Sunway University

Sunway University marked International Sun Bear Day 2026, on May 16, with a vibrant celebration held in partnership with Tourism Malaysia, highlighting a shared commitment towards biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and sustainable tourism in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. 
  
Hosted at Sunway University campus, the event brought together representatives from Tourism Malaysia, academics, students, and members of the community to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Malayan Sun Bear, while positioning Malaysia’s natural heritage as a cornerstone of the Visit Malaysia 2026 narrative.
  
Among the distinguished guests present was Mr Mohd Akbal Setia, Senior Director of Advertising & Digital and Head of Secretariat Visit Malaysia 2026, whose presence underscored the strong collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Sunway University in promoting conservation awareness through education and community engagement. 
  
As one of the world’s most biodiverse nations, Malaysia is home to the Malayan Sun Bear, the smallest bear species in the world and a significant symbol of the country’s rich natural heritage. The species has also been selected as a key icon for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign through its official mascots, Wira and Manja, reflecting Malaysia’s identity as a vibrant, welcoming, and environmentally conscious destination. 
  
The presence of Wira and Manja alongside Sunway University’s own mascots, Samson and Sophia, further symbolised the shared vision between the University and Tourism Malaysia in promoting awareness and appreciation for Malaysia’s biodiversity.

Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice Chancellor of Sunway University shared, “We are proud to host this event in support of biodiversity awareness, and in alignment with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. As a Campus With A Conscience and a mission-driven fifth generation university, sustainability is not a slogan. It is embedded in our teaching, our research, and our partnerships. We believe that education must go beyond the classroom, shaping individuals who are not only knowledgeable, but also responsible stewards of the environment.”

The celebration also coincided with Teachers’ Day, offering a meaningful opportunity to recognise the contributions of educators in shaping future generations who are not only knowledgeable, but also socially and environmentally responsible.

As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, both Sunway University and Tourism Malaysia reaffirmed the importance of ensuring tourism and conservation go hand in hand. Through strategic collaborations and awareness driven initiatives, the partnership aims to strengthen global appreciation for Malaysia’s unique biodiversity while encouraging more sustainable and responsible engagement with nature.

About Sunway University

Sunway University is one of Malaysia’s leading private institutions, globally ranked by QS and recognised as the #1 private university in ASEAN by the AppliedHE ALL ASIA Public & Private University Rankings 2026. It is also ranked the #1 non-government linked private university in ASEAN by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. For the fifth consecutive year, Sunway University also leads in Graduate Employability in Malaysia, according to Talentbank’s National Graduate Employability Index.

As a mission-driven fifth generation university, Sunway University is committed to advancing education, research, innovation, and enterprise for sustainable development and societal impact. The University champions real-world solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and global partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my