Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

New schools of thought at Sunway

23 July 2008

Head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences Professor James Chin and Head of the School of Science Professor Pua Eng Chong.

Malaysia's efforts to become a regional education hub have received another boost with the establishment of two new academic schools at Monash University's Sunway campus in Malaysia.

The move makes Monash the first private higher education institution in the region to establish a School of Arts and Social Sciences, and reflects the maturing of the Sunway campus.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Malaysia) Professor Robin Pollard said the formation of the two new schools -- the School of Arts and Social Sciences and School of Science -- would attract more local and international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

"The development of Malaysia as a regional education hub requires the availability of high-quality programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as intensification of research activity," Professor Pollard said.

"The establishment of these schools will allow Monash to meet this requirement in a more comprehensive manner."

The School of Science will be headed by Professor Pua Eng Chong while the School of Arts and Social Sciences will be headed by established Malaysian academic Professor James Chin.

"The school will offer undergraduate programs that will support the development of Malaysia's intellectual capital and expand the pool of high-quality professionals with an arts or social science background," Professor Chin said.

"We also hope to increase our engagement with the community and develop academic and research collaborations with public and private universities in Malaysia to leverage on Monash's multinational presence and contribute to the development of the region."

For more information visit Sunway's School of Science and School of Arts and Social Sciences websites.