Page by Page, We Change for the Better
August 11, 2025
Key Takeaways
- As Malaysia faces a declining reading culture, our commitment to nation-building remains steadfast, guided by the belief that quality education is key to Malaysia’s prosperity and long-term sustainability.
- By making reading accessible across generations, we are breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know.” This quote by Dr. Seuss rings true – reading ignites curiosity and expands horizons.
The benefits of reading are truly endless, yet practising this good habit remains a challenge even to the best of us.
Despite Malaysia’s 94.64% literacy rate, concerns are growing over a declining reading culture, especially among our younger generation.
This shift is reflected in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 report, which recorded a significant 27-point drop – from 415 to 388 – in reading scores since 2018.
At Sunway, we believe reading should be accessible to everyone, from young to old and especially those facing barriers in accessing reading materials.
By nurturing a society that reads, we empower minds with critical thinking and expanded perspectives, essential for driving progress and shaping a knowledgeable, resilient future for Malaysia.
Every Book Leads to New Perspectives
As the adage goes, books are timeless and their pages, penned decades or even centuries ago, continue to inform, inspire and challenge our contemporary minds.
Serving as a resource for books, both physically and digitally, a library remains profoundly relevant in the digital age. They play a significant role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning. Libraries are places where readers connect with like-minded peers, fostering education, digital inclusion and social well-being for all, from students needing a quiet study space to seniors seeking companionship through book clubs.
This belief in reading as a public good is embedded in our institutions.
The Tun Hussein Onn Sunway Library located in Sunway University, established in 1987, stands as one of Malaysia’s largest private institutional libraries.
Its mission is to provide a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable research and learning ecosystem for our students and academic staff.
Today, over 25,000 students benefit from its extensive collection of more than a million reading materials, spanning from print books to e-dissertations.
While primarily serving our students from Sunway University, Sunway College and Sunway International School, the library also welcomes the public, whether academicians or those simply looking to unwind during the weekend.
With endless reading corners and access to all materials, our library plays the role of a community hub in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL).
But libraries need not always be grand. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet corner and a few good books.
Our Sunway Putra Mall’s Reading Corner operates on the generosity of readers, featuring exchanged or donated books that give stories a second life.
Those in need of a shopping break can easily stop by the Reading Corner and enjoy a breather with a book in hand.
Cultivating Knowledge Nationwide
Reading is a powerful bridge to opportunities, especially for communities with limited access to resources. It opens doors to new ideas, broadens perspectives and equips individuals with the tools to shape their future.
In 2020, we collaborated with local NGO partner, Friends to Mankind (FtoM) to launch a community library at the Desa Mentari apartments in SCKL, as part of the Sunway READ (Reading Enhances Aspiration and Drive) programme.
In conjunction with our 50th anniversary, we have since built and refurbished 50 libraries nationwide.
These spaces are more than just a collection of books; they are a vibrant community hub designed to welcome and benefit every individual from all walks of life.
To cultivate a culture of reading from an early age, Sunway International Schools (SIS) in SCKL hosts its annual Elementary Book Week.
Held in the last quarter of the year, this event is packed with engaging, outside-the-classroom activities—from bonfire nights and teddy bear picnics for sharing fun reads to lively read-a-thons and costume parades inspired by fictional characters.
Further championing critical thinking and literacy, the Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition—endorsed by the Ministry of Education—is a collaborative effort by Sunway Group, The Oxford & Cambridge Society Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, Sunway University and Monash University Malaysia.
This competition nurtures students’ creativity, critical thinking and English proficiency, powerfully underscoring reading as the indispensable foundation for impactful writing.
Participants delve into global current issues, showcasing their ability to synthesise insights from diverse readings.
As Stephen King puts it, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
His words resonate with a profound truth: great writers are shaped through extensive reading.
By grappling with complex topics and articulating their ideas, individuals not only sharpen their writing skills but also evolve into more informed, thoughtful and engaged readers.
At Sunway, we recognise that reading has the power to transform and inspire. It helps shape a society that values knowledge and adapts to new challenges with informed insight.
By cultivating strong reading habits, we lay the groundwork for lifelong learning, critical thinking and equal access to opportunity—ensuring every Malaysian can thrive in an increasingly knowledge-driven world.
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