New leader to direct Reading ‘force for good’ in Asia

A new leader has been appointed to grow the University of Reading’s education and research across South East Asia.

Professor May Tan-Mullins has been appointed as the new Provost and CEO of the University of Reading Malaysia, Reading’s campus in EduCity, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. She will also take up the new position of University of Reading Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASEAN).

With a background in sustainability and justice, Professor Tan-Mullins will lead the University’s growth plans for Southeast Asia, and to build research and engagement projects to drive sustainable development across the region.

She said: “My values and motivations align with those of the University of Reading and its ambitions in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. I am passionate about finding new ways for organisations and communities to address injustices and problems facing populations, and there are lots of opportunities for the University to play a leading role in that.

“I am excited to lead the University’s next stage of growth in Malaysia, putting Reading on the map in Asia and being loud and proud about the opportunities we can offer prospective students.

“I am particularly excited to strengthen Reading’s international environmental sustainability credentials. Climate change is a growing concern in Southeast Asia, especially among students, giving the University an opportunity to be a force for good through our action and research.”

Her appointment is part of Reading’s strategy on global engagement and internationalisation, launched earlier this year by Dr Caroline Baylon, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International).

Professor Tan-Mullins has also been appointed Professor of Sustainability, allowing her to apply her extensive academic experience of environmental and societal impacts, particularly in China, to raising the University of Reading Malaysia’s profile in these areas.

This follows Reading’s leading role in the UK as a centre for climate study and sustainability (The Times and Sunday Times Sustainable University of the Year 2025). 

She was previously Dean International and Chief Sustainability Officer at James Cook University in Singapore, and Vice-Provost for Teaching and Learning and a Professor of International Relations at the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China.

The appointment is subject to formal approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Education.