More than 250 graduates of the University of Newcastle will tomorrow be presented with their degrees at a special ceremony to be held in Singapore.

The Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Trevor Waring, will confer doctorates, masters degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas, and bachelor degrees. Graduates attending the ceremony in Singapore come from several countries including the People's Republic of China, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, India and Indonesia.

An honorary degree, Doctor of the University, will be presented to Dr Susan Lim, the first surgeon to perform a successful liver transplant in Asia. Dr Lim, a pioneer in new surgical and biomedical technologies, provided urgent medical care to members of the Newcastle community following the second Bali bombings in October 2005. She will deliver the Occasional Address at the ceremony.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, said the graduates receiving their awards tomorrow were an important part of the University community.

"The University is continuing to develop its relationships in Asia," Professor Glover said. "This year, the University further expanded its presence in the region through the opening of our campus, UoN Singapore, in partnership with PSB Academy. The University has a long and successful relationship with this respected local organisation."

This is the fifth consecutive year in which the University has held a graduation ceremony in Singapore.

"We currently have more than 1,500 students studying at UoN Singapore, mainly in undergraduate engineering, information technology and business programs," Professor Glover said.

"Overseas graduation ceremonies are an exciting and vital part of the University of Newcastle's connection with its many international students. They also allow students who have studied at our Australian campuses to graduate in front of their families and friends."

Currently the University has some 5,600 international students enrolled in its programs (including Study Abroad, English language and International Foundation students), with 2,000 studying outside of Australia.

Graduates from tomorrow's ceremony will join the University's Singapore Alumni Chapter.

The graduation ceremonies will be held at 5pm at the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall, Singapore.