Immersed from Day One - How the Science Club revolutionized UITM Sustainability Education

Abstract

In 2021, Forbes argued that Gen Z is emerging as the “generation of sustainable development.” Research conducted in 2018 by the National Union of Students, United Kingdom, also shows that as many as 81% of students are interested in the idea of Sustainable Development. Inspired by these, the Financial Science Club FLOW conducted research in the 2020/2021 academic year, to analyse the level of awareness of sustainable development among students (n=514). Although 70% of students declared that they had encountered the concept of Sustainable Development before, the study’s results were not optimistic because not all have basic knowledge of this subject. However, 83% of students considered that individual actions are important as they influence the shaping of the market and the progress of sustainable development. Based on these results and students’ convictions, there is great potential to create and implement innovative and flexible solutions that change universities into green and sustainable organizations. UITM has developed a comprehensive program to include students in activities about sustainable development from the first day of their student life.