Multiculturalism will be discussed at a free public lecture at The University of Queensland next week as a precursor to the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21.
Internationally acclaimed writer and poet Professor Kirpal Singh will present the annual World Understanding and Peace Public Lecture organised since 1967 by International House, a residential college based at UQ’s St Lucia campus.
Professor Singh will discuss Melting Pots, Mosaics and Fabrics: Whither Multiculturalism? on Friday, September 19 at 7pm in the Ivor Cribb Hall, International House, 5 Rock Street, St Lucia campus.
Covering a range of globally topical issues, the lectures aim to promote awareness of world situations and have previously included speakers such as diplomat Richard Woolcott, AC; the Honourable Justice Michael Kirby, AC; and former Governor-General Dr Peter Hollingworth.
Before lecturing in creative thinking at Singapore Management University, Professor Singh spent more than 20 years teaching literature at the National University of Singapore and was the Head of literature and drama at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
In 1997 he was invited to become a Distinguished International Writer by the world-famous Iowa Writing Program at the University of Iowa, United States, and has been a writer-in-residence at several Australian universities.
Professor Singh has published 14 books and several of his poems have been dramatised for off-Broadway productions in New York.
He is currently the foundation Director of the Centre for Cross-cultural Studies at Singapore Management University.
His latest book, Thinking Hats and Coloured Turbans: Creativity Across Cultures, will be published by Prentice Hall in October.
International House was founded in 1965 and since then has welcomed nearly 4000 students from more than 90 countries including Australia.
The College is a co-educational facility and is affiliated with Rotary International. It shares a common set of ideals and aspirations with more than 15 International Houses around the world.
For further details about the lecture, which will conclude with a wine and cheese supper, contact June Kant at International House on telephone 07 3721 2471.
Media: For further information or to arrange interviews with Professor Singh after 1pm on September 19, contact June Kant at International House (telephone 07 3721 2471, email ihpa@uq.edu.au) or Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619).
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