SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN MMU

MMU is a member of the UN’s Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), a partnership between UN-DESA, UNESCO, UNEP, UN Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative, UNU and UN-Habitat as well as many other prominent sustainability organisations.

https://hesicommunity.org/?q=multimedia+university

• Climate Action Policy
• Energy Efficiency Policy
• Quality Water Management Policy
• Usage of Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Container Policy
• Waste Management Policy
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy
• Compliance to All the Relevant Malaysian Employment Related Laws and Regulations Policy
• Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing Policy
• MMU Sustainable Investment Policy
• Accommodation for People with Special Needs Policy
• Academic Freedom Policy
• TM Anti-Corruption Guide
• Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
• Sexual Harassment Guideline
• Whistle Blower Protection

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, which focuses on reducing disparities in income, opportunities, and outcomes based on factors such as age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, or economic status, MMU is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the university. It takes a whole of institution approach, where a team of resource persons in the Sustainable Development Committee of the university takes on the role of advising and promoting the development of policies, awareness and trainings to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and social wellbeing on campus. MMU recognises that accessibility and inclusion are continuous areas of development, and it takes a progressive and coordinated institutional approach to strengthen the support, services, and adjustments available to students, staff, and visitors with disabilities.

MMU provides a dedicated point of contact for disability-related support through the CARE Unit, under Student Lifestyle and Experience Division. This unit takes the role of the Disability Support Office with the scope detailed in the Guidelines for Students with Special Needs approved by the university management. This office serves as a central hub for guidance, coordination, and referral for students with disabilities, while working collaboratively with faculties, administrative departments, student affairs, facilities management, and other relevant units across the universities. Through this coordinated approach, MMU seeks to ensure that students with disabilities are supported in ways that are practical, respectful, and responsive to individual needs.

Responsibilities related to employees with disabilities, including workplace accommodation and inclusive employment practices, are managed by the Human Capital Management division, which oversees workforce development and wellbeing.

MMU aims to provide targeted support that helps students and staff with disabilities participate as fully as possible in university life. Depending on individual circumstances and the nature of need, support among others may include:

• Advise and consultation on access needs during admission, enrolment, onboarding, or employment.
• Mentoring, peer support, or staff guidance for transition into university life.
• Coordination of reasonable academic adjustments, where appropriate.
• Referral to counselling, well-being, financial aid, or other student/staff support services.
• Assistance in connecting with volunteers, peer networks, or inclusive student initiatives.
• Guidance on accessible learning materials, digital access, and the use of assistive technologies.
• Collaboration with campus services to improve access to facilities, transport, accommodation, and other university spaces over time.
• On-campus healthcare services.

MMU’s approach is needs-based and collaborative. The university understands that support is not one-size-fits-all, and it works with individuals and relevant departments to identify appropriate and reasonable solutions.

Example of supports:

• Peer tutoring
• Library services
• Financial aid/support assistance
  • YSD Special Needs Bursary
• Internship and career support

MMU is committed to progressively strengthen inclusive on-campus facilities and accommodation to support safe and equitable access for students, staff and visitors with disabilities. The university works to enhance campus accessibility through the provision of essential features such as ramps, elevators, automatic doors where appropriate, designated parking spaces, and accessible routes that support independent mobility across campus. To further improve navigation and ease of access, MMU makes campus information more accessible through clear wayfinding and accessible campus maps that highlight wheelchair-accessible paths, elevators, parking spaces, and other key facilities. Where applicable, inclusive accommodation is also supported through accessible residential features to meet a range of mobility needs, alongside ongoing improvements to the physical environment.

Map of the accessible toilets:

MMU is guided by Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy and Guidelines for Students with Special Needs, which outlines the university’ s approach to reasonable adjustments and inclusive provision for people with disabilities. This approach reflects the university’s commitment to reducing barriers to participation in academic, professional, and campus life. Reasonable adjustments may relate to areas such as:

• Teaching and learning arrangements.
• Assessment and examination arrangements.
• Access to campus facilities and services.
• Residential and accommodation support, where applicable.
• Communication and information access.
• Participation in co-curricular, student life, and workplace activities.

Requests for support and adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual circumstances, the nature of the programme or role, and what is reasonable and practical within the university context.

