Lean management driving sustainability in Malaysian education / Dr. Azyyati Anuar and Dr. Daing Maruak Sadek

In today’s ever-evolving world, lean management has emerged as a powerful approach to enhance efficiency and promote continuous improvement across various industries (Toussaint & Berry, 2013). Initially rooted in the manufacturing sector, lean management has proven its adaptability and applicability to other domains, including the educational sector. By emphasizing streamlined processes, waste reduction, and resource optimization, lean management presents a transformative opportunity for educational institutions to achieve greater operational effectiveness. However, efficiency alone is insufficient to address the educational sector’s complex challenges. The need for sustainability has become a pressing concern, not only in Malaysia but also worldwide. Sustainability goes beyond traditional environmental preservation; it encompasses economic viability and social inclusivity (Benn et al., 2013). For the educational sector, embracing sustainability means nurturing environmentally responsible practices, utilizing resources responsibly, and ensuring equitable access to quality education. Malaysia, a country known for its vibrant cultural diversity and rapid economic growth, also faces unique sustainability challenges in its educational system. As one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s educational sector must confront issues related to resource allocation, infrastructure development, and equitable education access for marginalized communities. Balancing the demand for quality education with sustainable practices becomes imperative to secure a prosperous and harmonious future for the nation. Malaysia’s educational landscape currently confronts several sustainability challenges that require immediate attention. From an environmental perspective, educational institutions contribute to energy consumption and waste generation, collectively impacting the nation’s carbon footprint. Moreover, limited funding and budget constraints hinder the implementation of sustainability initiatives, making it essential to explore cost-effective solutions that foster resource efficiency. Additionally, the educational sector needs to address social concerns, such as inclusivity and community engagement, to ensure education benefits all segments of society, irrespective of background or location. By adopting lean management principles and integrating sustainability into the fabric of educational institutions, Malaysia can pave the way for a brighter and more resilient educational landscape. The subsequent sections of this article will delve deeper into the potential synergy between lean management and sustainability, offering insights into how these two powerful concepts can collaborate to bring about positive change within Malaysia’s educational sector.