Introducing NUMed’s New Academic Leaders

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) is delighted to welcome our new Provost and Group Chief Executive Officer (ASEAN), Professor Dennis Wong, and Vice Provost and Chief Executive Officer of NUMed, Professor Vishna Nadarajah, on board. Their appointment heralds an exciting new milestone for the University. 

Professor Richard Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global and Sustainability of Newcastle University, highlighted the critical role that the University’s campuses in Singapore and Malaysia play in ascertaining its future success as a global university.

“With Professor Wong overseeing both campuses and Professor Vishna in NUMed, we are making great steps in growing our global impact through our overseas campuses and strengthening the role they play in helping us to deliver our University vision and strategy,” he said.

Driving Excellence in the ASEAN Region

Professor Wong holds a distinguished career in academia with over 20 years of transnational education experience. Prior to joining Newcastle University, he was the Deputy Provost of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. He was also Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science at Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak Campus), Malaysia, and had a brief stint at Xi’an Jiatong-Liverpool University in Suzhou, China. 

His research interest lies in the areas of statistical signal processing, pattern classification, machine condition monitoring, and very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design for digital signal processing as well as a focus on green and sustainable engineering systems and solutions.

In addition to holding a BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a PhD in Signal Processing from The University of Liverpool, UK, Professor Wong is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, UK, and a Fellow of Engineers Australia. He is professionally registered as a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council UK and a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia.

Professor Wong is a strong advocate for student wellbeing, caring deeply about access and inclusion in higher education.

“I am honoured to assume this position, and my foremost objective is to leverage our ASEAN campuses as a catalyst for realising the University's vision and strategic ambitions on a global scale.

“I take great pride in joining Newcastle University and am fully committed to driving the growth and success of our endeavours in the ASEAN region,” he shared.  

Reinforcing Engagement & Collaborations

Professor Vishna, on the other hand, joins NUMed with 24 years of experience in higher education, with a special focus on health professions education. She was previously Deputy Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development and International at the International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur, where she led and engaged with faculty across five schools and three centres to deliver and obtain accreditation for over 30 academic programmes. Her educational background includes a First-Class Honours degree in Biochemistry from University of Malaya, a PhD in Microbial Biochemistry from University of Cambridge, and a Masters in Health Professions Education (MHPE) from Maastricht University.

Committed to sharing her experience and expertise in health professions education, Professor Vishna values engaging with students through both teaching and facilitating in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

According to her, “I look forward to working with colleagues across all three campuses and contributing to strengthening the range of education programmes and research collaborations we have to support the needs of ASEAN countries.

My approach has always been one of engagement, collaboration, and community. In this way I hope to strengthen and build on the existing relationships, and grow sustainably with positive impacts within NUMed, our local community, and our wider university.”

NUMed is excited about the wealth of experience and expertise that both Professor Wong and Professor Vishna bring with them. Their fresh perspective and strong leadership will be a significant asset, not only in supporting Newcastle University’s overarching goal of growing its global impact, but also in ensuring that NUMed continues to provide an exceptional educational experience while reaching new heights of academic and research excellence.