Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 2025 — Monash University Malaysia has announced the appointment of Roshana Nanayakkara as its new Chief Operations Officer, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s leadership evolution. With an exceptional track record in higher education management and financial leadership, Roshana will oversee all operational, financial, and strategic service functions at the Malaysian campus, ensuring continued excellence and alignment with Monash’s global standards.
Roshana brings over two decades of rich experience in academia, finance, and operational strategy. Prior to this appointment, she served as Chief Financial Officer at Monash College in Australia, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the institution’s financial and operational transformation. Her leadership strengthened fiscal resilience and governance while driving innovation in business and educational delivery models.
Before joining Monash College, Roshana spent over a decade at Monash University in Melbourne, where she rose through multiple leadership roles. As General Manager of the Faculty of Arts, she led strategic and operational planning across one of Australia’s most diverse faculties, managing a budget exceeding $215 million and a team of over 110 staff. Her expertise extended across finance, marketing, research operations, data analytics, and external engagement, contributing significantly to the faculty’s academic and global success.
Earlier at Monash University, she held the position of Deputy Executive Director – Financial Resources Management, overseeing the University’s $2.6 billion budget and ensuring sound financial performance across multiple campuses. She was instrumental in modernizing financial policies and implementing innovative budgeting frameworks that improved efficiency and reduced timelines dramatically.
Before her academic leadership journey, Roshana held senior finance roles at Deakin University, EY, Marsh, Virtusa, and Hatton National Bank PLC, where she developed deep expertise in corporate finance, investment management, and operational transformation. Her early consulting experience with Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services provided a strong analytical foundation that continues to underpin her leadership style.
About Monash University Malaysia
Monash University Malaysia, established in 1998, is Monash University’s third-largest campus and one of Malaysia’s leading private universities. Located in Greater Kuala Lumpur, it serves as Monash’s platform for research and academic engagement in Southeast Asia. The campus has earned a 6-star SETARA rating from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, placing it among the nation’s top universities.
Home to more than 9,000 students and 800 staff representing over 70 nationalities, Monash University Malaysia offers programs across seven schools, including Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Science. As part of Monash’s global network—which spans Australia, China, Italy, India, and Indonesia—the campus is deeply committed to advancing sustainable development, regional innovation, and world-class education in the heart of Southeast Asia.
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