make an informative summary paragraph wise excluding all the bullet points sub headings and internal links:The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), held a one-day academic seminar on 17 December 2025 to enhance the integration of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), labour rights, and Business and Human Rights (BHR) into higher education in Malaysia. The seminar, titled “From Policy to Practice: Institutionalizing Human Rights within Malaysia’s Business and Policy Ecosystems,” gathered academicians and university students to discuss how educational institutions can better prepare graduates for emerging workplace challenges, including issues arising from global supply chains, human rights due diligence (HRDD), and the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025–2030.
Morning sessions of the seminar provided participants with insights into global and national trends on Responsible Business Conduct, highlighting the expectations placed on enterprises to adhere to international labour standards and the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. Discussions emphasized the increasing relevance of labour rights, sustainability, and ethical business practices in shaping Malaysia’s future workforce.
A panel discussion involving representatives from academia, employers, workers, and students explored the opportunities and challenges in advancing responsible business practices in Malaysia. Panellists stressed the importance of education in raising awareness of labour rights and cultivating a culture of responsible business among future professionals.
In the afternoon, a closed-door dialogue between the ILO and academic institutions focused on practical strategies to embed RBC and labour rights into university curricula. Participants discussed gaps in students’ understanding, potential entry points for curriculum integration, and the types of institutional support lecturers require. The session also addressed barriers such as limited capacity and awareness while highlighting enabling factors, including partnerships, pilot modules, and short courses.
The seminar is part of the ILO’s project “Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations (Phase II),” funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The project aims to strengthen enterprise compliance with international labour standards and create an enabling environment for responsible and sustainable business practices in Malaysia.
