As the University of Nottingham’s Malaysia campus celebrates its 25th anniversary, a new report has revealed the impact it has had in the quarter of a century since its establishment. Plus, a number of events have been held to celebrate the milestone.

Nottingham Malaysia Sign 1200

When University of Nottingham Malaysia was launched in 2000, it broke new ground for higher education, becoming the first fully-fledged overseas campus for a UK university. Five years later, the University of Nottingham’s Ningbo campus opened its doors cementing Nottingham’s position as the UK’s pioneering global university.

The report reveals:

  • In 10 years between 2015 and 2024, University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) had a total economic impact of £5.4 billion - £433.5 million in 2024 alone
  • In 2024, UNM contributed £433.5 million to Malaysia’s economy and generated £112.3 million from university spending and £56.1 million from student spending
  • UNM brought in £9.9 million in tourism spending and £6.6 million in taxation for the local economy in 2024, creating 19,515 jobs
  • In 2024, UNM generated £12.4 million from its research and partnership activities
  • UNM graduates are consistently sought after by the top 100 global brands and earn up to twice the average graduate salary in Malaysia
  • In 2024, 97% of UNM graduates were in employment, further studies or enhancement programmes

You can read the report online.

Transforming the Cancer Continuum in Asia

Malaysian investors, philanthropists, policymakers, medical experts and academics joined forces in a fresh bid to tackle one of the leading causes of death on the peninsula: and across the rest of Asia.

As rising cancer mortality rates look set to double by 2040, becoming the third cause of most deaths in the last few years, senior leaders united from across academia, healthcare, government, policy, capital providers and healthcare investors to act.

In the first-of-its-kind strategic dialogue hosted by the University of Nottingham Malaysia, with strong support from APVN, the largest network of social investors in Asia, the mission brought experts together to focus on solutions. 

Read more about what was discussed.

What the World Needs Next from Higher Education Roundtable

International higher education must equip graduates with ‘soft skills’ if the world is to face up to the geopolitical, economic, environmental, and social challenges of the next 25 years, argued experts from business, industry and government at a seminal round-table discussion.

Coming together to mark the University of Nottingham’s 25-year jubilee celebrations of the campus in Malaysia and 21 years of the Ningbo campus; leaders tackled big picture questions during a round table debate on ‘what the world needs next from higher education’. 

Discover more about the topics covered.

UK Minister of Skills from the Department for Education visits UNM

Continuing the events of our 25th anniversary celebration, UNM was honoured to host the Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith, the UK Minister of Skills from the Department for Education, at the University of Nottingham Malaysia campus.

Baroness Smith led a roundtable discussion on the future of UK-Malaysia Transnational Education that coincides with the UK Government’s upcoming refresh of the International Education Strategy. The session featured fruitful contributions from leaders across UK branch campuses and Malaysian institutions, including David Wallace, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur. UNM is proud to co-host the roundtable in partnership with the British Council, the British Embassy, and the UK Department for Education.

The visit also saw Baroness Smith touring our labs and meeting with academics, showcasing our many impactful research initiatives, including the ASEAN Cancer Research Network led by Professor Weang Kee Ho. We hope her visit will inspire continued collaboration, innovation, and shared progress in shaping the future of education.

Alumni Celebration Event

University of Nottingham graduates had the opportunity to hear from Provost and CEO of UNM, Professor David FitzPatrick and Professor Zoe Wilson at a celebratory event to mark UNM's 25th anniversary.

View the event gallery.

25th Anniversary Gala Dinner

With a special introduction from Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Jane Norman, graduates, staff and friends gathered to celebrate 25 years of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

View a selection of photographs from the evening.

Thank you to everyone that helped to make the 25th anniversary celebrations so special.