To support inclusion in a meaningful way, MMU progressively allocates resources toward disability support services and accessibility improvements. This may include investment in:

• Staff capacity-building and disability awareness initiatives.
• Assistive technologies and accessible learning resources.
• Enhancement of physical infrastructure and campus accessibility features.
• Digital accessibility improvements.
• Programmes, services or initiatives that strengthen participation and inclusion for people with disabilities.

MMU views accessibility as an ongoing institutional responsibility. While not every need can be addressed immediately, the university is committed to continuous review, consultation and progressive enhancement of support for people with disabilities.

At MMU, we are working to create a campus culture where people with disabilities are respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. We remain committed to listening, learning, and improving our services, policies and environments so that inclusion becomes increasingly embedded across all areas of university life. The focal point of these initiatives is helmed by an appointed resource person who coordinates these initiatives in MMU.  You are welcome to initiate contact with the resource person for DEI:

Ms. Sharmila Rani A/P Moganadas
(Subject Matter Expert – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)
Email: DEI@mmu.edu.my

The objective of this annual campus-wide sustainability literacy & knowledge assessment for all students and staff is to drive change and establish sustainability as an important facet of campus life in Multimedia University (MMU). By understanding their current level of sustainability literacy and knowledge, we can identify areas for improvement.

This assessment was conducted online where all students and staff were invited to participate via mass mail and announcement on the learning management system. Participation was voluntary. This assessment has received the MMU Research Ethics Committee Approval (Reference No: EA0772024).

It is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions in English that takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. The scope of the questions includes global and Malaysian contexts, sustainability knowledge i.e., environmental, social and governance issues. They are sourced according to ESG Principles and UNESCO Key Competencies for Sustainability that are then aligned against MMU’s Permata Dunia GEMS Attributes. A total of 2881 respondents completed the assessment in 2024.

At the end of the assessment, staff and students were informed of their scores that will enable them to ascertain their sustainability awareness level which are:

• Novice: Indicates minimal awareness of sustainability.
• Intermediate: Shows a fair grasp of sustainability knowledge.
• Proficient: Demonstrates solid knowledge of sustainability.
• Expert: Represents a comprehensive understanding of sustainability.

The Sustainability Development Committee is established to steer the development of sustainability policies and initiatives that will enable MMU to attain holistic and comprehensive sustainability development for the entire university that will encompass the elements of environment, social and governance in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDC will play a significant role in the development and advancement of MMU’s Sustainability Roadmap and Blueprint.

The Committee led by a leader in the University’s Management Committee and the members comprise representatives from diverse university stakeholders, including but not limited to:

• Faculty members from various disciplines
• Administrative staff with expertise in sustainability, planning, and operations
• Student representatives from different faculties or student organizations
• Representatives from relevant community and industry partners, as appropriate

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chairman:
Prof. Ts. Dr. Goh Guan Gan
Director, Strategy and Quality Assurance (SQA)

Co – Chairman:
Prof. Ir. Dr. Zulfadzli Yusoff
Vice President, Student Experience & Entrepreneurship Development (SEED)

Secretariat:
Ms. Munirah Binti Munawar Ali
Learning Institute for Empowerment (LiFE)

Ms. Elaine Ang Hwee Chin
Learning Institute for Empowerment (LiFE)

Members:
Dr. Afandi Bin Yusof
Director, Touchpoint Management Office (TMO)

Ts. Natalya Rudina Dato’ Shamsuar
Director, Strategic Marketing Department (SMD)

Dr. Ong Sue Lyn
Director, Learning Institute for Empowerment (LiFE)

Ms. Sri Kusuma Wati Mohd Daud
Director, Student Lifestyle and Experience (STyLE)

Ms. Soh Chyeai Then
Assistant General Manager, Strategy and Quality Assurance (SQA)

Ms. Siti Zaiton @ Siti Chandrakasih Ismail
Assistant General Manager, Human Capital Management (HCM)

Ms. Norliza Ismail
Assistant General Manager, Academic and Innovative Learning (AIR)

Mr. Mat Aris Yahya
Senior Manager, Academic Registrar Office

Mr. Kamal Sujak
Chief Librarian, Tun Dr. Hasmah Mohd Ali Digital Library

Ms. Farizza Shaharudin
Assistant General Manager, Finance and Business Ventures

Ms. Farah Wahidah Rusdi
Senior Manager, Unitele Multimedia Sdn. Bhd. / CNERGY

Mr. Zulhilmi Mohd Shah
Manager, Facilities Management Division (FMD)

