Social Responsibility

Introduction

Sunway University is cognisant of Corporate Social Responsibility ideals that are embedded in the core of all its endeavours. The University is part of the Sunway Group, which has earned for its exemplary CSR initiatives, many awards including the Prime Minister’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award in 2010. The University’s best practices in relation to it’s social responsibility (SR) are not solely that of the institution’s but include its main stakeholders, the students who go on to become future employees and leaders of the nation. Furthermore, the Sunway Group’s CSR with emphasis on education has cascaded down into Sunway University’s SR which has profound and positive influences including inspiring a future generation of CSR-minded citizens.  

There are 3 main areas of Sunway University’s SR efforts are:-

1. Scholarships

Sunway University is owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, which has full equity from the Sunway Education Group valued at RM700 million. The Foundation works on the premise of giving back to society, which was the philosophy that dictated Sunway University since the inception of the earlier model it was under, the Sunway Education Trust Fund, in 1997. Since then, operating surpluses have been and continue to be ploughed back into Sunway University and disbursed as scholarships and research grants, benefitting thousands of students and the community. In line with the spirit of the Foundation, a good education at the highest level should not be denied to those deserving; scholarships should be available to all, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds allowing them to succeed and prosper in life.   

Sunway University is one of the few universities in Malaysia that operates 100% under a Foundation. This model of sustainability, financial strength and benevolence is an excellent example of CSR.

Scholarships are available annually and those who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply for the scholarships under the categories of academic achievement, sports and need. Since 1997 to-date, a total of 60 million has been disbursed for scholarships from the Foundation. The Tun Omar Ong Community Scholarships which are targeted only to the needy is synonymous with the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. There are also other scholarships by the Star Education Fund, Sin Chew Daily Education Fund and the Sun-MAPCU Scholarship Scheme newspapers that the Foundation contributes to.

The University is actively involved in research and some notable projects under Psychology or Computer Science have already benefited the community.

2. Responsible citizenship and community outreach activities  

Sunway University believes in providing an all-encompassing, holistic education through experiential learning. Every opportunity is given to expand students’ thinking and to learn about the world beyond the classroom. Students are given leeway to be involved with the wider community, including the less privileged. Through such community outreach, students become adept at problem solving, develop interpersonal skills and leadership attributes. With such an understanding of the needs of the community, they can go on to become responsible adults who can compete successfully in the world.

Some of the communities that students have contributed or worked with were the Orang Asli community, the Childrens Wish Society and GOLD special students of SMK Bandar Sunway, to name a few.

3. Reducing environmental impact and carbon footprint and developing environmentally aware individuals

Sunway University has embarked on a mission to reduce its impact on the environment as well as in creating more awareness of the fragile state of the environment, for its students.  It has established a recycling programme whereby recycling bins for paper, plastic, cans and glass have been provided and located all around its campus. The bins are managed by the university and students, staff, vendors and tenants are encouraged to recycle as a means of reducing waste.

A “Styrofoam-free” Sunway University campus, launched on 4 October 2010 eradicated the use of Styrofoam on campus. Styrofoam, used extensively in food service, contains carcinogens and does not biodegrade persisting in the environment for 500 years, clogging up rivers and landfills and being a hazard to wildlife.

Aside from university-led campaigns, students are encouraged to initiate and organise activities and events that are environment-themed. Some of these in the past have been litter collection on mountain trails by trekking club members, Global Warming themed Art Exhibition, green bazaar and tree planting programmes.

Through the various green projects, students learn more and take responsibility for the environment and therefore better prepared to make a difference in the community and the world at large after they graduate.