• The QS World University Rankings is among the most-widely read and referred platform for university rankings in the world.

Sunway University now ranks among the top universities in the world for the first time, according to the latest QS World University Rankings, an annual publication of university rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds.

Prior to this ranking, Sunway University was awarded an overall 5 Star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings, from 2018 to 2021, as well as 5 Stars in the individual categories: teaching, facilities, employability, social responsibility and inclusiveness.

The university also boasts a Tier 5 “Excellent” rating in the national SETARA quality assessment – which has been consistently maintained since 2009.

The History of Sunway University

Sunway University was founded by Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO as Sunway College in 1987 with the belief that education is vital to the progress of the country.

The institution later upgraded to University College in 2004 and became a full-fledged university in 2011. Since then, Sunway University has grown into a household name in higher education in Malaysia.

Today, Sunway College is owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and has branches in Johor Bahru, Ipoh and Kuching

“I am delighted with thew news that Sunway University has now been placed in the QS World University Ranking. Considering the limited years of our existence, this is an unprecedented achievement and recognition for a fledgling university in Malaysia,” said Professor Graeme Wilkinson, vice-chancellor of Sunway University.

“Naturally, while we are delighted for all involved, we will continue to aim higher and continue to provide a level of education in Malaysia that truly is a class above,” he added.

“I am confident we shall do so in due course, given our strong investments in research, outstanding people, and key international partnerships,” Wilkinson said.

Recognition of Sunway University

Sunway University’s programmes are recognised and most are validated by the prestigious Lancaster University, a research-led institution that is ranked in the top 1% of universities globally, while its hospitality and culinary arts programmes are accredited by the world-renowned institute, Le Cordon Bleu, a name synonymous with culinary education excellence.

Photo credit: Lancaster University Twitter

“Lancaster University is delighted to see our partner Sunway University enter the world league tables for the first time. This is a signal of the progress Sunway is making in becoming a world class institution,” said Professor Mark E Smith CBE, vice-chancellor of Lancaster University.

Also impressed with Sunway University’s achievement was André Cointreau, chief executive officer and president of Le Cordon Bleu.

Photo Credit: Le Cordon Bleu

In his congratulatory message, he wrote, “Le Cordon Bleu is most thrilled that Sunway University, our partner in Malaysia for more than 7 years, has been ranked as one of the World’s Top institutions. Congratulations to Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah and his team.”

Sunway University and its partnerships

Sunway University also collaborates with world renowned educational institutions such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley for the exchanging of knowledge between professors, undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers and scholars for the development and upgrading of academic standards in terms of learning, teaching and research.

As of 2018, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has awarded more than RM 402 million worth of scholarships to thousands of deserving students

Scholarships and bursaries given out by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, which owns and governs all 16 educational entities under the Sunway Education Group, also demonstrate the university’s commitment in making higher education more accessible to those from low-income and challenging backgrounds.

The establishment of the first ever Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development at Sunway University also marks the university’s commitment to realising the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2018, the Centre successfully launched the Masters in Sustainable Development Management, a programme developed around the 17 goals, allowing Malaysians the opportunity to pursue their passion for the environment.

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation offers bursary of RM 30,000 off RM 50,000 fee for 18-month programme