Leicester spearheads British Council mission to Malaysia

The University of Leicester spearheaded a British Council mission to Malaysia aimed at strengthening the two nations’ Higher Education (HE) ties.  

Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, led the University’s delegation and played a key leadership role on the British Council mission, which saw senior UK government and university colleagues work with their counterparts in Malaysia to lay the foundations for stronger HE collaborations.

The mission facilitated new and deepened partnerships between UK and Malaysian institutions; promoting UK HE and research excellence; building industry-academia partnerships, strengthening connections with UK alumni and amplifying the UK’s HE reputation in Malaysia.

In partnership with the British High Commissioner, His Excellency Ajay Sharma CMG, the University hosted more than 100 partners and alumni at a special event in Kuala Lumpur to nurture partnerships between Leicester and Malaysia. Sir Nishan led delegations to long-standing partners, Brickfield Asia College and Advance Tertiary College, as well as developing new partnerships with Taylor’s University and HELP University.

The British Council mission, which ran from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 January, saw the delegation spend time in Kuala Lumpur and Johor. It included meetings with the British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Malaysian Public and Private University Leadership, scholarship organisations and other key stakeholders. The delegates were also able to attend the Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 2026 gala dinner.

Sir Nishan said: “The University of Leicester is pursuing an ambitious international strategy which is instrumental for the institution’s sustainability and growth. We, along with many other UK universities, see Malaysia as a key market for collaborations. We are grateful for the High Commissioner and British Council’s support and expertise as we explore fresh opportunities to flourish.” 

His Excellency Ajay Sharma CMG said: ''The UK and Malaysia are committed to transforming our longstanding relationship into a strategic partnership. Education is an important pillar of this cooperation and is a key foundation for economic growth in both our countries. The UK has always been known for its world-class research and higher education offering. I am therefore thrilled to see leading research-intensive institutions like the University of Leicester exploring opportunities in Malaysia. I wish the university every success in their endeavours.''

Indran Shanmuganathan, who graduated from Leicester’s Law LLB course in 1995, attended the alumni reception. 

Since graduating he’s become a partner at Kuala Lumpur law firm, Shearn Delamore & Co, and is also an author.

He said: “It was an absolute privilege and honour to be a part of the learning community of a superlative Law department at Leicester, which was punching above its weight.”

All of the events held during the trip were supported by both the University of Leicester’s Future Students Office and Advancement teams. Advancement looks after philanthropy, development services and alumni relations.