JCF launches nationwide sustainable development education programme
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) has launched a teacher professional development programme to advance Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Malaysia. This initiative was unveiled during the opening ceremony of the “ESD for 2030 Regional Meeting on Transforming the Futures of Education” at Sunway University.
JCF, recognized as Malaysia’s largest education-focused social enterprise, will fund this capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the skills of teachers across national and national-type schools nationwide.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
The event was officiated by Madam Fadzilah Fadzil, Undersecretary of Strategic Planning and International Relations at Malaysia’s Ministry of Education, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU). Representing Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, Madam Fadzilah praised the programme’s alignment with Malaysia’s MADANI philosophy.
“Education for Sustainable Development emphasizes ethical values, responsibility, and a sense of purpose in guiding students to make a positive impact in their communities and the world,” she said.
Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group and Co-Chair of Mission 4.7, announced plans to extend the programme to 30 more schools, involving over 2,500 teachers nationwide. “This strong interest among schools reflects the growing demand for professional development in sustainable education,” he added.
Supported by the Ministry of Education’s Education Policy Planning and Research Division (EPRD), this initiative adapts global ESD frameworks to local contexts, furthering Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN-SDSN and Distinguished Professor at Sunway University, highlighted the importance of transforming education to meet global challenges, underscoring the role of SDG 4: Quality Education.
The programme is part of Mission 4.7, a global initiative that promotes transformative education aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). JCF has also contributed US$20 million to the UN-SDSN, funding the Jeffrey Sachs Center for Sustainable Development and establishing the UN-SDSN Asia Headquarters in Malaysia.
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