The University of Reading conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Psychology on Her Majesty, the Queen of Malaysia, Raja Zarith Sofiah during University of Reading Malaysia’s 10th graduation ceremony at Renaissance Hotel Johor on 1st August 2026.
The honorary doctorate recognises Her Majesty’s longstanding commitment to education and public service. The conferment took place during the University of Reading’s centenary year, marking 100 years since it received its Royal Charter in 1926.
Her Majesty has consistently demonstrated a belief that education is among the most powerful forces for positive social change. Throughout decades of public life, she has championed educational opportunity, literacy, language learning and the empowerment of young people. Her support for initiatives such as the Bangsa Johor Bahagia programme has helped bring together university expertise and community need, improving opportunities for disadvantaged communities while encouraging students to apply their knowledge in service of society.
During her address, Her Majesty spoke about education as a force that shapes both knowledge and character. She emphasised that universities must equip graduates with technical skills while also cultivating judgement, moral values, empathy and compassion. Her Majesty also highlighted the growing relevance of psychology, noting that a deeper understanding of human behaviour, motivation, resilience and relationships is essential to addressing mental health challenges and building stronger, more harmonious communities. She reminded graduates that education should broaden both the mind and the heart, and that knowledge must ultimately be applied in service of society.
“As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember that your achievements are not defined solely by the qualifications you hold, but by the impact you have on those around you,” said Her Majesty.
The ceremony brought together three milestones; the conferment of the honorary doctorate, University of Reading Malaysia’s 10th graduation ceremony and the University’s centenary.
Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, described the occasion as a reflection of how far the Malaysia campus and its academic community have come.
“That we are able to celebrate both milestones together, in the presence of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah, makes today an occasion we shall not forget. It is a profound privilege to be conferring an Honorary Doctorate upon Her Majesty at this ceremony, and a fitting tribute to her extraordinary commitment to education and service,” he said.
The ceremony celebrated 167 graduates across four schools, marking the completion of their studies and their entry into the University of Reading’s global alumni community.
In his address, Professor Van de Noort highlighted that graduates in Malaysia receive the same University of Reading degree awarded at its campuses in England, reflecting the same academic rigour, values and ambition that have defined the University throughout its first century.
He also encouraged graduates to carry forward a love of learning, openness to new ideas, an appreciation for different perspectives and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.
Professor May Tan-Mullins, Provost and CEO of University of Reading Malaysia, said, “This is our tenth graduation ceremony, a milestone that belongs to this campus, this community and, above all, to the students who have built it with us year by year. Together, you represent a thriving academic community in the heart of Southeast Asia, with a growing reputation and ambitions to match.
Addressing the graduating class directly, Professor May added, “You graduate as the University of Reading celebrates its centenary, but your story is not simply a footnote to those 100 years. You are the beginning of its next chapter, written here in Malaysia and shaped by the opportunities and challenges of this region.
“The resilience, curiosity and ability to build connections across cultures that you have demonstrated throughout your studies will carry you well beyond graduation. As you join our global alumni community, I hope you will take those qualities with you and use them to shape the century ahead.”
University of Reading Malaysia is also developing a Southeast Asia Hub at its Johor campus to connect alumni, cultivate regional partnerships and support research across the region.
The Hub will contribute to the University’s wider focus on sustainability and societal impact through research and engagement supporting sustainable development, with climate change and environmental sustainability among its priority areas.
As the newest members of the University’s global alumni network, the graduating class of 2026 will carry forward the values of curiosity, learning, diverse perspectives and responsibility that have shaped the University throughout its first century.
