The University of Queensland will hold three convocation events in South-East Asia this week to acknowledge achievements of new graduates in the presence of alumni, family and friends.
A total of 174 recent graduates will be presented to University Chancellor Sir Llewellyn Edwards at the convocation ceremonies on March 17 (Singapore), March 19 (Kuala Lumpur) and March 21 (Hong Kong).
In 1996 alumni associations were formed in the three centres to represent the interests of graduates and help them maintain contact with the University.
The University currently has 677 students from Singapore, 159 students from Hong Kong, and 201 students from Malaysia. Enrolment levels of new students have increased from all three countries. The University has recorded a 38 percent increase in new enrolments from Singapore, a 30 percent increase from Malaysia, and a 21 percent increase from Hong Kong.
As well as having agreements in place in South-East Asian countries, the University 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.
"These ceremonies also signify 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: Ms Melinda Seymour, University Protocol Officer, care of the Westin Stamford and Westin Plaza Hotel, Singapore - telephone 338 8585.
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