The Centre for Poverty and Development Studies was set up at Faculty of Economics & Administration, University of Malaya as a reference point for academic work, research and consultancy for poverty and rural development serving the academic community, the general public, policy makers and the international community.

The Global Classroom had its second graduation night on the 24th of March 2009 at the Faculty of Economics and Administration. Classes for the second batch which kicked off from the 2nd of September 2008 to the 2nd of December 2008 specifically focused on Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Development Practice.

Series of weekly assignments were given to students with the aim of getting students to learn and know the basic ideals of development. Out of the 24 local and international students that participated in the course, 10 students successfully completed the course and were issued certificates by University of Columbia and The Centre for Poverty and Development Studies.