Recognising excellence
THE University of Nottingham conferred honorary degrees on Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Hassan Said and Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Augustine Ong Soon Hock at graduation ceremonies held on February 20 at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus ( UNMC).
A total of 263 undergraduate and postgraduate students graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Science at an event hosted by Prof Sir David Greenaway, vice- chancellor of The University of Nottingham, and Prof Christine Ennew, chief executive officer and provost of UNMC.
“Prof Ong and Prof Hassan have demonstrated lifelong commitment to higher learning and their respective areas of research. Both have committed themselves to advancing knowledge for the benefit of others and in doing so, have had genuine and substantial impact in Malaysia and beyond,” said Prof Ennew.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Prof Ong for a number of years. It is always a pleasure to meet with him and listen to stories from his distinguished career. I would inevitably learn something new from him each time,” said Prof Graham Kendall, vice provost ( research and knowledge transfer) during the presentation ceremony.
The achievements of Prof Ong include being awarded the nation’s Merdeka Award in 2012 for his outstanding contribution to the research and development in palm oil and for his significant role in promoting the Malaysian palm oil industry globally.
Prof Ong holds a PhD in organic chemistry from King’s College London and a master’s of science and bachelor’s degree from University of Malaya.
He established the Malaysian Invention and Design Society ( Minds) in 1987 to assist scientists and technologists in developing their inventions and commercialise their innovations.
“Prof Hassan played a leading role within the Education Ministry, helping to steer the essential regulatory approvals for the establishing of UNMC. Since then, he has been a great friend of the university and we have benefited from his advice and guidance on many occasions,” said Prof Ennew.
Currently the vice- chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Mara, Prof Hassan has been conferred with the Chevalier de l’ Ordre National du Merite Award from the government of France and DPMP ( Perlis), DMSM ( Malacca), DSPN ( Penang) and PGBK ( Sarawak) from each of the local state government.
As a leading mathematician in Malaysia, Prof Hassan’s contribution goes beyond academia with his services as a board member of Capital Market Development Fund ( CMDF) of Security Commission, Malaysia.
The ceremony also witnessed Janet Khoo Nee Jian graduating with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting and management, as well as Linda Teng May Yee graduating from psychology and cognitive neuroscience studies, both receiving the Nottingham Advantage Award.
The Nottingham Advantage Award, which enables students to take extra curricular modules alongside their academic studies, builds skills and experience in areas such as public relations, finance and career planning thorough activities with the University’s Career and Employability Service, Widening Participation and the Student’s Association.
One of the world’s truly global universities with campuses in Malaysia, the UK and China, this year marks the 16th year since The University of Nottingham set up its UK’s first full- fledged international campus in Malaysia.
All three campuses continue to enrich the lives of students across the world through global education, ground- breaking research and community engagement.
For more information, visit www. nottingham. edu. my.