The challenges of Malaysian private universities in reaching sustainable education toward responsible consumption

Abstract

This article examines the emphasis on sustainable education in the context of education among education field academicians in a Malaysian private university. There are a few significances for this study. First, it posits the issue and why sustainable education should be included in university curriculum and practice. The study's four research objectives aim to uncover internal and external issues that hinder universities' sustainable education practices and provide solutions. Second, this research collected online qualitative interview data from 15 sustainable education specialists from a private Malaysian university. Open-ended questions were used to elicit academics' complex views on sustainable education. The participants' viewpoints were revealed via thematic analysis of the transcribed material. The rigorous method increased the results' dependability. Evidently, unreadiness is caused by external and internal factors such as a lack of knowledge and skills, time, finances, and personal drive. In view of these difficulties, the Malaysian government and universities must prepare longer-term training, professional development, and policy aid for academics to promote sustainable education for the future generation. Lastly, this research emphasizes the need to better equip instructors to deliver sustainable training that promotes healthier, more mindful eating and environmentally friendly lifestyle choices in students.

Keywords

• Sustainable education
• University sustainability
• Education challenges
• Education readiness
• Sustainability strategies