Monash University in Final Talks for New TRX Campus in Kuala Lumpur
Monash University Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the operator of Monash University’s branch campus in Sunway City, is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with TRX City Sdn Bhd to lease a purpose-built campus within the 70-acre Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). If finalised, this would mark Monash’s second campus in Malaysia and its first located within the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
According to sources familiar with the matter, TRX City, the master developer of TRX and a wholly owned entity under the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), will construct and lease the campus to Monash. The proposed site is a 15-acre plot in the southern zone of TRX, near the Kampung Pandan roundabout, separate from the main commercial precinct that houses Exchange 106 and other major buildings.
A Strategic Move for Monash and TRX
This city campus would support Monash University’s long-term growth in Malaysia. Monash’s flagship campus in Sunway City was established in 1998 and has experienced consistent growth. While the university has recently extended its lease with Sunway, it continues to assess future expansion opportunities.
“We continuously assess our infrastructure… including exploring potential for future development,” Monash stated in response to media queries, without confirming the TRX plan directly.
A source familiar with the lease terms suggests that agreements of this nature typically span 15 to 20 years, with an option to extend.
What This Means for TRX
The proposed Monash campus is a significant development for TRX, a zone long positioned as Malaysia’s International Financial Centre. Adding a world-renowned educational institution such as Monash could:
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Increase footfall and vibrancy in the area, especially outside business hours.
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Enhance TRX’s live-work-play appeal, complementing its retail, office, and residential offerings.
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Support mixed-use integration, aligning with global financial districts that combine corporate and academic institutions.
“The new Monash campus at TRX will be an interesting development… Just within Melbourne, Monash has five or six campuses,” a property market observer noted.
This move mirrors global trends where universities maintain multiple urban campuses to support lifelong learning, research, and collaboration with industries.
TRX: From Finance Hub to Integrated City Centre
Initially launched as an International Finance Centre, TRX is now evolving into a multi-functional district. Its main 55-acre parcel features:
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Exchange 106 – a 92-storey office skyscraper with the country’s highest asking rental (RM10–RM15 psf).
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TRX Residences
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Menara Prudential and Menara AFFIN
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A 10-acre central park
The remaining 15-acre southern parcel, where the proposed Monash campus will be located, has remained relatively underutilised—until now.
TRX City is also planning its second office tower, anchored by PwC Malaysia, due for completion in 2029.
Educational Integration within Urban Development
By introducing a city campus into TRX, Malaysia could be following the footsteps of cities like London, Singapore, and Melbourne, where top-tier universities are embedded within commercial and financial zones. Benefits include:
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Collaborative opportunities between academia and industry
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Accessibility for working professionals seeking further education
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Urban rejuvenation, creating demand for public transport, retail, and hospitality services
Financial Considerations
TRX City is reportedly securing project financing to fund the construction of the campus. The lease model helps:
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Reduce upfront cost for Monash
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Ensure TRX City retains long-term asset control
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Provide stable rental income for the developer
Monash, which has been operating independently in Malaysia since 2020 after buying out Sunway’s 55% stake, appears financially positioned to expand. The buyout in 2020 cost A$108.1 million, according to Monash’s annual report.
Impact on Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia’s Education Sector
If confirmed, this new Monash city campus would:
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Elevate Kuala Lumpur’s status as a higher education destination.
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Attract more international students, particularly those who value city-based campuses.
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Integrate academic, research, and industry synergies within the TRX ecosystem.
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Signal further public-private partnerships in education infrastructure.
Final Thoughts: A Transformational Move
Monash University’s planned expansion into TRX, Kuala Lumpur represents more than a real estate play—it is a strategic alignment between education, finance, and urban living. For Monash, it reinforces its long-term commitment to Malaysia. For TRX, it diversifies the precinct’s tenant mix, ensuring sustainability beyond office-centric activity.
As TRX matures into an integrated, future-ready urban quarter, the inclusion of a globally recognised university cements its role not just as Malaysia’s financial capital—but also a knowledge-driven hub for Southeast Asia.
Stay tuned for official announcements, expected as lease agreements and development financing are finalised in the coming months.
