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University of Reading celebrates start of construction of its Malaysia campus

March 1, 2013 in Uncategorized by University of Reading: Malaysia | No comments

The University of Reading, one of the top universities worldwide, is celebrating the start of construction at its first overseas campus at EduCity Iskandar Malaysia.

Groundbreaking at the site of the University of Reading's Malaysia campus

Groundbreaking at the site of the University of Reading’s Malaysia campus

 

 

EduCity is a 600-acre education hub comprising of universities and higher education institutes, research and development centres to encourage partnerships between education and industry, student accommodation and sports facilities. The flagship initiative is the first of its kind in Asia. Visit our flickr to see imagesThe University of Reading’s Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, says the University is delighted to be part of the EduCity initiative and to meet the growing demand for its brand of quality education.

Images from the University of Reading Malaysia groundbreaking

“We have around 3,000 graduates from the University of Reading in Malaysia and Singapore, the majority of whom travelled to the UK to experience our unique offering, first-class resources and world-class teaching. We are therefore proud and excited to have the opportunity to deliver the same experience to students in the Asia-Pacific region at EduCity in Iskandar. We are consciously and proactively developing this campus to offer the best experience to students, from both the infrastructure of our facilities to the education delivered. To create this level of excellence we have appointed an in-country UK team to work alongside Iskandar Investment Berhad to ensure that quality and experience underpins the development, every step of the way,” said Sir David.

The initiative confirms the University of Reading’s support for the development of Malaysia as a regional education hub and follows an invitation from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia to the University of Reading to establish a campus in Malaysia to help it achieve its ambitious target of 70% of the population reaching tertiary education by 2020.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place at EduCity on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, led by the University of Reading’s Chancellor Sir John Madejski. Also in attendance were the University’s Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell, Provost and Chief Executive of the University of Reading Malaysia, Professor Tony Downes, Dr Mohamed Ali Abdul Rahman, Director, Governance Division, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, and Datuk Syed Mohamed Ibrahim, President and CEO of Iskandar Investment Berhad.

Speaking on behalf of Datin. Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Higher Education, Dr Ali said the Ministry was delighted to be working with the University of Reading to support the development of its first overseas campus:

“As a University recognised as being amongst the top 1% of universities in the world, the University of Reading is an excellent example of the type of high-calibre education provider with whom the Ministry wishes to work.

“We hope to continue to build upon our already excellent and mutually beneficial relationship with the University of Reading,” he added.

The new campus, to be known as the University of Reading Malaysia, will open in September 2015 offering programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level in three thematic subject areas, requested by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia: business and law, science (including pharmacy), and the built environment. It will cater for 2,000 students.

The University has already begun delivering Executive Education programmes to international companies in Malaysia including the Bank of China, Thomson Reuters, HSBC, Standard Chartered, UBS and RBI International through its world-renowned Henley Business School.

Ranked among the top schools in Europe, and operating globally, Henley is one of only 57 business schools in the world to hold triple-accredited status from AMBA, Equis and the AACSB – the top accreditation bodies across the UK, Europe and the USA.

The University of Reading’s School of Law is already well established in Malaysia through an undergraduate twinning program run jointly since 2004 with Taylors University, Malaysia, which welcomes some 100 students each year. Law programmes, including Reading’s popular commercial law postgraduate degrees, will be offered at the EduCity campus.

English language courses are also being delivered at purpose-built teaching facilities at the Menara Kotaraya campus in Johor Bahru with further programmes being introduced in 2013, including the Foundation in Business. Successful completion of this programme guarantees progression to the University of Reading, including Henley Business School courses.

A Foundation in Science programme offering a pathway to undergraduate science degrees will begin in 2014.

The University of Reading is a world leader in teaching and research regarding management, design and economics of engineered technologies. The university hosts the largest school in the UK for teaching and researching real estate and planning and will be offering programs such as BSc Quantity Surveying, BSc Real Estate, MSc Project Management, and MSc in Real Estate and Planning in Malaysia.

In addition to its innovative research-led teaching and a friendly and supportive environment, the University of Reading is renowned for an excellent graduate employability record.

