- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s EmPOWER Programme is a finalist in the global PIEoneer Awards 2025, Progressive Education Delivery category, the only Malaysian university shortlisted.
- EmPOWER is a purpose-driven education model focused on leadership, global citizenship, critical thinking, and social impact, featuring the world-first IMPACT Transcript.
- Over 5,000 students have participated, raising RM 300,000 for social causes, with initiatives supporting UN SDGs, entrepreneurship, and climate advocacy.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) has earned global recognition with its pioneering EmPOWER Programme being named a finalist in the prestigious PIEoneer Awards 2025. Shortlisted in the Progressive Education Delivery category, HWUM stands as the only Malaysian university nominated in this globally competitive segment.
The PIEoneer Awards, presented by The PIE News and sponsored by global higher education ranking authority Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), celebrate innovation and excellence in international education. The Progressive Education Delivery category specifically honours educational models that redefine pedagogy, promote inclusivity, and deliver globally relevant and impactful learning.
This recognition places HWUM alongside some of the world’s most forward-thinking institutions, including Capilano University (Canada), Royal College of Art (UK), The University of Hong Kong, and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Global Cities initiative (US). The shortlisting is not only a proud moment for the university but a powerful endorsement of Malaysia’s potential as a hub of progressive higher education.
“We are honoured to be recognised on this global stage”, said Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. “EmPOWER is a movement. It’s how we activate purpose in young people and scale it into real-world leadership, innovation, and positive change. This is a recognition of what Malaysian higher education can offer the world. At Heriot-Watt, we are future shapers, and this is our contribution to building an equitable, sustainable, and enriching society”.
EmPOWER is a transformative, purpose-driven educational framework designed to reimagine the role of higher education in preparing future leaders. Structured around four progressive levels Leading Self (Watt), Leading Teams (Kilowatt), Leading Communities (Megawatt), and Leading Enterprise (Gigawatt) the programme equips students with core competencies across six domains: global citizenship, emotional intelligence, people skills, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and employability.
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At the heart of the EmPOWER Programme is the IMPACT Transcript, a world-first student record that tracks not only academic achievements but also personal, community, and enterprise impact. This innovative tool reflects HWUM’s commitment to cultivating holistic graduates who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and action-oriented.
More than 5,000 students have completed various stages of the EmPOWER Programme, collectively raising over RM 300,000 to support over 20 impact partners, including NGOs, charities, and social enterprises. These student-led initiatives have supported the UN Sustainable Development Goals, influenced policymaking, and launched grassroots ventures to uplift communities.
Students are further celebrated through institutional awards such as the Driven by Purpose Prize, IMPACT Prize, and Provost Prize for Enterprise, recognising outstanding commitment to societal and entrepreneurial impact.
EmPOWER’s influence extends beyond student engagement. The programme drives several groundbreaking initiatives within HWUM, including the development of IMPACT Statements, real-world IMPACT Projects, the F.R.A.M.E critical thinking system, and the Climate Advocacy Course that equips students with tools for climate action. The Provost Club, another initiative born from EmPOWER, nurtures social entrepreneurship through mentorship from global thought leaders and industry experts.
“EmPOWER was created because the world needs purpose-driven leaders those who care, who act, and who dare to make a difference”, added Professor Mushtak. “This nomination is a remarkable milestone for our university and a testament to the power of purpose in transforming not just education, but lives and societies”.
The winners of the PIEoneer Awards 2025 will be announced during a gala ceremony on Friday, 5th September at the historic Guildhall in London, United Kingdom.
As Heriot-Watt University Malaysia continues its mission of preparing future-ready graduates who can navigate complexity and create lasting change, the EmPOWER Programme stands as a bold expression of educational excellence and vision one purpose-driven leader at a time.
