The Spotlight
Global Recognition Grows for INTI International University
INTI International University is rising. Find out why.
In 2025, INTI International University continues to raise its profile in Malaysia and beyond. Recent gains in global rankings, new partnerships and recognition for sustainability and inclusion reflect deliberate efforts to connect academic quality with societal needs.
INTI climbed to 509 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, advancing from 556, and rose 52 places to 170 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025. The university was also shortlisted for the QS Education Reimagined Award, selected from 1,800 global entries for its work in rethinking learning and student experience. Together, these milestones signal that INTI is building visibility on the international stage.
From Classroom to Campuses Nationwide
INTI International University, the flagship institution of INTI International University & Colleges, is part of a private education network established in 1986 with just 37 students. Since then, the group has grown into one of Malaysia’s leading higher education providers, enrolling over 17,000 students and supporting a community of more than 100,000 alumni across campuses in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang and Sabah.
Leadership has also entered a new chapter. In July 2025, YAM Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar of Negeri Sembilan assumed the position of Chancellor of INTI International University, while Emeritus Professor Dato’ Ir Dr Mohamad Zawawi Ismail and Dato’ Dr Chua Hock Hoo were appointed as Pro-Chancellors. Their combined expertise in governance, academia and industry lends weight to INTI’s mission, strengthening both its national presence and global profile.
At the heart of the network’s success is a consistent focus on students. INTI’s approach combines international faculty, global resources and strong industry collaboration to prepare graduates for the realities of a digital economy.
Campus vibrancy also comes from student councils, clubs and community initiatives, which foster collaboration, leadership and creativity.
Students remain at the heart of INTI’s identity.
Recognition at Home and Abroad
INTI International University’s achievements have been recognised both locally and internationally. At the 2025 EduCoop Private Education Excellence Awards, the university was named Malaysia’s Best Higher Education Group, underscoring the sustained contributions of faculty, staff and students.
Professor Dr Goh Khang Wen, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, was appointed Advisor for QS Asia Pacific, placing him at the centre of higher education discourse in the region. His research in microbiology and food science has also gained international recognition, reflecting the breadth that strengthens INTI’s academic standing.
Professor Ir Dr Leong Wai Yie, Senior Professor, has also been recognised for her academic and professional leadership. In 2025, she received the KESATRIA Malaysia Ambassador award from the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), acknowledging her role in elevating Malaysia’s profile as a hub for academic and professional events. She was also honoured with the MBOT Woman Leadership Award 2025 by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), which highlighted her contributions to advancing science, technology and engineering in Malaysia.
Where Students Share the Heartbeat of Campus
Students remain at the heart of INTI’s identity. By September 2025, the university had welcomed more than 700 inbound students through mobility programmes and study tours. These exchanges have enriched classroom discussions with fresh perspectives and broadened the campus cultural dialogue.
Beyond mobility, students actively participate in industry-led projects, bootcamps and workshops through INTI’s collaborations with more than 1,000 industry partners. These experiences bridge theory and practice, enabling students to test ideas, solve real-world problems and develop professional skills that employers highly value.
Campus vibrancy also comes from student councils, clubs and community initiatives, which foster collaboration, leadership and creativity. Through these activities, students develop confidence, resilience and the ability to work across diverse teams, qualities that prepare them for success in today’s dynamic workplace.
Faculty play a vital role in creating these opportunities by incorporating real-world case studies into their classes, guiding students through projects and motivating them to apply their learning in practical settings. This proactive teaching method guarantees that students graduate equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the adaptability to succeed in diverse professional settings.
Sustainability and Inclusion in Focus
Sustainability has become a defining theme for INTI. The university was a finalist in the 2024 International Green Gown Awards, which recognise higher education institutions that advance environmental and social responsibility. INTI’s initiatives align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, combining campus operations with research and student-led projects.
INTI’s inclusion work has also attracted international recognition. RISE (Refugee Integration through Support and Education), a student-led project, was shortlisted for the 2025 QS Reimagine Education Awards in the Access, Diversity and Inclusion category.
Aiming to support the education and integration of refugee children in Malaysia, RISE has already involved over 200 children through mentoring, tutoring and enrichment activities. Chosen from over 1,600 submissions worldwide and ranked within the top 20 percent globally, RISE demonstrates how faculty, staff and students can collaborate to expand educational opportunities for marginalised communities, emphasising education as a tool for equity and empowerment.
Building Bridges Across Borders
INTI International University’s global presence continues to grow in 2025. In the first half of the year, the university signed 115 new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international universities and welcomed 650 inbound students through exchange and mobility programmes. By September, the number had increased to over 700. These collaborations promote joint research, staff exchanges and enhanced student mobility.
At the same time, INTI has strengthened its domestic role. Hosting students from over 80 countries, the university collaborates closely with government bodies to support international learners. Its reputation for international student services was reinforced when Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) selected INTI to host its Southern Region Town Hall in 2025.
What Comes Next
The first ten months of 2025 have seen progress on many fronts. Rankings, awards, faculty achievements, sustainability projects, internationalisation and student engagement are advancing together, each reinforcing the other.
Looking ahead, INTI intends to continue enhancing academic quality, expanding sustainability initiatives and strengthening global partnerships. The university also seeks to foster creativity and resilience among students and staff alike, ensuring that progress is measured not only by recognition but by lasting impact.
As 2025 progresses, INTI International University remains committed to striking a balance between visibility and responsibility. Its recent achievements indicate that higher education, grounded in values and delivered with purpose, can shape graduates, support communities and connect Malaysia more closely to the global stage.