Malaysian Polytechnic Students And The SDGs: A Study On Knowledge, Attitude & Practice

Abstract

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a worldwide framework for tackling essential issues including poverty, inequality, climate change, and quality education.  Malaysian polytechnic students, as future engineers, technologists and professionals, are essential in promoting sustainable development through innovation and practical solutions.  This study seeks to assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) on the SDGs among Malaysian polytechnic students.  Grounded in the KAP paradigm, the research examines how students comprehend the objectives, assess their significance, and convert this understanding into concrete behaviours. A quantitative survey methodology was utilised, employing a structured questionnaire that was prepared and validated according to the KAP framework.  The instrument was administered among students from several Malaysian polytechnics. The questionnaire assessed three main variables: awareness of the 17 SDGs, attitudes towards sustainability and global citizenship, and the sustainable behaviours practiced by the respondents. The data obtained from the questionnaire were examined using SPSS software, utilising descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho coefficient correlation to investigate the correlations among the variables.  Initial findings suggest that although students exhibited high level of knowledge and favourable attitudes towards the SDGs, their sustainable activities do not consistently correspond with their knowledge and attitudes. The results hold significant value for educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers in harmonising technical education with sustainable development objectives.