Spectrum International University College (SIUC) reinforces its institutional commitment to human rights, ethical employment practices and responsible labour standards through the establishment of its Policy Against Forced Labour, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Child Labour in 2024. The policy demonstrates SIUC’s commitment to protecting employees from exploitation, promoting fair employment conditions and supporting Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), particularly Target 8.7, which calls for the eradication of forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour.
SIUC recognises that protecting fundamental labour rights is an essential responsibility of higher education institutions. Through its policy, the university college adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards forced or compulsory labour, modern slavery, debt bondage, involuntary servitude, human trafficking, exploitation of vulnerable workers and unlawful child employment. The institution is committed to ensuring that all employment relationships are voluntary, transparent and conducted in accordance with applicable Malaysian labour legislation and international labour standards.
The policy applies to all academic and non-academic employees, including Malaysian and international staff. It also extends to employment arrangements involving contractors, recruitment agencies and service providers engaged by the institution. By establishing these requirements, SIUC seeks to ensure that ethical employment practices are maintained not only within its workforce but also across relevant external employment arrangements and recruitment processes.
As part of its commitment to eliminating forced labour and modern slavery, SIUC strictly prohibits employment practices involving coercion, threats, intimidation, debt bondage or unlawful restrictions on employees’ freedom to leave employment. The policy explicitly states that employees’ passports and personal identification documents shall not be retained as a means of restricting their freedom. These provisions are particularly important in protecting vulnerable workers, including international employees, from exploitative employment arrangements and ensuring that employment remains voluntary.
SIUC also recognises the importance of preventing human trafficking through responsible recruitment practices. The institution prohibits recruitment and employment arrangements involving deception, coercion or abuse of vulnerability. Through its policy, SIUC commits to promoting transparent recruitment procedures and requiring recruitment agencies and relevant service providers to comply with applicable Malaysian legislation and ethical employment standards. This commitment supports fair recruitment practices and helps reduce the risk of labour exploitation involving employees and external employment partners.
In addressing child labour, SIUC prohibits the unlawful employment of individuals below the legally permitted working age. The institution’s policy requires employee eligibility to be verified during recruitment and employment arrangements to comply with Malaysian legislation protecting children and young persons. These measures reinforce SIUC’s commitment to responsible recruitment and the protection of vulnerable individuals against unlawful employment practices.
Employee protection and reporting mechanisms are also important components of the policy. SIUC recognises employees’ rights to raise concerns regarding suspected forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking or child labour without discrimination or retaliation. Employees who experience or witness suspected violations may report their concerns to the Human Resources Department. The institution is committed to reviewing reported concerns appropriately, maintaining confidentiality where practicable and taking corrective action when necessary.
The policy is guided by Malaysia’s established legal framework, including the Employment Act 1955, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, and Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966. SIUC also recognises relevant international labour standards established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which promotes fundamental principles and rights at work, including the elimination of forced labour and child labour. By referencing these national and international frameworks, SIUC demonstrates its commitment to responsible employment practices and the protection of fundamental labour rights.
Established in 2024, the policy is scheduled for a formal review in 2027 to assess its effectiveness, relevance and continued alignment with Malaysian labour legislation, international labour standards and institutional objectives. The review will provide an opportunity for SIUC to evaluate its existing policy commitments, identify areas for improvement and strengthen measures to prevent labour exploitation. Through this periodic review process, SIUC reinforces its long-term commitment to protecting employee rights, maintaining ethical employment practices and supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
