"A new identity for a changing world" GFSI Featured in The Star Malaysia
Sunway University's School of American Education has been renamed the School of Global Futures and Sustainable Innovation, marking an evolution in its educational vision and ambitions.
Building on its established strengths in liberal arts education, interdisciplinary learning and international academic pathways, the newly renamed school seeks to place greater emphasis on future-focused thinking, sustainability, responsible innovation and global engagement.
Interdisciplinary Learning Approach
The School of Global Futures and Sustainable Innovation's acting dean, Assoc Prof Dr Woo Pei Jun, said the evolving nature of global challenges calls for an educational approach that moves beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
“The problems our graduates will face, from climate change to artificial intelligence (AI), do not sit within a single discipline. They involve technology, people, business and society all at once.”
From the first year, students encounter areas such as sociology, intercultural communication, psychology, environmental studies and economics. This approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of people, cultures and the wider world, regardless of their chosen field of study.
Global Exposure & Pathways
Through its partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), for example, students get access to free certification opportunities in areas such as innovation, sustainability and leadership, curated by the university.
Students can also choose flexible study pathways, either completing their degrees at Sunway University in Malaysia or transferring to leading universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other destinations worldwide.
Programmes & Research Ecosystem
This educational philosophy is reflected in the range of programmes offered at the school, such as the Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Global Management, Bachelor of Science (Honors) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) and the American Degree Transfer Program.
Beyond these programmes, students also benefit from the university’s wider academic and research ecosystem, such as the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development, the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health and the Future Cities Research Institute.
Future Focus & Outlook
Looking ahead, the school aims to build on its existing approach to education to introduce more opportunities for international learning, sustainability initiatives, future-focused electives, microcredentials and closer industry collaboration.
It is exploring areas such as AI, digital society, future cities, systems thinking, environment, social and governance (ESG), leadership and sustainable business innovation.
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