Prof Lau is new head
PROF Lau Hieng Ho (pic) has been appointed as the new pro vice-chancellor (Academic) by Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus.
He takes over from Assoc Prof
Enn Ong who has retired after
18 years at the helm.
With extensive experience in teaching, research and leadership, Prof Lau has contributed significantly in academia, particularly in the areas of academic and professional development, transnational educational understanding and university-industry linkage.
He spent over 15 years at Curtin University Malaysia where he held various academic and leadership roles during a period of significant growth and change. Prior to joining Swinburne, Prof Lau was Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science dean.
He is an internationally respected researcher with particular expertise in cold-formed steel construction and wider research interests in construction, waste management, and sustainable development.
On his plans for Swinburne’s Sarawak campus, Prof Lau said his goal is to build a culture of academic excellence in teaching, research and service, both internally and externally.
“Academic excellence involves creating a deep and rich ecosystem of active learning at the Sarawak campus by providing authentic learning experiences and student-centred course design.
“It also engages the academic staff to deliver learning experience focusing on what is ahead of us, taking into account future professional purposes,” he added.
On the collaboration between the Melbourne and Sarawak campuses, he said the continuous changing nature and competitive environment of the higher education sector will require both campuses to work together more than ever to achieve Swinburne’s 2025 Vision and Strategy.
“It is vital for both campuses to manage their resources responsibly and collaborate strategically to create opportunities to grow our international brand and reputation,” he said.
Prof Lau obtained an engineering degree and a PhD from Oxford Brookes University in Britain, and a graduate certificate in Tertiary Teaching from Curtin University.