Thursday, 24 July 2025
As the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´’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.
When ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ 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 ÌÇÐÄÔ´´’s Ningbo campus opened its doors cementing Nottingham’s position as the UK’s pioneering global university.
Driving Economic Growth in Malaysia
As the Malaysia campus marks this major milestone, the impact report offers a snapshot of the economic and social contribution it has made, underlining the significant benefits of transnational education.
The report reveals:
- In 10 years between 2015 and 2024, ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ 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
The groundbreaking decision to open an overseas campus in Malaysia marked the beginning of a new era in global higher education and positioned the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ as a pioneer in international academic collaboration; extending our academic reach, redefining the possibilities of transnational education and laying the foundations for others to follow.
UK’s Gateway to Higher Education in Asia
Professor Fitzpatrick added: “Since its establishment, UNM has remained anchored in the university’s core values of student-centred learning, research-led teaching and an unwavering commitment to relevance, innovation and global perspective.”
ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Malaysia initially launched in September 2000 in premises in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur but by 2001 its new campus was under construction around 20 miles away in Semenyih in the foothills of the Titiwangsa Mountains, Selangor. Designed to reflect the UK campus architectural identity – including its own Trent Building with iconic clock tower – it was completed in 2005.
Today it has a lively and diverse community of more than 4,000 students (59% local and 41% international) and 660 staff (89% local and 11% international).
UNM has formed a key component of the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´’s tri-campus network providing academic collaboration between the UK, Malaysia and China, offering opportunities for increased student engagement, cultural affinity and educational exchange, while building a shared culture of research and innovation across borders.
Student mobility programmes between UNM and the university’s campuses in the UK and China offer transformative semesters abroad which reflect the power of international education to drive personal growth, professional development and global awareness.
A Hub for Innovative and Impactful Research
Over the last 25 years, UNM has developed signature research strengths in renewable energy, health and wellbeing, food resilience and water security which is having a tangible impact at a national and international level, contributing to policy dialogue with Government and informing decision-making at a state and federal level.
One example is the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME) project, which is helping to encourage sustainable land use, generate elephant friendly policies and promote community tolerance to reduce human-elephant conflict.
With support from the United Nations Development Programme and the Kurita Foundation, UNM is developing innovative water treatment technologies to remove microplastics from domestic wastewater to reduce the growing risks to ecosystems and human health.
We are incredibly proud of our Malaysia campus which has been a pioneer for UK higher education in South East Asia and demonstrates the incredible transformative power of transnational education.
Professor Norman added: “This impact report demonstrates the difference that the campus, its students, academics and researchers are making both at a local level in Malaysia, contributing to the country’s health, wealth, sustainability and innovation, and at an international level tackling global challenges and playing a vital role in our commitment to being a university without borders.”
Celebrating a Silver Jubilee
The report is among high-profile activity planned to mark UNM’s silver jubilee which will include a gala dinner on 24 July and roundtable event taking place in Kuala Lumpur on 25 July focused on the value of transnational education, which will feature senior representatives from the university’s three campuses in dialogue with industry and research partners from the Asia Pacific region, the International Higher Education Team Commissioner and representatives from the British Embassy and British Council.
Learn more about the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Malaysia’s
The Official UNM’s Impact Report is available here:
Notes to editors:
About the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what’s next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we’re creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.