Academic Provost & Associate Vice-President (International)

Joining UoSM

As the first University of Southampton (UoS) campus located outside of the UK, the University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) has come a long way since its inception in 2012 with a mission to be a leading institution for research, teaching, and innovation across Southeast Asia.

UoSM has now moved into its new 150,000sq ft state-of-the-art estate in Iskandar Puteri. The new campus is equipped with high quality open learning spaces, lecture halls, labs and studios, and a Bloomberg Suite. The new campus enhances the quality and learning experience throughout the students’ journey with us.

From the initial offerings of only Engineering programmes, UoSM has now grown to offer programmes in the fields of Business and Computer Science.

Currently, among all the British universities with a campus in Malaysia, UoSM is the only one that is ranked in the world’s top 100 universities* and the Top UK University in Malaysia*.

As Academic Provost & Associate Vice President (International) Malaysia you will hold a pivotal leadership position at the University of Southampton Malaysia. Your primary role will be to lead the campus and ensure academic excellence and achievement of the campus strategy and objectives. You will also act as the Chief Executive Officer in compliance with local regulations.

The role involves providing strategic direction, collaborating with academic and professional staff to develop a leading transnational educational program, and implementing the University’s 'Triple Helix' approach to ensure quality in Research, Education, Knowledge Exchange, and Enterprise.

The role also emphasises fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, government entities, and the community.

Join us

The Malaysia campus will reflect and live the University’s overall vision of building an inclusive world where knowledge is applied to transform lives. Significant progress has been made on the Malaysia campus and we are confident that the next leader will enable it to grow as an outstanding and important part of the University of Southampton.

The campus will focus on:  

• Applying the real-world benefits of Southampton research to solve fundamental social and environmental challenges on the largest scale, thus enabling Malaysia to become the leading light globally on progress with the UN SDGs. 
• Building capacity through the provision of transformational enterprise and employment-focused education opportunities to talented students, thereby also positively impacting their families and communities. 
• Learning from and alongside thought leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and academic talent in a rising global superpower, and collaborating to build shared expertise, networks and insights.

About you

You will have a proven track record of leading teams and taking responsibility for a significant function that contributes to the overall success of the organisation.  With innovative thinking and passion, you will be a key decision-maker, inspiring and motivating others to ensure the success of the campus. Along with the ability to communicate clearly with a broad range of individuals, you will have the authenticity and resilience to work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver and support the vision of the wider University.

You will be a successful and highly-visible leader with the ability to shape the vision and direction of the campus in a consultative and collaborative way to ensure its contribution to the success of both the University and Malaysia.

With a deep understanding of the global higher education sector and the importance of the student experience, you will have a key role in supporting our global ambitions.  As well as a proven ability to lead and manage change throughout an organisation, you will be able to think both analytically and creatively. Crucially, you will identify innovative solutions to complex problems and will have the ability to build relationships at all levels. With exceptional communication, listening, and influencing skills, you will rise to the challenge of shaping the debate around higher education both nationally and internationally by representing the University and Malaysia campus to enhance its reputation and contribute to its development activities.

A global and diverse university 

A key objective of the University’s International Strategy is to establish three additional campuses in locations of strategic importance to amplify the impact of globally relevant research, education and enterprise through long-term, capacity-building and equitable partnerships. The physical presence of the University of Southampton in Malaysia in addition to the UK and the newly set up campus in India will solidify the University’s position as a genuinely multi-nodal global institution and contribute to the strategic goal of being a world top 50 university by 2027–28.

We want to attract people who share our passion for creating an innovative and forward-thinking learning and research environment to our community. In the UK, we are proud of our Stonewall Diversity Champion status, Athena SWAN silver award and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, so we must ensure the Malaysia campus fully reflects the University’s overall vision of building an inclusive world.

What we can offer you  

The post-holder will be employed by the University in Malaysia on competitive terms and conditions, with benefits commensurate to the profile of the role.

Additional Information

This post is offered on a tenured basis initially for five years, with an extension of up to a maximum of eight years.

How to apply 

Applications are by CV and cover letter and must include a one-page vision statement detailing your vision  for the role, explaining how you will ensure academic quality and eminence.

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight (GMT) on Monday 9 December 2024.

Important dates 

Following a longlist meeting of the Search Committee, successful candidates will be invited to attend a Virtual Engagement Day on either Wednesday 15 or Thursday 16 January, 2025.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in person at the campus in Malaysia on Wednesday 12 and 13 February 2025.

*QS World University Rankings, 2025