The new University of Reading Malaysia campus will allow the university, which is consistently ranked among the top 1% of the world’s universities, to bring its rich heritage in quality education to Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region through its first overseas campus

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Sir David Bell reflects on first visit to Malaysia

September 20, 2012 in News, Uncategorized by University of Reading: Malaysia | No comments

This week, I made my first trip to Malaysia as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading. Arriving on Sunday night, I have been engaged since in a busy round of visits and meetings and hearing and seeing first-hand the progress that University of Reading Malaysia is making.

I began by seeing our impressive facilities in downtown Johor Bahru where we are already offering executive education courses as well as English language programmes. The new facilities feel very much a part of University of Reading, with prominent images of the University all around the building.

Not surprisingly, one of the highlights of the week so far has been visiting EduCity where our campus will open in 2015. It’s in a prime location at the entrance to EduCity and, will, I am sure become a landmark building in the area.

UoRM plot at EduCity

University of Reading Malaysia plot at Iskandar Malaysia EduCity where building is to commence in early 2013

The rest of the facility is already taking shape with University of Newcastle offering medicine and University of Southampton just receiving their first engineering students. The student accommodation block is now open and the sports stadium should be completed by the end of the year.

I am delighted that there is considerable interest in the plans for University of Reading Malaysia in the region, and as part of my visit, I have been delighted to be interviewed by the New Straits Times, Star and Sin Chew Daily newspapers. I have also attended dinners in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur where I have met many influential figures from business and commerce, including University of Reading and Henley Business School graduates.

Sir David Bell with invited guests at formal dinner in Singapore

Sir David Bell with invited guests at formal dinner in Singapore

It has also been very useful to meet key contacts in the Ministry of Higher Education and the University of Malaya as we develop partnerships in Malaysian higher education.

Throughout my time in Malaysia, I have been very well supported by our enthusiastic project team. It was clear to me that they are held in high regard locally and are great ambassadors for the University of Reading.

My main impressions from the short visit to Malaysia and Singapore are that:-

There is a palpable sense of ambition surrounding higher education in the country. We are part of the expansion effort, as well as contributing to the enhanced status of HE in the country. I am delighted that we are already considered as having an important contribution to make in this regard.

Secondly, I have seen for myself the potential for Malaysia to become a great education hub. It is located in a region with a hunger for education and a huge potential market.

Thirdly, the University already has many friends here. I mentioned the alumni I met and it will be marvellous to be working with them in the future. Our team in Malaysia has also developed strong relationships with the High Commissions of both Malaysia and Singapore as well as in the British Council. It was good to hear the UK Universities Minister, David Willetts, talk so positively about our work in Malaysia at the Universities UK annual conference last week.

I look forward to my next visit and to hearing of further success as we approach an important milestone for the University, the full opening of University of Reading Malaysia.

SIR DAVID BELL
VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF READING

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Executive Education in Malaysia from a world class business school

September 4, 2012 in News, Uncategorized by University of Reading: Malaysia | No comments

The University of Reading is home to the world renowned Henley Business School.  With an extensive network of alumni in Malaysia and Singapore, many will already be familiar with Henley, which is one of the few business schools to hold triple-accredited status from the UK, European and US accrediting bodies. This places it among the top 1% of global business schools.

Henley Business School is a global leader in executive education and prides itself on providing impactful and innovative executive programmes to individuals and organisations.  Henley is the UK’s oldest business school with over 60 years’ experience in developing managers of, and for, the future. It is recognised worldwide for delivering executive leadership and management development programmes that build capability and enhance performance.

As Malaysia is enjoying substantial business success both in the region and globally, it seemed natural that Henley Business School Executive Education be part of the first wave of programmes to be offered by the University of Reading Malaysia.

Leadership for Stakeholder Value

Our Executive Education delivery in Malaysia launched in Kuala Lumpur from 24-25 April 2012.

Our Leadership for Stakeholder Value programme was held at the Sheraton Imperial and attracted participants from a diverse range of businesses in Malaysia.  The programme leaders, Dr Millicent Danker (BA, MA, DBA, FCIPR) and Dr Roger Hayes (BSc, MA, DBA, FCIPR, Member Emeritus IPRA), have been associated with Henley for a number of years and have extensive knowledge of the Malaysian market and culture.

Programme leaders Dr Millicent Danker and Dr Roger Hayes prepare for our first programme in Malaysia

Leadership for Stakeholder Value has been designed specifically for senior executives and high-potential leaders of Malaysian organisations that have both regional and global growth aspirations.  The programme explores critical business issues ranging from corporate governance, reputation, values and ethics to stakeholder management and communications.

