THE culmination of major examinations, such as International General Certificate of Secondary Education) (IGCSE) and Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), marks a significant moment for school leavers as they embark on the journey of independent learning. This transition prompts a pressing question for both students and parents alike: what higher education pathway will best serve the pursuit of unique passions and eventual, perhaps even undiscovered, aspirational careers?
Navigating this critical decision requires identifying the right indicators of a university that is a right fit for you. Whether you are a student seeking the ideal educational environment or a parent guiding your child’s choices, recognising these indicators is essential. Globally renowned UK education programmes have a reputation for high-quality student experience. Where these programmes incorporate industry engagement and real-world practical projects, graduate employability is among the highest in the region.
'We are targeting by 2026, every student will be able to experience an exchange programme,' explains Colvin.
University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) chief strategy and operations officer Kylie Colvin discusses the university’s growth strategy for the next five years aimed at an immersive student experience that will also set them apart in the workforce of the future.
A UK education on home ground
Education is an important investment, one that can weigh heavily on parents who will need to shoulder the responsibility for the next three or four years. What if you could get a UK education with the attractiveness of studying within the familiarity, affordability, and comfort of home?
Curated with care for students
A robust induction programme ensures students are familiar with the local area, contributing to a holistic campus experience. On the horizon, UNM is gearing up to enrich its existing student experience through work-integrated experiences, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, mental health support, and career counselling. The focus elevates practical learning and enhances student mobility. The tri-campus programme allows students to spend part of their degree in Malaysia, China, and the UK.
“We are targeting by 2026, every student will be able to experience an exchange programme,” explains Colvin.
The university also empowers students to have a voice in the university’s decision-making process with student representatives on each Executive Committee.
The university also empowers students to have a voice in the university’s decision-making process with student representatives on each Executive Committee.
The Nottingham students have the full residential campus experience, including the flexibility to explore their interests and passions through the existence of 80 student-led clubs and societies.
Investing in people is the bedrock of success
Colvin underscores UNM's commitment to talent acquisition and development, focusing on tailored initiatives to empower professional and academic staff. As an aspiring employer of choice, Colvin explains the university’s emphasis on comprehensive benefits, recognition, and reward frameworks as critical to talent retention. Wellbeing for employees and students is an important aspect aligned with UNM values.
Diversity is a key aspect in a thriving campus with a global worldview of unique perspectives, cultures, and belief systems. UNM consists of 30% international students and 70% local students. With representation from 85 nationalities, UNM fosters a rich multicultural environment, echoed in its academic staff, representing 42 nationalities.
Raising the game through education technology
The educational experience on campus is evolving with UNM outlining strategic investments in on-campus accommodation, advanced learning spaces, and innovative teaching methodologies. An example of its ongoing integration of technology is the implementation of the flipped classroom. Here, learners encounter information before class, freeing class time for activities that involve higher-order thinking. UNM is also excited about pipeline investments to create a digital teaching laboratory to empower educators to design interactive modules with AI and a virtual reality simulation capability for students to conduct science and engineering laboratory work, thus removing physical limitations and future-proofing the learning experience against disruptions like the pandemic.
Stronger together through partnerships
UNM takes pride in its high-impact research capabilities, housed within its research and knowledge exchange (RKE) hub. Strategies to grow this capability will see the university foster greater collaboration with existing and new partners. Through a dedicated Partnerships Hub, the university aims to serve as a central hub for tri-campus research, engaging prominent entities like Sime Darby, PETRONAS, CNN, World Bank, WWF, Sarawak Energy, KPMG, and Deloitte.
Knowledge and research powerhouse
In the realm of environmental sustainability, UNM is making significant strides with impactful research clusters in food security and green energy as well as collaborative initiatives with industries and government agencies. The university is also walking the talk with investments set aside to level-up on its sustainability commitments in the Malaysian campus with the installation of EV charging capabilities, a solar energy project in 2024, and a student-led commercial composting programme. UNM is also developing learning modules offering certificates in sustainability, responding to the growing demand from employers for non-traditional education modules to upskill employees.
School leavers will do well to choose a university that is actively investing in enhancing their education experience with the latest advancements in the industry today. This proactive approach ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for the evolving demands of the future workforce.
Discover your passion today and commence your educational journey at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Explore further at nottingham.edu.my.
