UOW Malaysia KDU is part of the University of Wollongong Australia’s global network and has a long history of providing accessible, quality, tertiary education to Malaysia and its neighbouring regions. Established in 1983, KDU was the first private college in Malaysia to offer opportunities for young students to pursue high-level overseas tertiary education in a local setting. The success of the Damansara Jaya campus led to the establishment of a second campus in Penang in 1991. In August 2010, KDU College Damansara Jaya was upgraded to University College status, a recognition of its quality programs, excellent teaching facilities, and strong industry partnerships.

UOW Malaysia KDU moved to its new flagship campus at Utropolis Glenmarie in January 2015. Also in 2015, KDU College Penang was upgraded to University College status. Both university colleges provide a full range of programs, in a modern learning environment with cutting-edge facilities, from Foundation to bachelor degrees and postgraduate programs. These include programs in hospitality, tourism and culinary arts, game development and computing, communications, creative arts, business, engineering and nursing.

UOW Malaysia KDU has opened many doors for its graduates, providing a platform for them to find success in a variety of fields, including in their respective careers as corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and celebrities around the world. In November 2019, the college and university college names were changed to reflect the stewardship of the University of Wollongong and they are now known as UOW Malaysia KDU. UOW is committed to developing the UOW Malaysia KDU campuses at Glenmarie, George Town Penang, and Batu Kawan Penang into universities within the next five to seven years. The University of Wollongong plans to become a pre-eminent provider of higher education in Malaysia, taking advantage of its internationally recognised teaching programs and personalised approach to students, as well as its experience of operating for more than 38 years in Malaysia, modern campuses, and vibrant, industry-focused programs. This will be beneficial to the wider region, as it will produce international student growth and industry-ready graduates.