Sunway campus officially opened

September 3 2007

The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, has today officially opened the new Sunway campus of Monash University.

The new A$80/RM200 million facility is situated in the suburb of Bandar Sunway, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The new campus is one of eight operated in three countries by Australia's largest and most internationalised university.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak (second from right) signing a plaque to mark the launch of the Sunway campus.

The new Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine was also officially named in honour of the Malaysian businessman, philanthropist and Monash University partner during the ceremony, which was attended by Government dignitaries, senior University leaders, representatives of the Sunway Education Trust and the Sunway Group, staff and students.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said it was a proud day for the University.

"This is a great occasion for Monash University and a chance to celebrate a real success story in international education," Professor Larkins said.

"The opening of this new campus is an important milestone and shows the strength of Monash University's commitment to Malaysia and the region."

Monash University, a member of Australia's Group of Eight research intensive universities, was the first foreign owned university to be invited to operate in the country by the Malaysian Government almost ten years ago. The new purpose built facility was completed earlier this year.

The Malaysian campus is the result of a partnership between the University and the Sunway Group, which created a joint venture company. All profits are re-invested back into the campus.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Malaysia) Merilyn Liddell said Monash University has built a strong presence within Malaysia and is engaging with government, industry, local universities and the community with the hope of benefiting Malaysia, Australia and the region more generally.

"After operating for nearly a decade in Malaysia, Monash University is now making a significant contribution to the transfer of knowledge and technology in the region," Professor Liddell said.

"The campus has steadily established itself as an important member of the Malaysian education sector and we look forward to building continued teaching and research collaborations."

Monash University Chancellor, Jeremy Ellis said that almost ten years ago the University and the University Council made a commitment to the Government and the people of Malaysia to establish a high quality teaching and research institution.

"Since then many people both in Australia and Malaysia have worked with passion and dedication to build the success story we see around us today ... a place of high quality learning and research that is well known and highly regarded," Mr Ellis said.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak listening to heart beat using a simulator. At right is Monash University Sunway Campus Chairman of the Board Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah.

"The growing pool of established researchers at the campus -- including several established Malaysians who have returned home -- are carrying out top quality research that will not only benefit Malaysians, but our increasingly global community."

Professor Larkins said the Sunway campus' success and growth was also a reflection of the strong support from within Malaysia.

"We have had unwavering support from the Malaysian Government, from the time we were invited to open the Campus right up to today," Professor Larkins said.

"Another major factor behind the campus' success is the support of the Sunway Education Trust.

"The University found the perfect partner in the non-profit group, both in terms of a shared commitment to developing education opportunities and to reinvesting income back into the campus to further development and research.

"This new infrastructure officially opened today, a continuing growth of our partnership with the Sunway Group through the Trust, and commitment from the Malaysian Government, bodes well for further strong growth at the campus," he said.

There are more than 3,300 students on the campus, studying courses including biotechnology, medicine, science, arts, business and economics, information technology and engineering.

Postgraduate and research higher degree programs have commenced and an active research program is in place with support from Malaysian Government and industry sources.

Academic standards are the same as for courses in Australia with Australian faculties having responsibility for course approvals and quality control.

An active program of student and staff exchange between our Australian and international campuses is in place and increasing.

Monash University is Australia's most internationalised research-intensive university, with campuses in Melbourne and regional Victoria, Malaysia and South Africa, with a presence in Prato, Italy.

It is home to 95 research centres and is involved with 17 co-operative research centres. There are more than 50,000 students from 130 countries, more than 6,000 staff and a network of 200,000 alumni.

The first phase of the Sunway campus comprising six buildings can accommodate a student population of about 5,000. The next phase, expected to begin next year, will double capacity.

For Further information, please contact Tim Mitchell on +61437 457780 or +6139905 1253 Thaera Yousef on +60355146033 or Jasbir Singh on +60355146040.