The medical profession is a top career choice for many. In line with this, there has been an increase in demand for quality medical education. Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), a wholly owned international branch campus of Newcastle University, UK, stands as a leading force in the country. Beyond its internationally acclaimed programme offerings, NUMed distinguishes itself with its proactive approach in overcoming challenges and embracing current trends in academia to foster a thriving environment that attracts top-tier faculty and students.

Navigating the intricate pathways of a world-class institution demands perseverance, commitment, and foresight. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NUMed, Ms. Premila Nair takes her roles and responsibilities in stride. Armed with over 12 years of dedicated service at NUMed, she offers us a glimpse into how the university navigates challenges and pursues growth while aligning with the ongoing evolution of the campus and higher education industry.

At the heart of NUMed is team synergy. With a presence that spans across two nations on two continents, the university, anchored by equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), fosters an enriching, empowering and supportive environment for all.

“At the core of NUMed is our team of diverse individuals. Collaborating with colleagues from both Malaysia and the UK creates a dynamic environment, blending different perspectives seamlessly into every task,” explained Ms. Nair.

She further expressed that this collaborative spirit extends to interactions with internal and external stakeholders, serving as a catalyst for the creation of a mosaic of ideas and insights while transforming challenges into triumphs and dreams into reality.

Besides that, the university’s commitment to mental health is evident through initiatives like the provision of training for managers as mental first aiders and in-house counsellors for both employees and students. Similarly, the introduction of adoption leave that is on par with maternity leave underscores its dedication to inclusivity.

One of the cornerstones of teamwork is the ability to be united in the face of adversity. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the university’s operational resilience was tested. With a goal of keeping the university running virtually while maintaining the quality of education and prioritising the safety of the campus community, there was a comprehensive shift in the campus technology infrastructure.

“Equally critical was our commitment to our staff. This meant finding innovative ways to sustain employment and support our colleagues during a time of uncertainty. The challenge was not just financial; it was about preserving the morale and wellbeing of our staff,” added Ms. Nair.

Student welfare was also of paramount importance at this time. With travel restrictions and lockdowns in place, the university was tasked with ensuring the safe return of their students to their respective homes and back to the campus later. This complex logistical puzzle, which required careful planning and swift execution, was made possible with strong commitment from the professional services staff and faculty.

“The impact of these challenges was profound. It showcased the resilience of the NUMed community and the collaborative spirit among all colleagues. It also highlighted our commitment to our core values, ensuring that, despite the disruptions, we continued to provide quality education and support to our students and staff,” Ms. Nair said.

Ms. Nair stands as a driving force of NUMed, working closely with her colleagues to ensure its seamless operations. She finds her career to be an inspiring journey filled with pathways to lead and shape the future of an institution, and to find fulfilment in a kaleidoscope of experiences that await.

“This has been an opportunity to take on a leadership role that encompasses a diverse and dynamic spectrum of responsibilities. Throughout my tenure at NUMed, I have been committed to driving innovation, strategic thinking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I believe this has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s growth and development,” she added.

Over the past six years, NUMed has experienced a steady incline in terms of the recruitment of international students that today constitutes nearly 50% of the university’s recruitment rate.

“This was made possible as we have introduced several strategies to grow student numbers, including targeted marketing campaigns, increased in-person activities, and improved online presence. We are proud of our progress and remain committed to providing quality education to students from all over the world,” said Ms. Nair.

The university offers a pre-undergraduate programme – Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences – and two undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (BMS), as well as opportunities for postgraduate studies. For more details, email [email protected], call 07-555 3800, WhatsApp 011-1231 5411/012-7849456, or visit www.ncl.ac.uk/numed.