Newcastle University

The recipients include women who have campaigned tirelessly against domestic violence towards women and children in the North East are to be honoured for their work by Newcastle University.

Parveen Akhtar and Parmjit Kaur Mattu will be awarded honorary Doctor of Civil Law degrees by the Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, Professor Chris Brink, at a ceremony on 3 April 2009.

They will receive their awards alongside acclaimed Newcastle-born playwright and dramatist, Lee Hall, writer of the screenplay for the 1999 smash-hit film, Billy Elliot, which gained him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and Newcastle University Naval Architecture graduates, Richard Sadler and Choo Chiau Beng.

Ms Akhtar and Ms Mattu were founder members of Panah, the first black women’s refuge in the North East, and in 2006, they were awarded the Equality North East Award for ‘Individuals making a difference’ in recognition of their work on domestic violence. Both women have been key advisors on and contributors to government policy on domestic abuse, race relations, and equality and diversity.

Lee Hall has been behind some of the most innovative stage and screen productions in recent years, including Cooking with Elvis, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 2000 before transferring to London’s West End in a production which starred comedian Frank Skinner, and his most recent play, The Pitmen Painters, which opened to widespread acclaim at the Cottesloe Theatre in 2008.

Richard Sadler is now the Chief Executive Officer of world-famous marine organisation, Lloyd’s Register, while Choo Chiau Beng is Chief Executive of Keppel Corporation and Chairman of Keppel Offshore & Marine one of Singapore’s most important multinational companies.

Richard Sadler graduated from Newcastle University in 1976 with a BSc in Naval Architecture followed by a postgraduate Diploma in Welding Technology. He is the first naval architect to be appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer in the 248 years history of Lloyd’s Register, an organisation which sets standards of quality and reliability during the design, construction and operation of ships.

Choo Chiau Beng graduated from Newcastle University with a First Class Honours degree in Naval Architecture in 1970, and completed an MSc in 1971. An iconic figure in the Singaporean marine and offshore industry, he was instrumental in setting up the University’s MSc in Marine Technology, which is delivered in Singapore, and stimulated the discussions which led to the establishment of NUMI Singpore, the University’s first overseas campus in marine technology.

The Registrar of Newcastle University, Dr John Hogan, said: ‘It is a constant source of pride to me that so many people who go on to reach the top of their chosen career and make their influence felt around the world start out in the North East.

‘By awarding honorary degrees to these five individuals, Newcastle University wishes to recognise their outstanding contributions to society, culture and industry. We invite the North East to celebrate with us their achievements which demonstrate over again that this University, and our region, continue to produce individuals of talent and distinction’.