Sunway University Strengthens Global Standing as ASEAN’s Top University

Sunway University has achieved a new milestone in global higher education, rising to 283rd in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027 and retaining its position as Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s No. 1 non-government linked private university. Moving into the world’s top 300 universities from the previous 301–350 band, the latest result reflects Sunway University’s continued progress in research, international engagement and academic excellence.

THE World University Rankings 2027

The latest THE World University Rankings assess more than 2,000 research intensive universities globally across a comprehensive range of performance indicators covering teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement and international outlook. The 2027 edition is the most inclusive to date, spanning 118 countries and territories and introducing more granular ranking bands to provide greater differentiation between institutions.

Sunway University Ranks #11 Globally for International Outlook

Sunway University is now ranked #11 in the world for International Outlook, placing the University among the world’s leading institutions for international engagement. The recognition reflects its extensive research collaborations, strong global co authorship and diverse academic community, which together contribute to research excellence, academic influence and global relevance.

It also reinforces Sunway University’s role in contributing to global conversations on complex challenges, particularly in areas aligned with its mission to advance planetary health, sustainability and social impact.

Research Quality and International Engagement

"Our progress is one of the most remarkable in international academia. It is largely due to our research quality that is now #101 in the world while in International Outlook we rank #11 in the world due to the combination of rising numbers of international students from very diverse origin and a remarkably high percentage of high-quality publications with international authorship. We are grateful to our faculty, staff, students and partners whose collective efforts continue to drive our momentum," said Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University.

Looking Ahead

As a mission-driven, 5th generation university, Sunway University will continue to build on this momentum by strengthening its academic excellence, advancing impactful research and expanding meaningful partnerships locally, regionally and globally.