Ms. Ranjithamalar Muthaiah
Manager, Facilities Management Division (FMD)

Ms. M Yokeswary Mariapan
Assistant Manager, Support Services Office (SSO)

Mr. Nizam Syamil Razalli
Senior Manager, President’s Office (PO)

Mr. Taufiz Ab. Ghani
Senior Manager, Research Management Centre (RMC)

Prof. Dr. Koo Ah Choo
Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM)

Mr. Iylia Hakim Abdul Wahid
Faculty of Law (FOL)

Prof. Ir. Dr. Lim Heng Siong
Faculty of Engineering & Technology (FET)

Ms. Nur Haifa Mohd Fathil
Faculty of Computing & Informatics (FCI)

Dr. Jashila Nair Mogan
Faculty of Information Science and Technology (FIST)

Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Chinnasamy Agamudai Nambi Malarvizhi
Faculty of Management (FOM)

Ir. Dr. Siva Priya Thiagarajah
Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE)

Dr. Ajitha Angusamy
Faculty of Business (FOB)

Dr. Nurafiq Inani Man
Faculty of Applied Communication (FAC)

Mr. Syed Amar Ghazi Syed Ahmad Alkugsi
Faculty of Cinematic Arts (FCA)

Darren Jeevanathan John
Student Representative Council (SRC)

The Research Ethics Committee which is a sub-committee of the University Senate plays a vital role in upholding ethical standards in research and fostering a culture of integrity, responsibility, and respect within the MMU community. The committee comprises experienced researchers, legal and ethics experts, and senate representatives to ensure balanced, transparent, and inclusive decision-making.

It ensures that all research conducted adheres to established ethical principles and best practices. It safeguards the rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of research participants, particularly those from vulnerable populations, while supporting the conduct of high-quality, credible, and socially responsible research.

In addition to policy development, ethical review, and advisory support, the Committee is also entrusted with hearing and addressing research ethics cases referred to it by the Senate, ensuring fair, transparent, and accountable processes that uphold academic integrity and public trust in the University’s research enterprise.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chairperson:
Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah
Chief Executive Officer, TM Research & Development

Director, Research Management:
Prof. Dr. Yusoff

Director, Technology Transfer Office:
Assoc Prof. Dr. Ooi Shih Yin

Legal Expert:
Dr. Bahma A. Sivasubramaniam, Specialist 1, Faculty of Management

Senate Representatives:
Prof. Ts. Dr. Koo Ah Choo
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manique Apsara Ephranella Cooray
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Jeyakumar Plamel Nathan

Secretary:
Assistant Manager, Research Management

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

To be responsible for the planning and policy development to the improvement of the university research activities and practices in line with best practices in research.

To aid and support researchers in MMU to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity, objectivity, openness and accountability and ensuring that research undertaken is conducted in accordance with the highest and exemplary ethical standards.

To provide research ethics clearance approval for research applications involving human/children/aged/vulnerable groups.

MMU is committed to ensuring the availability of healthy, safe, and affordable food choices across its campuses, in support of student and staff well‑being and in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, which emphasises access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all. All campus food outlets managed by Cnergy are guided by this commitment, with a focus on promoting food security, balanced nutrition, and inclusivity while meeting diverse dietary needs within the campus community.

To uphold these standards, MMU actively involves the campus community—comprising both students and staff—in the evaluation process of prospective food vendors. This includes participation in food tasting sessions and reviews of proposed menus to ensure that offerings are nutritious, reasonably priced, appealing in taste, and culturally appropriate. By engaging the campus community in decision‑making, MMU supports equitable access to adequate nutrition and ensures that food services are responsive to the preferences, health considerations, and socioeconomic diversity of its global campus population, consistent with the objectives of SDG 2.

In addition, regular food inspections and periodic reviews are conducted to ensure that all food outlets comply with prescribed food safety regulations and quality standards. These measures are essential to safeguarding food hygiene, nutritional quality, and consumer safety, which are core components of sustainable and resilient food systems under SDG 2. Through continuous monitoring, quality assurance, and community engagement, MMU strives to foster a campus food environment that supports health, affordability, food security, and overall satisfaction for its students and staff.