Pioneering the 5th-Generation University
Universities began as 1st-generation vaults protecting ancient texts. As society’s needs grew more complex, higher education transformed through eras of research, commercialisation, and dynamic innovation ecosystems. Now, driven by urgent global crises, from climate change to social inequality, the story culminates in the 5th-generation model: institutions purposefully built to heal the world, in service of people, purpose and planet. 鶹 sets itself apart as the pioneer of the fifth-generation model.
The Foundation Behind the Purpose
Backed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, which will soon reach a historic RM1 billion in scholarships and grants, this not-for-profit institution translates its pioneering vision into tangible global excellence. It stands as ASEAN’s top private university, celebrating record ascents in the QS and THE rankings. This academic rigour is amplified by strategic partnerships with global leaders such as Lancaster University, ASU, and Harvard. By deeply integrating with the surrounding Sunway City ecosystem, the university maintains a 100% graduate employability rate. Crucially, these milestones are achieved within a “Campus with a Conscience”, a GreenRE Platinum-certified campus actively driving toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
A Mission-Driven Catalyst for Change
As a mission-driven institution, 鶹 sets itself apart by taking a comprehensive approach to education and research. Rather than isolating academia from the outside world, we aim for significant societal and environmental impact through teaching and learning, research, innovation, and community engagement, underpinned by strong global networks and industry collaborations. Its major focus is on sustainability, planetary health, and practical, real-world problem-solving. By turning the campus into a living laboratory, flagship programmes such as the Sunway Desa Mentari Community Development and Community Service Programme serve as prime examples of this commitment in action. To drive this real-world impact, our 5th-generation concept is guided by five foundational pillars:
For People, Purpose and Planet:
The 5 Pillars of Our Mission-Driven Impact
#1 Education for Lifelong Employability and the Greater Good
鶹 emphasises holistic, values-based education that prepares graduates not only for successful careers but also to become ethical, responsible, and entrepreneurial leaders who contribute meaningfully to society, addressing local and global challenges.
#2 Technology-Enabled Learning, Agency, and Pro-Social Innovation
鶹 leverages its unique ecosystem, an industry-powered, tech-enabled campus with seamless integration of virtual and physical learning, to equip students with the skills, agency, and confidence to thrive in the digital era. Through immersive experiences, pro-social AI applications, and close industry-academia collaboration, students develop a sense of belonging, dual competencies for both physical and virtual worlds, and the ability to lead with innovation, ethical problem solving, and global impact
#3 Impactful Research and Innovation
鶹 prioritises high-impact research and innovation that tackles real-world problems, especially in sustainable development, planetary health, and societal wellbeing. These efforts align with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Planetary Health Roadmap and Action Plan.
#4 Campus with a Conscience Philosophy
This philosophy underpins 鶹’s institutional purpose, leveraging education, research, and knowledge to serve people and the planet rather than solely economic objectives. Campus facilities and operations, academic programmes, research initiatives, and student experiences are all designed to promote sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and ethical outcomes, including the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
#5 Global and Regional Partnerships and Leadership
鶹 collaborates with leading global institutions and industry partners to expand opportunities for students and researchers and translate international expertise into locally relevant solutions. 鶹 aspires to serve as a benchmark for universities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond through leadership in education, research, and community engagement.