C283/08
26 October 2008
Former Curtin University of Technology Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lance Twomey, has received a highly prestigious Malaysian award.
The title of Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak (Honorary), which carries the title of Dato, was conferred by His Excellency the Governor of Sarawak at a special function in Kuching yesterday (25 October).
Professor Twomey said he was honoured to receive the title.
“While I am thrilled to receive this personally, it is a tribute to Curtin and the extensive work so many people have done to develop the University’s thriving campus in Miri, Sarawak,” he said.
“The State Government of Sarawak was pleased to be involved with Curtin and the Miri campus is going from strength to strength.”
In 1999, the Sarawak State Government invited Curtin to set up a university in Miri, Sarawak on the north west coast of East Malaysia.
This campus was the first foreign university campus to be established on the island of Borneo, a reflection of Curtin’s reputation for excellence in South East Asia.
The University now has nearly 2,000 students enrolled in a broad range of courses.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Jeanette Hacket said the University was delighted to see Professor Twomey’s work in contributing towards Curtin being recognised as an international tertiary institution acknowledged.
“It is pleasing to see the vision and hard work of Professor Twomey and the late Harry Perkins, a former Curtin Chancellor, recognised in such a prestigious manner,” she said.
“He was instrumental in developing a unique partnership with the State Government of Sarawak which has resulted in Curtin developing a highly successful offshore campus.”
Professor Twomey was Curtin’s Vice-Chancellor from 1997-2006 and a member of the University’s academic staff since 1969. He holds degrees in teaching, physiotherapy and a PhD in Anatomy.
Curtin’s international expansion continues with a new campus due to open in Singapore in November this year.
Modified: 27 October 2008
