The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) welcomed Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman to campus from 6-7 February 2026 as part of a visit centred around the University’s February Graduation ceremonies. Her visit marked a meaningful moment for the UNM community—celebrating student achievement while providing a platform for students to share their Nottingham experience and future aspirations.
Celebrating Academic Achievement at the February 2026 Graduation
Held in the newly refurbished Great Hall, the ceremonies were filled with pride and excitement as graduates crossed the stage in the presence of their peers, families, and academic staff.
More than 200 graduands from UNM’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences joined the global Nottingham alumni community. The ceremony also conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Molly Fong, an accomplished business leader with three decades of experience in the retail and beauty industry, notably as the former Chief Executive Officer and Director of InNature Berhad, the regional franchisee of The Body Shop.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman pictured with Molly Fong, awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the February Graduation ceremony.
The event further celebrated outstanding alumni through the Nottingham Alumni Awards 2025, which recognise graduates who have made remarkable contributions to society, their professions, and their communities. These awards highlight excellence across a broad spectrum of fields—including creativity, entrepreneurship, community service, sustainability, and research—and honour alumni whose achievements embody the University’s values of impact, integrity, and global citizenship.
Nottingham Alumni Awards 2025 Recipients:
Speaking during the ceremonies, Professor Norman congratulated graduates on their accomplishments, recognising their academic commitment and resilience. She reflected on the pride and celebration inherent in the day, noting that each graduate’s journey represents not only academic achievement but the cultivation of curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy.
The Graduation ceremonies reinforced UNM’s role within the University’s tri-campus network, producing graduates equipped with global perspectives and the skills needed for an increasingly interconnected world.
Vice-Chancellor’s Dialogue with Students
Beyond the Graduation events, Professor Norman also met with a group of students and scholars for a dialogue about their experiences at UNM and their aspirations after graduation. The session provided an opportunity to hear directly from students about why they chose the University of Nottingham Malaysia, how they have found life and learning on campus, and what their future academic or professional pathways might be.
Professor Jane Norman speaks with UNM students about their experiences during her campus visit.
Professor Jane Norman and Professor David FitzPatrick with UNM students after a meaningful discussion on their Nottingham journey and future ambitions.
Participants included the recipients of the Jan Atkin Prize 2025—Kon Li Pei and Jasper Teo Hao Wen—alongside scholar recipients Khine Yupar Lwin, John Lai Zun Dong, Nurain Husniza Saiful Nizam, and Ng Hong.
Students spoke about the University’s academic reputation, the value of obtaining a UK degree in Malaysia, and the strength of Nottingham’s global campus model.
“It was a valuable experience engaging in dialogue with the Vice-Chancellor during her visit,” shared Jasper Teo, Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (Year 4). “I had the opportunity to discuss topics such as graduate employability and the importance of strengthening connections across the University’s global tri-campuses. As a final-year engineering student preparing to enter the industry, these areas are especially meaningful to me. I truly appreciated the Vice-Chancellor’s willingness to listen and her openness to student perspectives. The session reassured me that the University’s leadership is committed to aligning our academic journey with future career opportunities.”
It was inspiring to share my journey with the Vice-Chancellor and hear her perspective on the University’s global vision,” added Nurain Husniza binti Saiful Nizam, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with French (Year 2). “Our conversation was honest and constructive. I was able to speak openly about my experiences and how they have supported my growth, and I genuinely appreciated the Vice-Chancellor’s receptiveness to feedback and commitment to continuous improvement. It reaffirmed my belief that UNM is not only willing to listen but is actively committed to supporting its students’ development.
The Class of 2026 graduates proudly celebrating their milestone at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Professor Norman’s visit reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its Malaysia campus and to delivering a high-quality, globally connected education. By engaging with students at pivotal moments in their academic journeys—both at Graduation and through dialogue—the visit underscored Nottingham’s identity as one University across three campuses, united by shared values and academic excellence.
Posted on 12th February 2026