The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), convened a one-day academic seminar to strengthen the integration of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), labour rights, and Business and Human Rights (BHR) into higher education in Malaysia.
Taking place on 17 December 2025, the seminar, titled "From Policy to Practice: Institutionalizing Human Rights within Malaysia's Business and Policy Ecosystems," brought together academicians and university students to explore how academic institutions can better prepare graduates for emerging workplace challenges shaped by global supply chains, human rights due diligence (HRDD), and the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025-2030.
The morning sessions provided participants with insights into global and national trends on Responsible Business Conduct, including the expectations placed on enterprises to align with international labour standards and the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration). Discussions emphasized the growing relevance of labour rights, sustainability, and ethical business practices for Malaysia's future workforce.
A panel discussion featuring representatives from academia, employers, workers, and students examined the opportunities and challenges in advancing responsible business practices in Malaysia. Panellists highlighted the importance of education in shaping awareness of labour rights and fostering a culture of responsible business among future professionals.
In the afternoon, a closed-door dialogue between the ILO and academic institutions focused on practical approaches to integrating RBC and labour rights into existing university modules. Participants discussed current gaps in students' understanding, feasible entry points for curriculum integration, and the types of institutional support needed by lecturers. The session also explored barriers such as capacity and awareness, as well as enabling factors including partnerships, pilot modules, and short courses.
The seminar forms part of the ILO project "Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations (Phase II)," funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, which aims to strengthen enterprise compliance with international labour standards and foster an enabling environment for responsible and sustainable business practices in Malaysia.
