The University of Newcastle Celebrates Graduation Overseas

The University of Newcastle Celebrates Graduation Overseas

Wednesday 12 October 2005

Students from Australia and countries throughout South East Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, Hong Kong and Thailand, will attend the University of Newcastle's Overseas Graduation Ceremonies in Singapore on Saturday, 15 October 2005.

Over 250 students will graduate this year, representing the largest overseas cohort. The significant increase in the number of graduates in South East Asia studying through the University of Newcastle's partner institutions, and particularly those wishing to attend a local graduation ceremony, has prompted the scheduling of two graduation ceremonies on the day.

It will also be the first time that Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders, will officiate at an overseas graduation ceremony and he is greatly encouraged by the strong international links that the University's international graduates offer.

"In recent years ceremonies have been held in Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur, and although some international graduates attend ceremonies in Australia, the overseas functions enable them to include family members and friends in the celebration of their academic achievements," said Professor Saunders.

In a first for the University, students to be presented with a Bachelor of Applied Information Technology will be the first to receive this degree through the University's partner in Singapore, PSB Academy.

Chief Executive Officer of PSB Corporation, Mr Henry Heng, will deliver this year's Occasional Address. After completing his schooling in his homeland of Singapore, Mr Heng completed a Bachelor of Science (Civil Engineering) at the University of Birmingham, a Master of Science (Management Science & Operational Research) at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London and undertook the Stanford Executive Programme at the Stanford University School of Business in 1991.

His appointment to Chief Executive Officer of PSB Corporation in 2001 followed an extensive career which has seen him influence and implement national strategies to upgrade Singapore's workforce through his roles within Manpower Development Division of the Economic Development Board, the National Productivity Board, the Industry and Manpower Group at the Singapore Productivity and Standards Board, and as Divisional Director (Manpower Development) at the Ministry of Manpower. For his contribution to workforce and SME development in Singapore, Mr Heng was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 1995 and the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2001.

The Graduation Ceremonies will be held at 11am and 2pm on Saturday, 15 October 2005 at the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall, Singapore. An Annual Alumni Dinner, hosted by the University's Alumni Chapter in Singapore, will be held in the evening to introduce new graduates to the University's thriving network.

For more information contact the Academic Registrar, Gail White, via the Media Unit on (02) 4921 5351.