The University of Reading Malaysia is marking its centenary with the development of a new Southeast Asia Hub at its Malaysia campus, creating a regional base for research, partnerships and engagement as the University strengthens its presence across Southeast Asia.
Based at the University of Reading Malaysia campus in EduCity, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, the Hub will bring together alumni, regional partners and researchers, supporting collaboration on issues relevant to Southeast Asia. Its initial priorities include sustainability and societal impact, with a particular focus on climate change, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Professor May Tan-Mullins, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Reading Malaysia and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for ASEAN at the University of Reading, said, “The Southeast Asia Hub will give us a stronger base to build connections across the region. From Johor, we can bring together education, research and industry, and direct more of the University’s expertise towards the issues shaping Southeast Asia, particularly sustainability, climate resilience and inclusive development.”
The centenary marks 100 years since the University of Reading received its Royal Charter in the UK. The University’s academic heritage is reflected in its Malaysia campus, which operates as part of the wider University and delivers University of Reading degrees, with academic standards overseen through the University’s processes alongside Malaysian regulatory requirements.
For students in Malaysia and across the region, studying at the Malaysia campus provides the opportunity to remain within the University of Reading system while accessing an international learning environment closer to home. Students follow modules, learning outcomes and assessment criteria aligned with the UK campuses, while eligible students can also take part in intercampus mobility opportunities between Malaysia and the UK. Students from the UK can similarly spend a semester or academic year at the Malaysia campus on selected programmes, supporting the exchange of perspectives across the University.
The Malaysia campus has grown alongside the region it serves. Between 2020 and 2025, its total student population increased by more than 76%, while international student numbers grew by more than 630%. The growth reflects the expanding reach of the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) among students from Malaysia and overseas, and its role within the University’s wider international community.
The University’s academic model also maintains links between study and the world of work. Industry placements are integrated into its programmes, while career-readiness activities include CV clinics, mock interviews and employer networking. Industry advisory panels provide input into curriculum development, helping academic teams respond to changing professional and workforce needs.
Johor provides a timely setting for the University’s growing regional role. The University of Reading Malaysia’s campus at EduCity in Iskandar Puteri sits within one of Malaysia’s most active cross-border growth corridors. As the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone advances cooperation around investment, talent development, digitalisation and sustainable industry, universities have an important role to play in preparing graduates for a more connected labour market and contributing research and expertise to shared regional challenges.
Professor May added, “My ASEAN leadership role connects the Malaysia campus directly with the University’s wider regional engagement. From this base, we can develop research collaborations, strengthen alumni relationships and bring our academic expertise into closer contact with organisations and communities across Southeast Asia.”
The development of the Southeast Asia Hub forms part of the University of Reading’s wider centenary year, providing a platform for the University to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration across the region.
