Country’s first green campus launched

Amidst highly distinguished guests, students, staff and alumni, leading British educational provider Heriot-Watt University Malaysia unveiled its new 4.8 acre, purpose-built campus in Putrajaya recently.

The ceremony was officiated by Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell. They were accompanied by Heriot-Watt University principal and vice-chancellor Prof Steve Chapman and the university's CEO Prof Robert Craik.
"The welcoming of international branch campuses, such as Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, falls in line with the aims of the Higher Education Blueprint which will allow Malaysia to compete with the growing global education landscape over the next 10 years (2015 to 2025). The presence of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia will certainly increase competition and the choice of quality education in Malaysia," said Idris Jusoh in his speech at the launch
The RM191 million campus is built next to a stunning lake. It is the country's first "green" campus. The building's most prominent sustainable feature is its "green roof" that shades naturally ventilated spaces below. It also reduces thermal transmittance and acts as an observation deck. Other environmentally friendly design features include campus lighting "powered" by the maximum use of natural daylight, rainwater harvesting system, optimised air-conditioning and thermal control systems and more.
"Today is a key event for the university and an occasion to promote the quality and value of British higher education overseas. We want to celebrate Heriot-Watt's position as a leading, world-class STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) institution. We also want to showcase its superb location, outstanding staff, students and the excellent academic campus facilities," shared Chapman.
The campus will house 4,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing courses in science, engineering, business, mathematics and design. The programmes offered at Heriot-Watt University are crafted to meet business and industry needs. Its teaching methods provide students with career-applicable skill sets that help groom future industry leaders. On the campus, besides the stunning lakeside view, there are many informal study spaces which are conducive in terms of study and comfort. These include an extensive library, easy access to facilities and WiFi coverage throughout campus grounds. There are even social spaces for students to socialise and relax, along with a promenade facing the lake, with a cafeteria, stores and other retail shops.
According to Prof Craik, over 93% of Heriot-Watt University graduates are in full-time employment or further their studies within six months of graduation. The opening of this campus marks the institution's second overseas Asian location.