Sunway, Lancaster Celebrate Two Decades Of Collaboration, Expand Global Reach

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- The two-decade partnership between Sunway University and Lancaster University has strengthened United Kingdom (UK)-Malaysia higher education ties through academic exchange, talent development and research collaboration, while expanding beyond its bilateral roots to explore opportunities in China and Indonesia.

In a statement today, Sunway University said the collaboration, established in 2006, has grown into one of the most successful UK-Malaysia transnational education (TNE) partnerships, providing students with access to world-class education while advancing research, innovation and societal impact across borders.

It said the partnership now spans a wide range of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering and the life sciences, and is recognised for its scale, breadth and long-term vision.

Sunway University president and vice-chancellor Professor Sibrandes Poppema said the partnership has continued to grow in both scale and impact over the past two decades.

“As a mission-driven, fifth-generation university, Sunway University believes strongly in the power of collaboration to create meaningful impact through education, research and innovation. We have seen student numbers grow and new opportunities for research, innovation and international engagement emerge,” he said.

Poppema said both universities also share a strong commitment to sustainable development, with significant potential to deepen collaboration in the field for the benefit of both institutions.

“I also look forward to expanding our research collaborations into new and emerging areas, building on the strengths and expertise of both universities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lancaster University pro vice-chancellor Professor Simon Guy said the partnership was founded on a shared commitment to creating mutual value by leveraging the strengths of both institutions.

He said the collaboration has fostered knowledge exchange and co-development, allowing both universities to maximise their collective appeal and compete more effectively in the global higher education landscape.

According to Sunway University, the collaboration has entered a new phase through the Lancaster-Sunway Partnership Co-Strategy 2024-2030, a roadmap to deepen collaboration in education, research, innovation and sustainability.

Among its key outcomes is the Future Cities Research Institute (FCRI), which brings together expertise from Malaysia and the UK to address the challenges of sustainable urbanism and inclusive development.

The university said the co-strategy reflects the shared ambition of both institutions to strengthen their contribution to sustainable development, expand opportunities for students and researchers, and create greater impact through innovation and engagement.

“As Sunway University and Lancaster University celebrate this milestone, the anniversary reflects two decades of shared values, mutual trust and a commitment to transforming lives through education.

“It also stands as a testament to what can be achieved when institutions are united by a common purpose, working together to create meaningful impact for students, communities and society at large,” said the university.

-- BERNAMA