Feedback from participants was very positive, and the programme will take place again on 30–31 October 2012.  More details on the Executive Education programme in Malaysia and how to book can be found here.

ICMA Executive Education

After months of planning and complete refurbishment, we were excited to open our Johor Bahru teaching facility in June 2012 with two training courses delivered by ICMA Executive Education.

Training financial market professionals

ICMA Executive Education (ICMA EE) is a joint venture between the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the ICMA Centre at Henley Business School, University of Reading. Covering technical securities/derivatives and operations, the professional qualifications and training programmes ICMA EE offers are aimed at market practitioners in the financial markets and delivered in the major financial centres.  Keith Dickinson, Programme Director for ICMA EE’s Diploma in Financial Market Operations and Visiting Fellow at the ICMA Centre, University of Reading, delivered two training courses over a five-day period to 24 senior banking leaders from the region:

Securities Operations Foundation Course (SOFC) -  a three-day examined course that covers the post-trading environment of the main cash market products – bonds and equities.

Derivatives Operations (DO) – a two-day course aimed at developing a knowledge and understanding of the key operational aspects of derivatives processing; the course includes an examination of the market infrastructure and product types, together with a look at the operational life-cycle of both exchange-traded and OTC derivative products.

Keith Dickinson (far left) and John Evans (far right) welcome students to the first ICMA Executive Education programme to be delivered from the Johor Bahru offices

“It was a great first experience for us here at Kotaraya; the facilities were first rate and it has great connections to all of South East Asia via Singapore Changi airport.  I expect it to become an important hub in our delivery of EE courses in Asia going forward” said John Evans, Head of ICMA Executive Education.

Dr Martha-Marie Kleinhans, Vice-Provost (Academic) of UoRM said “A week of intensive working mixed with sightseeing and socialising was the perfect recipe for a successful first teaching event at University of Reading Malaysia’s Menara Kotaraya. We hope to welcome ICMA EE back for many more courses in our facilities.”

Upcoming programmes

Having made a successful start delivering Executive Education in Malaysia, we look forward to increasing our portfolio of offerings.  Upcoming programmes include:

Leadership for Stakeholder Value (2 days )
30-31 October 2012

Challenges of Globalisation for the Real Estate Industry (2 days)
November-December 2012 (date tbc)

Finance for the Global Real Estate Industry (2 days)
January-March 2013 (date tbc)

Coaching for High Performance (3 days)
February 2013 (date tbc)

Details of these programmes can be found on our website (www.reading.ac.uk/malaysia) and announcements about further programmes will be made via the website, blog and future issues of Malaysia Insight.

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University of Reading Malaysia Opens First Teaching Facilities

August 31, 2012 in News, Uncategorized by University of Reading: Malaysia | 1 comment

The University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) has achieved a major milestone with the opening of its brand new teaching and office facilities in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in June 2012.

The premises are within the Menara Kotaraya building in central Johor Bahru and feature five teaching suites, equipped with audio-visual and smartboard technology.

Large classroom at University of Reading Malaysia

There is a large learning resource centre housing a 24-station PC lab which serves as both a dealing room (for ICMA Executive Education training on capital markets) and language laboratory. The 9,000 square foot space boasts a resource library and a cafeteria-social area as well as a reception and administration offices, for our burgeoning staff on site.

Cafe Area at University of Reading Malaysia

The facilities are also equipped with the latest internet and telephone services with Wi-Fi throughout and a touchdown space for recharging laptops. To support the new office, Mr Nandan Ramachandran, the first locally employed member of staff of UoRM, has been appointed as Office Manager.

Sir David Bell KCB, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University is exceedingly proud to be able to open our first teaching facilities in Malaysia. Our links with Malaysia go back many years and we are excited at the prospect of cementing these relationships through our new facilities and programmes in Johor Bahru. UoRM’s initial academic offering in Malaysia will provide excellent quality English language and business programmes, taught by faculty with extensive international experience, and delivered in the first-class facilities to be expected from one of the world’s top 1% of universities.”

This is the first phase of major investment in Malaysia by the University. In 2015, the University will open its main campus in the Iskandar Malaysia with the intention of delivering a wide range of degree programmes in business and law, pharmacy, chemistry and the built environment (applications are being prepared now for approval by the various governmental and professional bodies which are required to approve all our programmes offered on the campus).

