The Cardiff City Connection

Last night Cardiff City ended a 51 year absence from the UK's top-flight of football, by sealing their promotion to the Premier League, with a draw against Charlton Athletic.

As a global University, with an international focus running throughout all of its activities, Cardiff University has welcomed Cardiff City's promotion to the Premier League, which has put the club firmly on the international map.

Director of Communications and International Relations, Sandra Elliottcongratulated the club on its success, saying: "On behalf of us all at Cardiff University, I congratulate Cardiff City on this fantastic achievement. Cardiff is a city with a proud sporting heritage which is apparent to all visitors to the city, both students and football supporters alike. Sporting success such as this only serves to enhance the visibility of Cardiff on a global scale. "

The club, which is supported by a large number of the University's staff and students, has seen a revival in its fortunes since being taken over by Malaysian owner Vincent Tan three years ago.

Cardiff University is home to over 500 Malaysian students, with Malaysian students making up 15% of the University's international student population. Last year saw a 29% increase in Malaysian student enrolments, with the most popular courses being Law, Engineering, Medicine, Business and Pharmacy.

Hanif Kamarudin, the current President of the Malaysian Students' Society praised the club's owner, saying: "Tan Sri Vincent Tan is a remarkable inspiration, and has undoubtedly proven that Malaysians have the ability to succeed on a global scale."

Yao Chang Choo, who will assume his role as the new President of the Malaysian Students' Society, just as Cardiff City start their new season in the Premier League said: "The Malaysian Students' Society of Cardiff University is delighted to see Cardiff City enter the realms of the elite. We are extremely proud of the club's achievement and hope that they will be to go from strength to strength in the Premier League."

Over the last decade, Cardiff University has developed a number of Malaysian partnerships, including running Pharmacy qualifications in partnership with Taylor's University, and managing Danau Girang Field Centre, in collaboration with Sabah Wildlife Department.

In addition to supporting from the terraces, Cardiff University staff have been supporting the club's efforts behind-the-scenes too.  Professor Len Nokes, from the School of Engineering, has worked as Cardiff City's Team Doctor for the last 22 years, responsible for players' medicals, scans, tests, assessments and all other medical matters.

The promotion will see Cardiff regularly welcome fans from Premier League teams from across the United Kingdom, and has great potential to benefit the economy of both Cardiff and Wales.