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Speech: 2008 Endeavour Awards Reception
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Dato’ Professor Dr. Hassan bin Said, Director General of the Ministry of Higher Education, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – a very good morning to all of you.
It’s always my pleasure to host scholarship ceremonies and from Australia’s perspective, there is none more prestigious than the Endeavour Awards. Today, we gather to congratulate 11 outstanding Malaysians who have been successful, in a very competitive field, in being awarded one of these scholarships.
I always say that education is the bedrock of Australia’s relationship with Malaysia and today’s event adds another milestone in our already rich history. From the early days of the Colombo Plan in the 1950s till today, it is heartening to note that high achieving Malaysians continue to walk through the halls of Australia’s universities, adding value to the international education experience of both countries.
The Endeavour Awards were established to continue to promote academic and professional engagement between Australia and other countries, and I am pleased to see that Malaysia continues to punch above its weight, with 11 recipients this year. This is a testimony to the high quality of the applicants.
The Australian Government will provide approximately RM2.8 million for this year’s Endeavour Awards recipients, recognising the important role that education plays in the bilateral relationship between Australia and Malaysia.
The Endeavour Awards also provide opportunities for high achieving Australian students to study overseas – whether for the entire tenure of their study or for a semester abroad.
We have with us today Mr James Unsworth, an Australian Endeavour scholar who has just completed his Masters in Islamic Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia. Two years ago, James decided to further his studies in Malaysia and it is my hope to see more Australians studying in Malaysia. James will speak briefly to you later about his experience, and the impact that the scholarship has had on his life.
So, while in Australia, I encourage you to act as Malaysian Education Ambassadors – make many Australian friends and encourage them to consider studying in Malaysia – if only for a short time. Talk to them about the quality of education, quality of life, great food, affordable cost of living and the many wonderful friendships that they will develop in their time here.
There are many of you today who will be undertaking research in Australia. This is a particularly exciting time to be doing so, as the education relationship between both of our countries continues to become more sophisticated. Australian research leads in many areas. Australian scientists have been responsible for advances in business, industry and medical sciences. They have a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people around the world and won prestigious national and international awards including eight Nobel Prizes.
I look forward to hearing about the scientific discoveries that you make in collaboration with Australian researchers in a dynamic learning environment that will challenge you academically.
Let me conclude by congratulating you once again on your success. You have received a prestigious award from the Australian Government, in a very competitive field and should be very proud of your achievement.
Thank you.
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H.E. Penny Williams
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia