New Malaysia Campus opened by Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University has opened its new, £35m purpose-built campus in Malaysia, building on the success of the University’s first overseas campus in Dubai.
The University, a proven successful exporter of UK Higher Education, was selected by Putrajaya Holdings as its preferred University partner for the development of the University Campus project in the administrative capital of Malaysia, Putrajaya. The University opened its first premises in Putrajaya in January 2013, with its global MBA programme.
In September 2014, the new purpose-built campus opened for business with around 500 students on postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. The prestigious and innovative building, based in the heart of the government capital of Malaysia, has been designed to provide an excellent learning environment and base for research and knowledge exchange, representing an outstanding example of UK higher education in the region.
It will cater for up to 4,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students to study a range of Heriot-Watt University degree programmes in science, engineering, business, mathematics and design, all key growth areas for the Malaysian economy, including business, finance, accounting, actuarial science, construction and engineering specialisms including civil, petroleum, chemical, mechanical and renewable energy
The new campus building was officially opened by Her Excellency Vicki Treadell CMG MVO, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, and Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh, Minister of Education II in the Malaysian Government, accompanied by Professor Steve Chapman, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, and Professor Bob Craik, Chief Executive Officer Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
Vicki Treadall said, “The long-standing education ties between the UK and Malaysia, particularly in tertiary studies, saw Malaysia emerging as the largest market for the provision of UK transnational higher education. There are currently around 15,000 Malaysians studying in the UK and another 58,000 individuals studying in Malaysia for a UK tertiary qualification which is more than any other countries in the world. The opening of the Heriot-Watt University campus in Putrajaya marks another milestone in the UK-Malaysia education ties, and will support Malaysia’s efforts in becoming an education hub in the region,”
Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh, Minister of Education II, said, “This project has been several years in the planning and one that we at the Ministry of Education have been delighted to be involved in alongside partners Putrajaya Holdings.
“The importance of higher education goes a step further and must not be underestimated. It is today considered by both developed and developing nations to be a critical matter in the formulation of national policies, human capital development, and economic growth. The welcoming of international branch campuses, such as Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, falls in line with the aims of the Higher Education Blueprint which will allow Malaysia to compete with the growing global education landscape over the next 10 years, 2015 to 2025. The presence of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia will certainly increase competition and the choice of quality education in Malaysia.”
Jonathan Wilson, head of education, Scottish Development International, said, “Congratulations to Heriot-Watt on the opening of their branch campus in Malaysia.
“This is a highly significant project of scale which shows the Scottish education sector responding to new global opportunities.
“Scottish Development International has supported the project from the outset as part of its aim to foster the internationalisation of the Scottish education industry; the third largest sector in the Scottish economy.
“With another international campus in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University is leading the way in providing transnational education and we very much look forward to continuing to work with them to help drive forward their ambitious growth plans.”
Professor Steve Chapman said, "Today is a key event for the University and an occasion to promote the quality and value of British higher education overseas. We want to celebrate Heriot-Watt’s position as a leading, world class STEM institution and to showcase a superb location, outstanding staff and students and excellent academic facilities. The University will be demonstrating its ability to deliver a truly global education that produces highly employable graduates in a competitive world through a portfolio of programmes which is relevant to the Malaysian’s government’s plan for economic growth and development in the region."
Heriot-Watt University’s strength as a leading technological and business university, renowned for innovation in science, engineering, business and design defines its presence on the international stage in areas of key world importance and value for society.
It has established a reputation for world class teaching and world renowned, practical, leading edge research. 82% of Heriot-Watt’s research was rated as world leading or internationally excellent in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF). With leading links to industry and recognised for the quality of its degrees, 93% of its graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation.
Heriot-Watt has an established profile as an international university: a third of students studying at its Scottish campuses come from outside the UK and a further 21,000 students are studying for Heriot-Watt degrees in over 140 other countries worldwide, including at its Dubai and Malaysia campuses.
Heriot-Watt students have a highly rated student experience, with high quality teaching and learning, established links to potential employers, modern facilities and excellent support services.
For further information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia please visit: