The IMU University is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof Vishna Devi Nadarajah as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, with effect from 1 January 2026, reporting to the Vice-Chancellor.

Prof Vishna returns to IMU after her recent stint at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), where she served as Chief Executive Officer and Provost. During her time at NUMed, she contributed to strengthening academic programmes, advancing health professions education, and supporting regional collaboration across ASEAN, bringing back with her valuable leadership experience and insights from an international university setting.

A home-grown faculty member, Prof Vishna began her journey with IMU in 1999 as a Lecturer in Human Biology with the School of Medicine. Over the years, she has held several key academic and leadership roles, including Dean of Learning and Teaching (2014–2017), Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education (2018–2019), Pro Vice-Chancellor, Institutional Development and International (2020–2022), and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Institutional Development and International.

Across these roles, Prof Vishna has made significant contributions to the strategic development of new and existing academic programmes, the growth and diversification of international partnerships, and the enhancement of educational activities through technology-enhanced learning. She has also been instrumental in talent development and continuous professional development, alongside contributing to scholarship and research in medical and health professions education globally.

Prof Vishna brings with her over two decades of experience in higher education, with a strong focus on health professions education. Her academic credentials include a First-Class Honours degree in Biochemistry from the University of Malaya, a PhD in Microbial Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, and a Master in Health Professions Education (MHPE) from Maastricht University. With her combined experience at IMU and NUMed, she brings renewed energy, a strong global perspective, and deep institutional knowledge to further strengthen IMU’s academic mission and strategic aspirations.

The University also wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Prof Dr Ian Martin Symonds, who will be completing his tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, on 31 December 2025. Prof Symonds joined the University in June 2021 as Dean of the School of Medicine and was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, in January 2023. Throughout his tenure, he provided strong academic leadership and contributed significantly to advancing the University’s educational excellence and academic standards.

The University thanks Prof Symonds for his dedication, commitment, and service, and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.

Please join us in welcoming Prof Vishna back to IMU and extending to her your full cooperation and support as we continue our journey towards achieving the University’s Road to 500 aspirations.