Former VC Receives Top Malaysian Honour
MEDIA RELEASE PR32383
PERTH, Oct. 26/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
STRICTLY EMBARGOED TILL SUNDAY 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.
Media contact:
Ann Marie Lim,
Tel: +61 8 9266 4241, Mob: +61 401 103 532,
Fax: +61 8 9266 2266;
Email: ann.lim@curtin.edu.au
Source: Curtin University of Technology
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