Professor Joanne Lim Appointed Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UNM

The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Joanne Lim as the new Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, succeeding Dr Jason Pandya-Wood, who has led the Faculty since June 2020. 

Professor Lim, a long-standing academic at UNM since 2010, brings with her a wealth of experience in both academic leadership and impactful research. Over the years, she has served in multiple senior roles, including Head of School and Associate Dean for Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing. 

In her new role, Professor Lim will oversee the strategic and operational leadership of a diverse and multidisciplinary faculty comprising of 7 schools: 

• Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) 

• School of Economics 

• School of Education 

• School of Languages  

• School of Humanities 

• School of Politics and International Relations 

• The Institute of Work, Organisation and Wellbeing 

“I’m honoured to take on this role at such a dynamic and exciting time for the Faculty. The arts and social sciences play a crucial role in shaping inclusive, engaged and resilient societies - especially in a rapidly changing region like Southeast Asia,” said Professor Lim. 

An accomplished scholar in Digital Media, Communications and Cultural Studies, Professor Lim’s research focuses on digital media interventions, collective resilience, and cultural transformation in Southeast Asia. Her work explores how technology can be used to support inclusive governance, creative engagement, and community-led responses to structural challenges. 

Professor Lim’s work bridges academic insight with real-world relevance. She has led or co-led several high-impact multidisciplinary projects, including: 

• MyPlantAI – An AI-driven, personalised onco-nutrition platform funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education 

• Jiwa Ibu – A maternal health app for marginalised women co-developed with Hanai Inc. and international collaborators 

• A national initiative on suicide reporting, working with journalists, clinicians, and advocates to improve media practices 

Her latest book, Digital Media Interventions in Southeast Asia: A Decolonial Perspective (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025), explores how digital platforms can enable connective responsibility, inclusion, and structural change. 

She held prestigious research fellowships at the National University of Singapore and the London School of Economics and Political Science (Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre). 

Before transitioning into academia, Professor Lim worked in journalism and broadcast production across Malaysia, Canada, and the US. Her commitment to teaching and leadership has been recognised with both the Lord Dearing Award and the Vice Chancellor’s Award from the University of Nottingham. 

“I look forward to working with our staff, students, alumni, and partners to enhance our impact across education, media, culture, policy, and social innovation,” she added. 

The University also extends its sincere appreciation to Dr Jason Pandya-Wood for his leadership and contributions to the Faculty’s development during his tenure as Dean.