Sustainability has made headlines since the 80s. It dominates mainstream debates, it is championed by leading companies and it is, by any measure, a shared value around the world. While this is encouraging, is it enough? Has it brought about systemic change and goal-oriented action? Or have we only scratched the surface?

As one of Malaysia’s strongest proponents of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Professor Dzulkifli’s take on the subject extends far beyond the confines of ecology and the environment. Focusing on human life and all it entails, he has always advocated a rethink of big ideas: Fair distribution, enhanced access and equity, opportunities at the bottom of the pyramid and ‘in-sourcing’ over outsourcing, among others.

In his previous role as Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dzulkifli championed sustainability at every opportunity through the Kampus Sejahtera concept. This eventually led to USM’s selection as Malaysia’s first apex university and his legacy is fondly remembered to this day.

He shunned the industry due to it being seemingly vulgar; too profit-centric as well as unethical on the subject of animal cruelty. As an academic, he has always championed greater access and equity as well as the decolonization of higher education.

Combining this with his engaging and progressive views on the subject of sustainable development, Prof Tan Sri Dzul successfully turned USM into Malaysia’s apex university, beating out heavy favourites UM, UKM and UPM by basing its entire strategic plans on sustainable development goals during his tenure at the northern campus: polystyrene and plastic bags are banned on campus till this day.