Governance - INTI ESG

The Code guides INTI International University’s governance, aligning with Malaysian standards. The HR and Legal Departments oversee diversity, inclusion, and human rights policies.

Governance

INTI

Education of Sustainability

We aim to provide students opportunities to develop critical-thinking and sense-making skills for understanding sustainability issues, alongside discipline-specific and interdisciplinary skills to learn the core principles and practices of sustainability through specialized programs

The Code sets out the key values and elements which enable INTI International University (IIU) to demonstrate its commitment to good governance. There is a need to ensure that governance arrangements are proportionate and can apply to institutions irrespective of their size, complexity, and legal form. Accordingly, this Code is premised on an ‘apply or explain’ basis, where institutions are given a set of elements but are not mandated to comply with everything. In general, institutions can choose which parts of the Code apply to them and justify the reasons behind their choices. Each institution will decide how best to implement the Code and adopt a governance model which is proportionate and effective for their set of circumstances. IIU will need to consider the Code in the context of its legislative and regulatory environments. Malaysian institutions will need to first look to the Malaysian Corporate Governance Code of Good Governance (www.sc.com.my) then to be adopted for higher education on good governance. While compliance with the Code is voluntary, its adoption is a valuable source of assurance to stakeholders who need to have confidence in the governance arrangements with IIU. In IIU, the Human Resource and Legal Departments assume responsibility in the implementation of policies and overseeing training sessions pertaining to diversity, inclusion and human rights.

The elements of INTI’s Code of Governance - A.R.I.S.E

To highlight the importance of governance in Malaysian higher education, IIU is guided by core values that form the foundation of our governance framework. These values shape the behavior of governors and boards, and are embodied in five interrelated elements of good governance in the Malaysian higher education sector. The five elements are all interrelated and should not be read and applied as standalone elements.

INTI Code of Governance “A.R.I.S.E”

Accountability

Take ownership of tasks and be accountable for university’s activities, approve decisions on matters of fundamental concern within ESG remit.

The Code: 1. Accountability

IIU’s governing body takes ownership of tasks, ensuring accountability for university activities and approving decisions within the ESG remit. It is responsible for decisions affecting IIU’s sustainability reputation and requires assurance that IIU:

Meets all legal and regulatory requirements as a higher education institution.
Complies with the Malaysian Corporate Governance Code (www.sc.com.my)

The governing body ensures compliance with regulations and duties. All members, including students and staff, have equal legal responsibilities and must declare conflicts of interest. The body operates transparently, publishing accurate information on IIU’s website to maintain accountability.

Responsibility

Responsible and safeguard institutional reputation and autonomy by operating within the values underpin this Code.

The Code: 2. Responsibility

IIU’s governing body safeguards the institution’s reputation and autonomy by adhering to its core values. All members are expected to act ethically, following IIU’s ethical codes and prioritizing the interests of the institution and its stakeholders. Any breaches of these standards will be addressed under the IIU’s Code of Conduct.

The governing body ensures ethical decision-making, free from undue influence by external groups. Members must uphold collective decisions and avoid unauthorized agreements, with any violations handled seriously.

Effective communication with stakeholders is crucial to maintaining trust. The governing body oversees the fairness and sustainability of bodies like the Students’ Union and Alumni association. It also ensures transparent, impartial processes for handling complaints and whistleblowing disclosures.

Inclusion & Diversity

Promote a positive culture which supports ethical behavior, equality, inclusivity and diversity across the university.

The Code: 3. Inclusion & Diversity

IIU’s governing body promotes a positive culture of ethical behavior, equality, inclusivity, and diversity. In line with the Malaysian Corporate Governance Code (www.sc.com.my), the governing body ensures IIU complies with equality and diversity policies for both domestic and international students and staff.

The governing body must ensure arrangements to:

Eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimization.
Provide equal opportunities for all.
Foster good relations across diverse groups.
Promote an inclusive culture.

The governing body reviews and reports on IIU’s equality efforts annually, with management providing an equality monitoring report highlighting achievements and progress in inclusivity and diversity.

Sustainability

Adopt the continuous improvement mindset to ensure the sustainability of the university by actively seek and receive assurance that delivery of the strategic plan is in line with legislative and regulatory requirements, values, policies, and procedures, and that there are effective systems of control and risk management in place.

The Code: 4. Sustainability

IIU’s governing body adopts a continuous improvement mindset to ensure university sustainability by aligning the strategic plan with legislative requirements, values, and effective risk management systems.

The governing body is responsible for the mission, vision, and strategy of IIU, setting values and standards. It approves the strategic plan, ensuring it is supported by adequate resources, ethical data management, sustainable resource use, and policies for strategic delivery.

Regular performance monitoring and evaluation are crucial, with the governing body providing oversight and constructive feedback. It also identifies and manages risks and opportunities in collaboration with management, ensuring robust academic governance and standards.

The governing body respects academic freedom and freedom of expression within the law. It also ensures effective staff remuneration, supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Engagement and Effectiveness

Engage the various stakeholders of the university on ESG initiatives and ensure that governance processes are effective and agile that comply with the Code.

The Code: 5. Engagement and Effectiveness

IIU will engage stakeholders in ESG initiatives, ensuring governance processes are effective, agile, and compliant with the Code.

The governing body must act in the interests of students and stakeholders, maintaining IIU’s independence, mission, and academic integrity. Clear governance structures should be visible to all members, including staff and students.

Regular engagement with students, staff, and stakeholders through effective two-way communication is essential, with updates on major issues. The governing body should foster collaboration, guided by IIU’s values and culture.

In significant partnerships, the governing body must be informed of benefits and risks, ensuring effective governance and risk management. IIU should remain accessible and relevant to local communities, contributing to economic, civic, cultural, and social sustainability.