SDG 8.2.1

Sunway University pays all full-time staff and faculty at least the living wage. In practice, this means that no employee receives a salary below the nationally defined minimum standard. The living wage is measured against two key benchmarks:  

• the Minimum Wage Order 2024, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources, which sets the national minimum monthly salary; and
• the local poverty indicator for a family of four, reported as RM2,208 per month by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.  

By aligning compensation with both the legal minimum and the poverty threshold, the University ensures that wages meet or exceed the level necessary to support a decent standard of living.

The University’s Salary and Pay Equity Policy (2004, reviewed 2023) in Clause 2.1 clearly states that:

“The University shall comply with the Minimum Wage Order set by the Ministry of Human Resources, and that all staff members will be paid at least the minimum salary set by the authority."

This policy commitment is applied consistently to all categories of staff and faculty. Compliance is reviewed regularly, and salary structures are adjusted whenever national wage regulations are revised, ensuring ongoing adherence to legal requirements and to fair employment practices. This approach also ensures that compensation remains fair, sustainable, and competitive within the Malaysian higher education sector.

All salaries at the University meet or exceed these benchmarks. Wages are determined fairly based on merit, qualifications, experience, and performance. The University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, disability, race, religion, belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, marital status, refugee or asylum status, language, or parental status.  

Salary and Pay Equity Policy (2004, reviewed 2023)