Why did THE Impact Rankings 2026 place USM and UKM among the top seven?

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USM and UKM were placed among the top seven because of their strong performance in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

USM was ranked fifth globally and UKM seventh in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, which assessed more than 1,600 universities on how well they advanced the UN Sustainable Development Goals. USM also kept its top global position in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, a result that pointed to its strength in international strategic cooperation.
The ranking measured sustainability performance, not just academic reputation.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026 focused on universities’ performance in advancing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. That means the result reflected work tied to social and sustainability outcomes, alongside teaching and research.
USM placed fifth and UKM placed seventh globally.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the two universities were among the world’s top seven institutions in the 2026 edition. USM took fifth place, while UKM came in seventh, out of more than 1,600 universities assessed.
USM kept the number one spot in SDG 17.
USM retained its top global position in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. That category is linked to international strategic cooperation, and Zambry said it highlighted Malaysian universities’ ability to lead in that area.
The achievement was presented as evidence of broader university contribution.
Zambry said the accomplishment showed Malaysian universities excel not only in teaching and research, but also in delivering meaningful contributions to society and the global sustainability agenda. He also congratulated the university leadership, academics, researchers, staff and students on the result.

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Why did THE Impact Rankings 2026 place USM and UKM among the top seven?

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