Conference and tours in South East Asia
On 15–17 May 2009, Newcastle University hosted its first conference in Singapore, accompanied by tours to its new medical and marine campuses in Malaysia and Singapore.
Staff from Newcastle University – including Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement, Professor Paul Younger; and representatives from the Business School, School of Marine Science and Technology, Medical School and Development and Alumni Relations Office – were joined by Newcastle alumni, supporters and partner businesses, including Keppel Offshore & Marine.
For full reviews of the individual events, and links to our photo galleries on Flickr, please see below.
Friday 15 May – Tour of NUMI marine campus, Singapore
On the Friday, alumni and friends of the University took part in a visit to Newcastle University's marine campus located at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore. The visitors were welcomed by the Director of Newcastle University Marine International (NUMI), Dr Arun Dev and two senior lecturers, Dr Seref Aksu and Dr Dimitris Konovessis. Dr Dev delivered a insightful presentation followed by a tour of the campus and its facilities.
Saturday 16 May – Flagship conference, Singapore
Over 80 alumni and friends attended Newcastle University's flagship Conference at Raffles Hotel in Singapore on Saturday May 16. Guests were greeted with refreshments and a light lunch and led into the conference suite for a riveting address delivered by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Younger.
The conference entitled Newcastle University and Singapore: Partners in Regional Capacity Building commenced with Professor Ehsan Mesbahi (Director of Newcastle University Marine International) discussing three challenges: Energy – the production and transportation of energy; Environment – ensuring that work is both environmentally sound and sustainable; and People – the education of managers, financiers and designers. Further complemented by Dr Fiona Whitehurst (Lecturer in Entrepreneurship) and Dr Julia Race (Lecturer in Pipeline Engineering) who presented the importance of the subsea sector in the North of England touching upon their particular interest in developing the subsea industry in Singapore and South East Asia.
Professor Ian Clarke (Director of Newcastle University Business School) talked about the nature of collaboration and his research fellowship management initiatives with the defence and aerospace industry, whilst highlighting in a short film his work in the marketing sector which has played into government policy on competition and consumer choice.
The final presenter, Professor Reg Jordan (Chief Executive Officer, NUMed Malaysia) examined the NUMed project and the pragmatism required to turn it into a reality. He touched upon the long term strategy and value of building a platform for development and intellectual property in the area.
A topical and thought provoking Q&A session followed with panel members Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman of Keppel Offshore & Marine; Mrs Eunice Crook, Director of British Council, Singapore; Dr Nguyen Van Thu, Deputy Rector University of Transport-HCMC; Professor Bernard Tan Tiong Gie, Director, Centre for Maritime Studies, National University of Singapore; Mr George Mitchell, Honorary Fellow and Senior Experimental Assistant; and Mr Richard Soh, CEO of Singapore Manufactures Federation were on hand towards the end of conference to answer the groups questions.
The conference was followed by a drinks reception outside on Raffles Lawn, where guests were treated to drinks and a buffet. Mr George Mitchell announced the launch of the Voluntary Marine Alumni Branch on behalf of three graduates who have joined forces to create this unique group: Ali Mitchell, Shane Maloney and Duncan Grigg.
Thank you to Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Younger, the speakers and panel members and a special thank you to Keppel Offshore & Marine and UKTI for their financial support.
Photos from the conference: gallery one and gallery two
Sunday 17 May – Tour of NUMed site, Malaysia
Guests were given an opportunity to visit the new Newcastle University Medical (NUMed) campus in Nusajaya, Malaysia on Sunday 17 May. 14 guests joined us on the tour and they were welcomed by the staff from the Iskandar office in Danga Bay. Professor Reg Jordan gave an interesting presentation on the project, and afterwards guests were taken to the construction site located in Nusajaya and shown round some of the sites, including the Marina Bay.
If you attended the conference and tours, we'd love to hear your thoughts. If you've not already done so, please fill out our online feedback form to help us improve our future events.
