Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Unveils New Purpose-Built Campus

Putrajaya, 12 February 2015 – Joined by a group of highly-distinguished guests including Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh, Minister of Education II, leading British university Heriot-Watt celebrated the opening of its official purpose-built campus today, formally marking the institution's second overseas campus in Asia, after Dubai.

Heriot-Watt University is a successful provider of international and transnational education. They are an established Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) institution with a strong academic and research record in the United Kingdom.  

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia opened its first premise in Putrajaya in January 2013 with its global MBA programme after being chosen by the government and Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd to set up a branch in the country. The campus was temporarily housed at Menara PJH in Putrajaya. Its profile continues to grow and in September 2014 the university welcomed students to the country's first purpose-built green campus based in the stunning lakeside city of Putrajaya, the government capital of Malaysia, offering excellent educational facilities for both students and staff.

The opening ceremony was performed by Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh, Minister of Education II, and Her Excellency Vicki Treadell CMG MVO, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, accompanied by  Professor Steve Chapman, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, and Professor Robert Craik, Chief Executive Officer of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.

Also present amongst the eminent guests were  Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Arshad,  Chair of the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Board, Datuk Azlan Abdul Karim, CEO, Putrajaya Holdings, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Yeoh Tiong Lay, Chairman, YTL Corp, members of Heriot-Watt's Board of Governors, and faculty members, students, alumni and members of the media.

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.”

The RM 191million campus sits on 4.8 acres in a stunning lakeside location providing exceptional educational facilities in an excellent environment, close to the Putrajaya marina and its modern leisure and sports facilities. The campus will house 4,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and it will offer a range of courses in science, engineering, business, mathematics and design, with a view to gaining a UK-recognised degree.

Professor Steve Chapman, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, 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 Malaysia is a major investment in transnational education by Heriot-Watt, building on its successful Dubai Campus, which opened in 2005 and is now home to 3,700 students. 

“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 country 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,” said Her Excellency Vicki Treadell CMG MVO, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.   

The new, purpose built learning environment is also Malaysia's first green campus, remarkable for having the first living grass roof of its kind in Malaysia. The most recognisably sustainable feature of the campus, the green roof shades the naturally ventilated spaces below, reduces thermal transmittance, and acts as an observation deck, accessible via a glass lift. Other environmentally friendly, design features include campus lighting ‘powered’ by the maximum use of natural daylight, a rainwater harvesting system and optimised air-conditioning and thermal control systems.

Professor Robert  Craik, Chief Executive Officer of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, said, "Programmes developed at Heriot-Watt are  specially designed to meet the needs of business and industry, providing career-applicable skill sets and fostering an environment suitable for future industry leaders. Over 93% of its graduates are in full-time employment or further studies within six months of graduation."

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia was selected by Putrajaya Holdings as its preferred university partner for the development of the Campus in the administrative capital of federal government at Putrajaya.  Through this initiative, Heriot-Watt plans to make a strong contribution to the delivery of the Malaysian government’s plans for economic growth, the achievement of the Tenth Malaysia Plan and the Vision 2020 objectives.