GlobalNxt University
University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
GlobalNxt University (formerly known as Manipal GlobalNxt University and Universitas 21 Global (U21Global)) is a fully accredited university with its academic headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The University is accredited by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
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| Motto | Inspired By Learning |
|---|---|
| Type | For-Profit Private University |
| Established | June, 2001 |
| Accreditation | Ministry of Higher Education (Malaysia); Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) |
| Affiliations | International Association of Universities (IAU); Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU); European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
| Chancellor | Lord Syed Kamall |
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor Graham Kendall |
| Location | Level 10 Menara HLX, No. 3 Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia 3.1522°N 101.7138°E |
| Website | globalnxt |
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History
U21Global was formed in June 2001 in Singapore as a joint venture between Universitas 21 and Thomson Learning (which later became Cengage Learning). Universitas 21 consists of a network of universities including University of Melbourne, University of Nottingham, University of Virginia and the National University of Singapore.
In late 2007, Cengage Learning sold its entire 50% in U21Global share to Mauritius-based Manipal Universal Learning International for an undisclosed sum.[1] In 2010, the Universitas 21 shareholding was diluted to 25 per cent, with only 10 universities continuing to hold equity.[2] In 2012, U21Global was invited by the Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education to re-establish itself in Malaysia as part of the country's strategic drive to become a global educational hub. U21Global was re-established as GlobalNxt University, an accredited university in Malaysia with offices now based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In 2018, GlobalNxt University was renamed Manipal GlobalNxt University, reflecting its integration with and alignment to the wider Manipal group of educational institutions.
In February 2025, the UK-based GlobalNxt Education Group acquired 100% of the shares in the University, bringing the institution under the ownership of the GlobalNxt® group and subsequently restoring its original name, GlobalNxt University.[3]
Leadership
Following the acquisition of GlobalNxt University by the UK-based GlobalNxt Education Group, Executive Chairman and CEO SM Shamrat described the acquisition as "a defining moment in our journey" and stated that the Group aimed "to create a more connected and inclusive global learning community".[4]
In May 2026, GlobalNxt University announced the appointment of Lord Kamall as its Chancellor, with the appointment taking effect on 1 June 2026. Commenting on his appointment, Kamall highlighted the changing nature of higher education, including the increasing role of technology-enabled learning and international collaboration. He stated that he looked forward to supporting the University's educational mission and international development.
Programmes
GlobalNxt University offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, professional and executive education programmes, with a primary focus on business, management and leadership. Its academic and professional offerings also extend across areas including technology, education, law and other industry-relevant disciplines.
The university offers a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) designed for working professionals and delivered through online learning. The programme emphasises applied research and the integration of business theory with professional practice, with a flexible structure intended to enable participants to continue their studies alongside professional commitments.[5] The university has used a virtual classroom model combining live webinars with self-paced study, discussion boards and online academic supervision. In 2023, its online Doctorate in Business Administration programme was reported to involve more than 75 PhD-qualified faculty members from 17 countries.[6]
The University has historically focused on technology-enabled and online education aimed particularly at working professionals. Its approach to online learning has included programmes designed to allow learners to pursue higher education while continuing their professional careers.[7]
In a 2023 interview, then Vice-Chancellor Chinmoy Sahu stated that the university had brought together professors from 17 countries and learners from 72 countries, reaching more than 12,000 learners internationally.[8]
Accreditation, affiliations and recognition
GlobalNxt University is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The university is also affiliated with or recognised by a number of international educational and professional organisations, including:
- Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
- Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
- World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) WHED listing
- Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
- World Education Services (WES)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)
- International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
- Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
- Malaysian Higher Education Institutions Quality Assurance Network (MyQAN)