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Message (now 'former') AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO MALAYSIA It is a pleasure to offer a few words for the souvenir programme marking the launch of the Sarawak Alumni of the University of Adelaide. Australia is fortunate to have such a strong relationship with Malaysia in education and training and nowhere is it stronger than in Sarawak. In particular, the University of Adelaide's links run deep in Sarawak including of course its most distinguished alumnus, The Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak. It is a sign of the vitality of the bilateral education relationship that it continues to develop in new directions. Australian institutions and training providers are very conscious of the important roles that their alumni can play in their respective countries and as such are looking to build a lifetime relationship with their former students. Such relationships bring benefits for the alumni, as well as the institutions in which they studied. For its part, the Australian Government is strongly supportive of the alumni links between Australia and Malaysia. The bond formed during the education experience is a cornerstone of our overall bilateral relationship. The launching of the Sarawak Alumni of the University of Adelaide is an undeniable indication of the strength and sense of purpose of Australia's Sarawak Alumni. I wish you all the best on the occasion of the launch and for the future. PETER VARGHESE |