Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin (fifth from left) at the launch of University of Wollongong Malaysia, with UOW Malaysia senior management staff and guests.
Institution formerly known as UOW Malaysia KDU achieves university status
EARNING recognition as a university is a landmark achievement for higher education institutions – exemplifying their evolution into esteemed centres of learning and research.
This milestone not only enhances the institution’s prestige but also amplifies its role as a key contributor to the intellectual and societal landscape.
And this acknowledgment has been accorded to UOW Malaysia KDU University College, which reflects its standing as a reputable private institution of higher learning in Malaysia.
The UOW Malaysia KDU board of directors announced the elevation of UOW Malaysia KDU University College to university status – now officially named the University of Wollongong Malaysia.
University of Wollongong Malaysia students performed multicultural dances for guests at the dinner celebrating the institution’s upgrade to university status.
Originating as KDU College in 1983 under Paramount Corporation Bhd, it evolved into KDU University College in 2010.
In 2019, the University of Wollongong (UOW) Australia acquired a majority stake in the institution – becoming a co-owner alongside Paramount Corporation Bhd.
Rebranded as UOW Malaysia KDU, it has been providing affordable and reliable higher education in Malaysia.
UOW global network
The University of Wollongong Malaysia is part of the global UOW network, with campuses in Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, and soon in India.
Attaining university status places the University of Wollongong Malaysia among the top-tier private universities in the country – positioning it as an innovative, diverse, and globally connected institution.
A recent dinner in celebration of the establishment of University of Wollongong Malaysia was graced by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.
UOW Malaysia chancellor Datuk Seri Michael Yam delivered the welcome address, acting Australian High Commissioner Simon Fellows presented the congratulatory address, while Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh spoke at the gathering as a distinguished alumna.
At the event, Khaled unveiled the institution’s new name – marking a historic milestone for University of Wollongong Malaysia and a new chapter in its history.
Commending the Malaysian team, UOW Australia vice-chancellor and president Prof Patricia M. Davidson lauded their steadfastness and leadership in upholding the reputation and quality of the UOW brand in Malaysia.
“Securing university status is an enormous achievement and is a huge step forward for UOW’s offering in Malaysia,” said Prof Davidson.
“UOW has been a trailblazer in taking top-class Australian education to the world and I am thrilled to see this important milestone reached.”
UOW Global Enterprises Group chief executive officer Marisa Mastroianni praised the team’s resilience and exceptional efforts in ensuring the successful upgrade.
Both expressed gratitude to Khaled for the confidence and trust placed in University of Wollongong Malaysia to be recognised among Malaysia’s premier private universities.
The dinner, which was attended by representatives from government agencies, embassies, the corporate sector, foreign branch universities, private and public universities, stakeholders, the staff, alumni, and students of the University of Wollongong Malaysia, featured multicultural dance performances by UOW Malaysia students.
For more information, go to www.uow.edu.my
