM has steadfastly upheld its mission, serving as an agent of change in empowering the Malays and Bumiputeras through higher education. Our journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, exemplified by the astounding number of graduates we have produced over the years, totaling an impressive 1,027,950. These graduates have not only contributed significantly to the nation but have also served as beacons of inspiration for future generations.

Our commitment to higher education is further reflected in the current student body, which stands at a remarkable 166,070. This diverse and dynamic group of students represents the heart of our institution, and we are dedicated to nurturing their talents and ambitions. Furthermore, UiTM boasts an formidable offering of 510 academic programmes at all levels, spanning across our 34 campuses. These programmes are designed to foster growth, excellence, and innovation, aligning with our longstanding commitment to nurturing the talents of our students. From its inception in 1956, UiTM was established with sustainability at its core, encompassing all aspects of life. We believe that sustainability is not merely a goal but a way of life. Our approach to education, research, and community engagement is rooted in the principles of sustainable development, reflecting our broader commitment to societal well-being.

I am pleased to share that our dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have borne fruit. In the 2023 THE Impact Rankings, UiTM achieved higher global recognition by being ranked in the world’s top 50 institutions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 16, and 17, and secured a place in the World’s Top 100 for SDGs 1, 4, and 7.

Notably, our progress in SDG 5 is particularly commendable, as we advanced from the 51st position to the 33rd. Another impressive achievement is the newly ranked SDG 16, clinching the 38th position. In keeping with the success is our commitment to global partnership and responsible consumption, represented by SDG 17, recording a climb from the 42nd position to the 25th position. These accomplishments are a clear testament to our dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

As we endeavour to sustain the university’s existence by ensuring the successful actualisation of the university’s core business in education, scholarship, and advancement of knowledge, UiTM’s challenge rests in our ability to continuously improve the university’s targets based on previous outputs. The practice of communicating clear goals and objectives, measuring outcomes and proving that our actions would impact all aspects of our environment would galvanise and empower the university’s community into realising our common intention i.e. sustainability.

I wish to thank citizens of the university and all the stakeholders in our community for their unequivocal support, for without you we could not continue on this dynamic and ever-evolving journey, nor could we remain steadfast in our commitment to a sustainable future. The future is bright, and with your belief and partnership, we stand a chance of making an even greater impact.

Thank you for being a part of this inspiring journey toward a more sustainable world.

Datuk Professor Ts. Dr Shahrin Bin Sahib @ Sahibuddin, FASc
Vice-Chancellor

With great pride and pleasure, I present to you, “The.Global.Goals 2023,” a testament to the remarkable sustainability initiatives undertaken by the members of our esteemed institution, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This publication encapsulates our unwavering commitment to research, innovation, and a sustainable future.

The relentless endeavours of the Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), in conjunction with their dedicated curation team, have been instrumental in meticulously documenting these initiatives. Their expertise in designing and language editing has given life to the stories of our sustainable endeavours. Each year, they undertake the task of selecting a unique theme that addresses the critical issue of sustainability. In this year’s edition, we explore the theme of AI Artistry, a journey into the realm where artificial intelligence extends the boundaries of imagination beyond the visual spectrum. This theme serves as a vivid illustration of the innovation that propels our institution forward.

At Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Office of Research and Innovation plays a pivotal role in fostering collaborative research and cultivating an innovative environment. We are a dynamic organisation within a dynamic institution, nurturing curiosity and creativity, enabling us to reach extraordinary heights. Our commitment to the entire research process, from securing funding to commercialising research, and from facilitating collaborations to educating on best practices, remains unwavering. Under the competent guidance of the Research Management Centre (RMC), Business Innovation & Technology Commercialisation Centre (BITCOM), Research Nexus (ReNeU), and UiTM Press, all research and innovation programmes are meticulously executed and streamlined to facilitate the seamless flow of knowledge, contributing to meaningful impacts on society, the environment, and the nation.

Our dedication to Universiti Teknologi MARA’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which include staff-indexed publications, staff citation ratios, research grants, patents, start-ups, spin-off companies, and collaborations, is indeed heartening. These accomplishments underscore the immense dedication of our research centres/institutes and researchers from the colleges, faculties and branch campuses. As we aspire to enhance translational research, development, innovation, and commercialization, our focus on six priority areas, namely industrial technology, cyber technology, health & wellness, logistics and transportation, energy and environment, and social creativity and innovation, is vividly evident. This comprehensive approach ensures that our research efforts make a meaningful impact on socio-economic well-being and gain global recognition. The imperative to enhance commercialisation, establish a conducive and sustainable research ecosystem, create joint research laboratories, and strengthen research networking resounds throughout our institution. Together, we are well-positioned to make significant contributions to research, innovation, and ultimately, a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

I am confident that the initiatives documented in “The.Global.Goals 2023” will serve as a wellspring of inspiration, not only for our academic community but for the world at large. The reports within these pages exemplify the remarkable power of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. As we persist in our pursuit of excellence in research and innovation, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have contributed to this publication.

In the spirit of shared knowledge and progress, I encourage all readers to immerse themselves in the compelling accounts of “The.Global.Goals 2023” and be inspired to join us on our journey towards a more sustainable and innovative future.

Professor Ts. Dr Norazah Abd Rahman
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)

The Global Sustainable Development Congress, themed ‘Uniting Higher Education, Governments, Industry, and Society for a Sustainable Future,’ hosted in Glasgow from 29th October to 9th November 2022 provided the foundation for this year’s report. A six-member UiTM delegation, comprising academic and administrative staff from diverse backgrounds participated in the congress and at the same time took the opportunity to organise visits and meetings at renowned universities across the UK, which included Glasgow, Manchester, Aberdeen, Leeds, and Daresbury. The visits also resulted in a number of collaborative endeavours planned to bolster UiTM’s position and active participation in this global initiative.

As you peruse this report, you will discover a newly structured and curated approach that reflects our development and evolution in our pursuit of sustainability. This approach is organised into four pillars: academic and students, research and innovation, community engagement, and governance and operation. This meticulous arrangement offers betterorganised and structured reporting, allowing for a seamless navigation of the rich content.

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated curation team, which includes content anchors, lingo editors, visual designers, and supporting administrators. Their collective effort has been instrumental in documenting and publishing the UiTM The.Global.Goals 2023 report.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all the contributors and collaborators across our campuses who have been significant to making this report a reality. Additionally, let me also convey my gratitude to the University’s Executive Management for their trust and support of the Institute in all our endeavours. Indeed, UiTM The.Global.Goals 2023

transcends its role as a report for the THE Impact Rankings; it stands also as an essential documentation and evidence of our progress towards sustainability. It is a guide and reference that will help us learn and improve, providing a roadmap for our journey.

In fact, in our pursuit of sustainability, the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD) has been an anchor for UiTM’s the.global.goals report from 2019 to 2023. We take immense pride in achieving a 100% score for three consecutive years, significantly contributing to the university’s improved position in THE Impact Rankings, especially in SDG 17.

As we reflect on our journey in this report, it is clear that we are making significant strides toward a more sustainable future. I believe that together, we can continue to drive positive change, nurture biodiversity, and advance sustainability on a global scale. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.

Professor Dr Yarina Ahmad
Director Institute for Biodiversity & Sustainable Development (IBSD)