Words by: Zuria Suzieana Zolkepli
Globally adopted
in 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development outlines a shared vision
for peace and prosperity for the people
and the planet. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are at the centre of
this global cooperation where it aims to address poverty and other deprivations
in line with addressing health,
education, inequality, and economic growth, not to forget protecting the environment
issue.
Universities are
expected to make the difference by being committed to implementing these goals
and contribute to the enhancement of the body of knowledge encompassing them.
One of the easiest way for a university to contribute is through research. A
university will learn more about its current contributions to the body of
knowledge surrounding the SDGs, as well as possible areas of expansion, by
identifying research that meets the SDG topics. MAHSA University has organised
a conference that focused on sustainable environment and green technology towards
IR 4.0 to discuss the most recent innovations, practical challenges and
solutions related to the theme.
Another
collaboration that could take place is by integrating the SDGs in everyday
lectures. Faculty members should
familiarise themselves with the SDGs and incorporate global perspectives into
their teaching. As a result, students will have a well-rounded education
approach to examine global and local issues. This has been the teaching
methodology for MAHSA faculty members who specialised on a particular SDGs.
Thus, students get a chance to organise and implement various programmes including
the University’s Social Responsibility
towards its diverse stakeholders.
Committed in
providing quality education to students, MAHSA introduced the P.R.I.D.E.
(acronym for Professional, Industry-Driven Education) which is an education
pathway that will equip students with the values and competencies needed to
meet the needs of IR4.0's developing technologies. MAHSA is committed to
offering quality education to students. Creating employable graduates who are
confident, competent, knowledgeable and equipped with the necessary skills is a
key part of P.R.I.D.E's contribution to MAHSA's graduate employability index.
Universities
must make sustainability a priority in their operations and hold themselves
accountable if they are to fully adopt the SDGs. A campus for
sustainability is an excellent starting point, but faculty members and students
must be made aware of sustainability for it to have a significant impact.
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| (Photo taken before the COVID Pandemic) |
