Advancing inclusive, evidence-based and people-centred development — Universiti Malaya
Welcome to the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC), Universiti Malaya.
UAC carries forward the intellectual legacy of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz, whose pioneering contributions to education, economic development, rural development and poverty alleviation continue to inspire our work. Today, UAC remains committed to advancing development studies through impactful research, policy engagement, knowledge exchange and meaningful community engagement.
As a leading research university, Universiti Malaya is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and translating research into solutions that address real-world challenges. In this context, UAC seeks to contribute through interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policy insights, particularly in the areas of poverty, inequality, social mobility, human security, inclusive growth, labour and human capital, social policy and sustainable development.
The development landscape is evolving rapidly. Rising living costs, persistent inequalities, demographic changes, changing labour markets, technological disruption, climate challenges and emerging social vulnerabilities require development approaches that are inclusive, resilient and sustainable. These challenges cannot be addressed by any single discipline or sector. They require collaboration among academia, government, industry, civil society and communities.
UAC therefore seeks to strengthen its role as a platform that connects research, policy and community action. Through our research programmes, publications, public lectures, policy dialogues, strategic partnerships and community-based initiatives, we aim to generate knowledge that is relevant, actionable and capable of creating measurable social impact.
Our work is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to leave no one behind. UAC's focus on poverty, inequality, decent work, social protection, inclusive development, sustainable communities and partnerships provides an important platform for contributing to the SDG agenda.
We recognise that sustainable development must go beyond economic growth. It must place people and their well-being at the centre of development while balancing economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. This is reflected in UAC's growing engagement in areas such as inclusive growth, community empowerment, sustainable development and new approaches to measuring societal progress beyond conventional economic indicators.
In line with Universiti Malaya's commitment to sustainability, research excellence, innovation and strategic partnerships, UAC will continue to strengthen collaboration with national and international partners to address complex development challenges. Our partnerships with government agencies, universities, industry, civil society organisations and communities are essential in translating knowledge into meaningful action.
Looking ahead, UAC aspires to be a stronger centre of excellence in development studies, contributing to evidence-based policymaking, advancing interdisciplinary scholarship and empowering communities. We will continue to nurture young researchers and practitioners, encourage new ideas and strengthen platforms for knowledge exchange and public engagement.
Most importantly, UAC remains committed to ensuring that research creates impact beyond academia. We believe that knowledge should contribute to better policies, stronger communities, greater social and economic inclusion, and a more sustainable future.
As we move forward, we invite our academic community, policymakers, industry partners, civil society organisations and communities to work with us in advancing a development agenda that is inclusive, sustainable, evidence-based and people-centred.
Together, let us continue the legacy of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz and contribute to the aspiration of Universiti Malaya to serve the nation and impact the world.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Last Update: 17/09/2026