The University of Southampton is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ehsan Mesbahi as Academic Provost at its Malaysia campus. Prof Mesbahi brings over 30 years of experience in higher education across four continents, establishing himself as a distinguished academic leader.
In his most recent role as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Glasgow Caledonian University, he was instrumental in shaping the future of higher education, focusing on digital transformation, widening participation, and fostering international collaboration.
A notable highlight of his career was his leadership as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Dean at Newcastle University International Singapore (NUIS), where he played a key role in founding and expanding the university’s presence in Southeast Asia.
Prof Mesbahi has also held senior leadership positions in the UK and New Zealand, overseeing large-scale academic transformation initiatives.
Prof Mesbahi said: “I believe passionately in the power of a global education. Universities have a vital role to play in finding answers to the world’s most challenging questions and I am confident that our students, teachers and researchers have the potential to help build a better world.
“The University of Southampton is leading the way in its approach to transnational education. I am excited to help shape the University’s continued success in Malaysia as it gets ready to launch a new campus in India”.
The University of Southampton Malaysia opened in 2012 and has become a leading institution for research, teaching and innovation across Southeast Asia. Ranked 80th in the QS World University rankings, the University’s state-of-the-art campus in Iskandar Puteri enhances the quality and learning experience throughout the student journey.
Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, added: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Professor Ehsan Mesbahi to the role of Academic Provost in Malaysia.
“The Malaysia campus will reflect and live our University’s overall vision of building an inclusive world where knowledge is applied to transform lives. I am confident that under Professor Mesbahi’s leadership it will continue to grow as an outstanding and important part of the University of Southampton.
“This is a pivotal time of transformation as we get ready to open our Delhi campus in August and continue to move forward on our journey to become a truly global University”.
Prof Mesbahi will assume his role as Academic Provost and Associate Vice President (International) in Malaysia starting in May.
