MEMBER NEWS
Queen of Malaysia awarded honorary degree at Johor ceremony
The University of Reading conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Psychology on Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia during University of Reading Malaysia’ s 10th graduation ceremony at Renaissance Hotel Johor.
The honorary doctorate recognises Her Majesty’ s longstanding commitment to education and public service. The conferment took place during the University of Reading’ s centenary year, marking 100 years since it received its Royal Charter in 1926.
Her Majesty has consistently demonstrated a belief that education is among the most powerful forces for positive social change. Throughout decades of public life, she has championed educational opportunity, literacy, language learning and the empowerment of young people. Her support for initiatives such as the Bangsa Johor Bahagia programme has helped bring together university expertise and community need, improving opportunities for disadvantaged communities while encouraging students to apply their knowledge in service of society.
During her address, Her Majesty spoke about education as a force that shapes both knowledge and character. She emphasised that universities must equip graduates with technical skills while also cultivating judgement, moral values, empathy and compassion. Her Majesty also highlighted the growing relevance of psychology, noting that a deeper understanding of human behaviour, motivation, resilience and relationships is essential to addressing mental health challenges and building stronger, more harmonious communities. She reminded graduates that education
Queen of Malaysia at University of Reading Malaysia’ s 10th graduation ceremony
should broaden both the mind and the heart, and that knowledge must ultimately be applied in service of society.
Her Majesty said:“ As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember that your achievements are not defined solely by the qualifications you hold, but by the impact you have on those around you.”
The ceremony brought together three milestones: the conferment of the honorary doctorate, University of Reading Malaysia’ s 10th graduation ceremony and the University’ s centenary.
Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE, Vice- Chancellor of the University of Reading, described the occasion as a reflection of how far the Malaysia campus and its academic community have come.
Professor Van de Noort said:“ That we are able to celebrate both milestones together, in the presence of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, makes today an occasion we shall not forget. It is a profound privilege to be conferring an Honorary Doctorate upon Her Majesty at this ceremony, and a fitting tribute to her extraordinary commitment to education and service.”
The ceremony celebrated 167 graduates across four schools, marking the completion of their studies and their entry into the University of Reading’ s global alumni community.
In his address, Professor Van de Noort highlighted that graduates in Malaysia receive the same University of Reading degree awarded at its campuses in England, reflecting the same academic rigour, values and ambition that have defined the University throughout its first century.
He also encouraged graduates to carry forward a love of learning, openness to new ideas, an appreciation for different perspectives and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.
Professor May Tan-Mullins, Provost and CEO of University of Reading Malaysia, said:“ This is our tenth graduation ceremony, a milestone that belongs to this campus, this community and, above all, to the students who have built it with us year by year. Together, you represent a thriving academic community in the heart of Southeast Asia, with a growing reputation and ambitions to match.
Addressing the graduating class directly, Professor May added:“ You graduate as the University of Reading celebrates its centenary, but your story is not simply a footnote to those 100 years. You are the beginning of its next chapter, written here in Malaysia and shaped by the opportunities and challenges of this region.
“ The resilience, curiosity and ability to build connections across cultures that you have demonstrated throughout your studies will carry you well beyond graduation. As you join our global alumni community, I hope you will take those qualities with you and use them to shape the century ahead.”
Morgan Sindall Group announce half year results 2026
Morgan Sindall Group delivered another record half year result, achieving significant growth in adjusted profit before tax, up 21 %. Performance continues to reinforce the track record of delivering strong revenue and growth in profits leading to robust cash generation, enabling continued investment in Partnership businesses while also supporting strong dividend growth.
The Group delivered another robust performance in the first half of 2026, with significant contributions from both the Fit Out and Construction divisions. Group revenue increased by 8 % up to £ 2,562m, while adjusted operating profit increased by
21 % to £ 111.5m. Adjusted operating margin was 4.4 %, 50 basis points higher than the prior period.
Over the period, Infrastructure has continued with the deployment of a number of planning and design activities for large frameworks, while also maintaining a highquality of operational delivery across the business; operating profits were marginally behind the prior period at £ 18.3m, while the operating margin expanded by 10 basis points to 3.9 %( HY 2025: 3.8 %). For the full year, the operating margin is expected to be at top end of its target range, while revenues are expected to progress towards c £ 1bn, unchanged from previous guidance.
Commenting on Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’ s performance, Simon Smith added“ The half year marks another strong period for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure. This performance is testament to the projects we’ re delivering every day, and to the brilliant people working across our business. A big thank you to all our employees, supply chain partners and customers.
“ As we move through the remainder of 2026, several projects will continue through early contractor involvement, with a large percentage of mobilisation for delivery expected throughout 2027 and 2028”.
26 Autumn 2026