Management and Science University establishes m-CREST with RM10 million funding for sustainability research
MANAGEMENT and Science University (MSU) is set to make a landmark contribution to Malaysia’s environmental sustainability efforts with the official launch of the MSU Centre for Climate Resilience and Strategy (m-CREST), backed by a substantial RM10 million seed grant.
The centre will be inaugurated by Datuk Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, signalling strong governmental support for the initiative.
A Strategic Response to Global Climate Challenges
The establishment of m-CREST represents MSU’s strategic alignment with national aspirations and international frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The centre aims to cultivate environmental consciousness across all levels of society, from individuals to corporate stakeholders.
“Universities play a vital role as foundations for fostering environmental sustainability and climate resilience awareness among students and the wider community,” the university stated in announcing the launch.
Five Strategic Clusters for Comprehensive Impact
m-CREST will operate through five dedicated clusters, each addressing critical environmental challenges:
- Green & Biodiversity Cluster – Focusing on ecosystem preservation and biodiversity conservation
- Water & Ocean Cluster – Addressing aquatic environmental challenges
- Energy & Low Carbon Cluster – Driving renewable energy adoption and carbon reduction
- Waste & Circular Economy Cluster – Promoting sustainable waste management practices
- Health, Climate & Community Resilience Cluster – Building community capacity for climate adaptation
RM10 Million Investment in Sustainability Research
The MSU Foundation (Yayasan MSU) will present a RM10 million seed grant to m-CREST during the launch ceremony. This substantial funding will support research, training, grants, and consultancy initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and climate resilience over a five-year period from 2025 to 2030.
The investment underscores MSU’s commitment to delivering tangible solutions through research and innovation, education and human capital development, awareness campaigns, strategic collaborations, and high-impact community engagement programmes.
Building on a Legacy of Global Recognition
MSU’s sustainability credentials are already well-established on the global stage. The university ranks in the 101–200 band of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, a position it has maintained since 2019. Additionally, MSU holds the 405th position in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024.
The university’s trophy cabinet includes an impressive array of recent accolades:
- People’s Choice Category Winner, SDG Impact Award, ACEEU Asia-Pacific Triple E Entrepreneurship Awards 2025 (Global)
- Runner-Up, SDG Impact Award, ACEEU Asia-Pacific Triple E Entrepreneurship Awards 2025 (Global)
- Gold Award, National Energy Award 2024 by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA)
- Project Excellence Award, GPM Global Sustainability Awards 2024
- Gold Award, ICSG Global Sustainability Recognition Awards 2024 (Education Sector – Sri Lanka)
- Diamond Award 2023, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC)
- Winner, Nature Positive Category, International Green Gown Award 2023
- Winner, Green University of the Year, ACEEU Asia-Pacific Triple E Entrepreneurship Awards 2023 (Global)
Proven Track Record in Community Engagement
MSU has already implemented numerous environmental sustainability initiatives that demonstrate its capacity to deliver meaningful impact:
- MyCoral Ecomarine Project – Marine ecosystem restoration
- Sg Damansara National River Trail Project – Waterway conservation
- River Revival MBR – The largest mudball throwing event for river rehabilitation
- MyO2 Tree Planting at Taman Eko Rimba Hutan Lipur Sg Kanching
- MySolar Project – Renewable energy generation
- MSU Sustainability Symposium 2024 – Knowledge sharing platform
- Green E-Waste Disposal Initiative – Responsible electronics recycling
- EV Charging Stations – Supporting electric vehicle adoption
- Solar-powered Lights for parking areas – Reducing carbon footprint
Leadership and Vision
The launch ceremony will be attended by distinguished university leadership, including Professor Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid, President and Founder of MSU; Prof. Datuk Seri Ir. Dr Zaini Ujang, Pro Chancellor of MSU; and Prof. Puan Sri Datuk Dr Junainah Abd. Hamid, Vice-Chancellor of MSU, along with senior management.
Their collective vision positions m-CREST as a catalyst for transformative change, bridging academic research with practical solutions to address Malaysia’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of m-CREST, MSU is positioning itself at the forefront of climate action in the region. The centre’s multi-cluster approach, substantial funding, and proven track record suggest it will become a significant force in advancing Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and contributing to global climate resilience efforts.
The five-year strategic plan running through 2030 aligns perfectly with critical international climate milestones, ensuring MSU’s research and initiatives remain relevant and impactful as the world races to address the climate crisis.
