University holds event for Malaysian graduates

The University of Queensland will hold a convocation event on Sunday March 19 at the Hotel Nikko, Kuala Lumpur at 3pm to acknowledge achievements of new graduates in the presence of alumni, family and friends.

A total of 26 graduates will be presented to University Chancellor Sir Llewellyn Edwards at the convocation ceremony.

Speakers at the function include Sir Llewellyn, University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay and University Secretary and Registrar Douglas Porter.

In 1996 alumni associations were formed in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong to represent the interests of University of Queensland graduates and help them maintain contact with the University. The University's convocation roll lists 548 graduates for Malaysia.

This year a total of 201 Malaysian students, the second-largest group from overseas and an increase of 30 percent from 1999, are attending the University. Most are studying business or commerce.

The University currently has agreements with the HELP Institute, Inti College, Nilai College and Prime College in Malaysia. These agreements include twinning and advanced standing programs.

It is a member of Universitas 21, an elite grouping of universities limited to 20 members worldwide, who are committed to quality enhancement through international benchmarking. Members of Universitas 21 include the National University of Singapore, University of Hong Kong, Peking University and Fudan University.

Sir Llewellyn said assemblies of alumni, or convocations, were as important to the University of Queensland as they were to its graduates. The University conducted such ceremonies to introduce new graduates to those who had preceded them, in the company of their families and friends.

Sir Llewellyn said the University had many international students during the past 50 years, but in recent years, had witnessed a remarkable growth in the diversity of its student body, particularly in offering places to scholars from the great centres of Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

"Knowledge and scholarship are not restricted by national boundaries and we see ourselves as an international institution, very much enhanced by the interaction of staff and students of different cultures," he said.

"This ceremony also signifies the University's willingness to participate positively within the Asian region. We hope that our graduates will take an active role in the University's regional activities and maintain contact with their fellow students.

"Participation in the University's graduate networks enables graduates to develop personal and business friendships and provides opportunities to continue their association with the institution which has played such a vital role in their education."

For further information contact: Ms Melinda Seymour, University Protocol Officer, care of the Hotel Nikko, Kuala Lumpur - telephone 2161 1111.