The University of Nottingham Malaysia is situated on a 48-hectare campus in Semenyih, just 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur's city centre and offers world-class UK education in a vibrant Malaysian setting.
25 years on, the University of Nottingham continues to shape talent through research and real-world collaboration
IN a world of rapid technological advancement and evolving industry demands, higher education must move beyond the traditional classroom to meet future needs.
Today, Malaysia adopts the ‘triple helix’ model – a purposeful collaboration among government, academia and industry – as a national strategy for talent development.
For the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), this is not new. Since its establishment in 2000 as the first full-fledged overseas campus of a UK university, UNM has pioneered this approach and continues to refine it today.
Now, as the institution marks its 25th anniversary, its long-standing commitment to research-led education is more relevant than ever.
Research-led teaching philosophy
At the heart of UNM’s identity is its belief that excellent teaching and meaningful research are inextricably linked.
Over the past two decades, the university has evolved from a premier teaching institution into a research-driven university of international standing.
As a result, students benefit from being taught by academics who are also active researchers – individuals who not only teach from textbooks but also from the front lines of their fields.
Whether tackling climate change, reimagining food systems or exploring healthcare innovations, these experts bring fresh perspective directly into the classroom providing a more current, relevant, and innovative education.
This approach is reflected in UNM’s national and global recognition.
The university is rated as ‘Competitive’ in Malaysia’s SETARA assessment, a national rating system for higher education institutions, and ranks 97th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Research with real-world impact
But UNM’s research is not confined to academic journals. It is designed to make a difference in people’s lives.
The university’s four signature research strengths – health and wellbeing, renewable energy, water security and food resilience – focus on pressing issues affecting Malaysia and the world.
Take the West LAKE project, a landmark flood remediation initiative aimed at mitigating flash flooding in local communities through sustainable water management strategies. It also serves as a hub for intellectual collaboration, learning and community engagement.
Healthcare is another key focus. UNM co-organised the International Cancer Research Symposium (ICRS) 2025 in Sarawak with the Sarawak Research and Development Council, strengthening Southeast Asia’s role in global cancer research.
This landmark event advanced regional collaboration and transnational research, reinforcing UNM’s commitment to innovation and knowledge sharing.
The International Cancer Research Symposium 2025 brought together global experts, underscoring UNM’s role as a hub for ideas, talent, and action that shape the future of cancer research across borders. (Second from left) Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, receives a token from Prof David FitzPatrick (second from right).
In education, UNM researchers are examining how accountability policies impact teachers’ professional development, influencing the way national education reforms are understood and implemented.
Meanwhile, work on underutilised crops supports food security and climate resilience, while leadership initiatives in water governance help nurture the new generation of sustainability-focused policymakers.
UNM’s leadership echoes this commitment to meaningful impact.
“Our philosophy is that research excellence must translate into real-world impact,” says the research and knowledge exchange vice provost Prof Shahir Liew.
“Our strategy is to bridge the gap between the laboratory and society by empowering our researchers to collaborate closely with industry and community partners.”
“By focusing our efforts on addressing pressing national and global needs, from sustainable development to healthcare innovation, we ensure our work delivers tangible solutions and contributes meaningfully to a better future,” he shared.
Strategic partnerships that build talent
This spirit of collaboration also shapes UNM’s curriculum and talent development.
Through close partnerships with industry, government and community stakeholders, the university ensures its programmes remain responsive to real-world needs.
Industry partners actively contribute to course design and provide vital opportunities for internships, mentorship, and graduate employment, giving students a head start in their careers.
In return, these organisations gain access to a steady stream of future-ready talent equipped with critical thinking, adaptability, and a global perspective.
“For 25 years, our contribution to Malaysia’s socioeconomic fabric has been built on a foundation of meaningful partnerships,” shares UNM provost and chief executive officer Prof David FitzPatrick.
“These collaborations with industry and government are a vital two-way street. This synergy has been fundamental to our mission over the last quarter-century and remains at the heart of our vision for the future.”
At UNM, students learn from academics who are also active researchers, engaging in hands-on projects, open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving in well-equipped labs that turn ideas into practical solutions.
Future-ready graduates
Ultimately, the impact of UNM’s research-led, industry-aligned model is most evident in its graduates.
Impressively, nearly 100% of UNM alumni secure employment or pursue further studies shortly after graduation.
Graduates who secure employment after graduation also earn up to twice as much as other local graduates.
This is a testament to the university’s ability to produce graduates who are academically capable and professionally competitive.
These graduates have gone on to build successful careers with global brands across diverse sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare and sustainability.
A legacy of impact
As UNM celebrates its 25th anniversary, the milestone is more than just a marker of time; it is a reflection of the university’s steadfast commitment to preparing students for a complex and rapidly changing world.
By championing research-led education, investing in real-world solutions and forging strategic partnerships, UNM continues to prove that a university degree can – and should – be more than a qualification. It should be a launchpad for leadership, innovation and impact.
Explore your future at UNM and learn more at nottingham.edu.my.
