13 March 2002

International graduates from The University of Queensland will celebrate their achievements with family and friends at a series of graduation ceremonies across Asia this month.

More than 170 graduands and nearly 1000 guests are to attend ceremonies in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, in events hosted by The University of Queensland and the respective Alumni Associations.

The largest ceremony, involving more than 130 graduands, is to be held in Singapore on March 15. Approximately 20 graduands are expected to attend ceremonies in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong on March 17 and 19.

These ceremonies have been held since 1994 in recognition of the growing number of international students.

University Chancellor Sir Llewellyn Edwards said in recent years the University had witnessed a remarkable growth in the diversity of its student body.

“The University of Queensland sees itself as an international institution and an influx of different people and cultures adds to the richness of the university experience and enhances the knowledge base,” Sir Llewellyn said.

UQ has more than 3600 international students representing more than 13 percent of the total student population.

The University convocation roll lists more than 1000 Singaporean alumni, and approximately 600 Malaysian and 500 Hong Kong alumni.

Media: For more information, contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 1088).