The British Council has launched the UK-Malaysia TNE Network, a new platform aimed at strengthening collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing within the UK-Malaysia transnational education (TNE) ecosystem.
The initiative was launched during the UK-Malaysia TNE Leadership Forum 2026, highlighting the longstanding education partnership between the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia and supporting Malaysia’s ambitions under the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026-2035.
Malaysia is home to one of the world’s largest and most established UK TNE ecosystems. Over the years, partnerships between UK and Malaysian institutions have expanded access to internationally recognised qualifications, supported graduate employability and contributed to the development of a highly skilled workforce.
British Council Malaysia Country Director Jazreel Goh said the success of UK TNE in Malaysia demonstrates the lasting value of international education partnerships. She noted that UK TNE enrolments in Malaysia grew by around 11% in 2024/25 compared with the previous year, reflecting continued confidence in UK qualifications and Malaysia as an education destination.
The network will bring together universities, policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders to share insights, address common challenges and identify opportunities for growth and innovation. It will also highlight the contribution of UK TNE to student success, internationalisation and skills development across the region.
The event was officiated by British High Commissioner to Malaysia HE Ajay Sharma, who said transnational education has played a central role in the UK-Malaysia education partnership for many years.
He added that the new network would help expand access to education, nurture talent, strengthen research and innovation, and create new opportunities for students and institutions across the region.
The forum also saw the launch of the third edition of the UK-Malaysia Education Guide, developed by the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, alongside the TNE Handbook, developed by the British High Commission. Both resources are intended to provide institutions and stakeholders with practical guidance and market insights.
Meanwhile, QS Regional Partnerships Director E Way Chong highlighted Malaysia’s growing potential as an international study destination, particularly as global and regional student mobility continues to expand.
He said around 8.5 million international students are expected to study abroad by 2030, with significant growth in intraregional mobility across East Asia and the Pacific. Malaysia is well positioned to benefit from this trend due to its quality higher education offerings, affordability and strong international partnerships.
Education Malaysia Global Services Chief Marketing Officer Shahrill Sabarudin said international student applications to Malaysia are expected to surpass 100,000 this year, further reflecting the country’s growing position as a regional education hub.
The UK-Malaysia TNE Network is expected to strengthen collaboration between education institutions and stakeholders while supporting Malaysia’s ambitions to develop a globally connected and highly skilled workforce.