Delivery of programmes at Kotaraya has already begun with the University’s Henley Business School providing programmes for business leaders and you can read more about Henley Business School Executive Education programme in Malaysia here.

Pre-sessional courses for students wishing to raise their English language and academic levels before starting a university degree course are also planned for Kotaraya along with a Foundation in Business programme. You can find out more about Programmes at University of Reading Malaysia here.

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University of Reading Malaysia opens first teaching facilities in Malaysia

May 11, 2012 in News by University of Reading: Malaysia | No comments

The University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) is proud to announce the opening of its brand new teaching facilities in Johor Bahru.

Press release

UoRM will deliver programmes for future business leaders through the University’s Henley Business School, one of the world’s leading business education providers. The University will also be running pre-sessional courses for students wishing to raise their English and academic levels before starting a university degree course and a one-year International Foundation Programme preparing students for an undergraduate business degree.

The programmes, which start in June 2012, are taught by University of Reading faculty in the brand new purpose-built University of Reading Malaysia facility in the Kotaraya Office Tower in central Johor Bahru. This is the first phase of a major investment in Malaysia by University of Reading Malaysia¹. In 2015, the University will open its permanent campus in EduCity, Nusajaya within the Iskandar Development Area to deliver a wide range of programmes, from law to chemistry, construction and finance.

The new business courses are designed for managers who want to get ahead in business. Programme members on UoRM’s Henley Business School courses will benefit from some of the best executive education in the world. The programmes include the study of capital markets, real estate and planning and leadership and coaching.

Henley Business School was established by business, for business, and as the UK’s oldest business school, has over 60 years’ experience in developing managers. One of the world’s few business schools to hold triple-accredited status, Henley Business School is also ranked in the European top 20 business school for Executive Education, in Open and Custom programmes (FT European Business Schools ranking, 2011).

The pre-sessional programmes and International Foundation Programmes will be delivered by the University’s internationally-renowned International Study and Language Centre. The International Foundation Programme is an intensive one-year access course which draws on University of Reading’s long-established reputation for academic excellence and student support. The course has been designed especially for international students without British A level qualifications, or the equivalent, who plan to do an undergraduate business degree. UK-based teachers will be delivering the excellent quality English language teaching.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading is exceedingly proud to be able to open our first teaching facilities in Malaysia. Our links with Malaysia go back many years and we are excited at the prospect of cementing these relationships through our new facilities and programmes in Johor Bahru. UoRM’s initial academic offering in Malaysia will provide excellent quality English language and business programmes, taught by faculty with extensive international experience, and delivered in the first-class facilities to be expected from one of the world’s top 1% of universities.”

Full details of all the programmes can be found at www.reading.ac.uk/malaysia

ENDS

Further media information from University of Reading press office on +44 (0)118 378 7115, media@reading.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

¹The University of Reading Malaysia’s brand new campus in Iskandar is expected to be completed in 2015, with an initial intake of 500 students. Enrolment will rise to 1,800 students by 2018, with long-term numbers thought to be around 2,000. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are being developed¹ to include programmes within real estate, construction, finance, law, chemistry and pharmacy. The new campus was formally launched in December 2011 in partnership with Education@Iskandar Sendirian Berhad (EISB in the presence of Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

New teaching facilities – contact details
University of Reading Malaysia, 7th Floor, Menara Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel: +60 7 295 5000 or by fax +60 7 221 1762.

The facilities at Kotaraya include 5 teaching suites and a large learning resource centre with a 24 station PC lab, each room with the latest smart board technology. Within the 9,000sq ft of space the UoRM also provides a resource library, a touch down space for recharging lap tops and a cafeteria/social space as well as a reception and administration offices. The facilities are also equipped within the latest internet and telephone services with Wi-Fi accessible throughout.

About the University of Reading
The University of Reading is one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities. It was established as an extension college of Christ Church, Oxford in 1892, and received a Royal Charter in 1926.

The University is one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities and is ranked in the top 20 UK higher education institutions in securing grants worth over £10 million from UK research councils.

The University of Reading is ranked 164th in the world in the Times Higher World University Rankings 2011 and consistently rates highly in measures of student satisfaction – the UK’s National Student Survey 2011 (top 20 ranking) and the International Student Barometer.

The University of Reading has around 100 Malaysian students studying each year at the University’s Reading campus and has been in partnership with Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia since 2002.

The University is a member of the 1994 Group of leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience. www.1994group.ac.uk

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University of Reading Malaysia campus announced

December 12, 2011 in News by University of Reading: Malaysia | 3 comments

The University of Reading has announced that it will be establishing a campus in Southern Malaysia in partnership with Education@Iskandar Sendirian Berhad (EISB).

University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) will open in September 2014 as part of EduCity Iskandar Malaysia in Johor Bahru with an initial intake of 500 students. Enrolment will rise to approximately 1800 students by 2017 with long-term student numbers around 2000. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees will be offered across multiple disciplines including real estate, construction, finance, law, chemistry and pharmacy*.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading Prof. Tony Downes and Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, President/CEO of IIB and Chairman of EISB

Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading Prof. Tony Downes and Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, President/CEO of IIB and Chairman of EISB

Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB)’s development of EduCity Iskandar Malaysia (EduCity) is a best-in-class education hub in Southeast Asia. The signed agreement was exchanged between the University of Reading and EISB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IIB responsible for the development of EduCity, in the presence of Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Professor Tony Downes, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading is a global university with ambitions to increase our contribution to global development and understanding and further enhance the depth, breadth and worldwide impact of our research.

“We have established historic links with Malaysia and University of Reading Malaysia will build on these relationships to provide programmes across multiple areas for Malaysian students and the wider region. It will also provide opportunities for our UK students to develop the values, skills and experience of living and working in a globalised world.

University of Reading Malaysia signing

University of Reading Malaysia signing

“We are very excited about this opportunity to play an active role in the development of the Iskandar region project as it becomes a leading economic and educational hub for South-East Asia.”

Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, President/CEO of IIB and Chairman of EISB, said: “IIB understands that developing human capital is key to the progress of Iskandar Malaysia and the nation. In our role as the catalytic driver of Iskandar Malaysia, partnering established international universities such as the University of Reading will ensure that we are continually nurturing top talents to lead and build core competencies in the region’s economic pillars. This will contribute significantly to the supply of talents not just for the successful transformation of Iskandar Malaysia but also the nation as well,”

University of Reading joins a group of prestigious international institutions in EduCity including Newcastle University

Architects impression of the elevated view of the Malaysia Campus

Architects impression of the elevated view of the Malaysia Campus

Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT), Raffles University Iskandar (RUI), University of Southampton Malaysia Campus (USMC) and Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM).

IIB will build the campus and the University of Reading will deliver the programmes and student experience with staff from University of Reading UK and locally engaged employees.

More information at www.reading.ac.uk/malaysia 

*Subject to accreditation by appropriate professional and regulatory bodies.

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University strengthens ties with Malaysia

November 25, 2011 in News by University of Reading: Malaysia | No comments

The University’s campus at EduCity, Malaysia is planned to take its first students in July 2014. – Professor Rob Robson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor

The University is delighted to announce that it will deliver English Language and Executive Education programmes in the Malaysian southern city of Johor Bahru, from January 2012. The programmes will be delivered by the University’s internationally renowned International Study and Language Centre and Henley Business School.

the Malaysian flag

This exciting development is part of the University of Reading’s International strategy. The University has long recognised that being a truly international University means that we have to be able to take Reading to our international markets rather than expecting them to come to us. We are therefore currently investigating the prospect of building a branch campus in Malaysia.

The University is in the advanced stages of negotiation with Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) to build a campus as part of the EduCity development at Iskandar, Malaysia. The University aims to provide a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as advancing its application with the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education for permission to operate and award University of Reading degrees.

To spearhead the scheme, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rob Robson will eventually be taking up the post of Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the University’s proposed branch campus in Malaysia.

Dr Martha-Marie Kleinhans has been appointed to the position of Vice-Provost of Teaching, Learning and Student Experience and Peter Osborne, Head of Financial Planning and Analysis has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for the venture.

Professor Rob Robson, said: “We are delighted to be extending our existing strong ties with Malaysia by opening in Johor Bahru in January 2012 and we are excited about delivering programmes that will meet local and regional needs.  The University’s multi-disciplinary campus at EduCity, which will offer a wide range of programmes, is planned to take its first students in July 2014.”

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