Aussie varsities alumni invited to AUIAC 2002 in Melbourne
The Malaysian Today - Monday, 22 July 2002

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KUCHING: Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Sri Adenan Haji Satem is calling on graduates and alumni of Australian universities to join the Sarawak delegation to the upcoming Australian Universities International Alumni Convention (AUIAC) 2002 to be held in Melbourne from September 5-7.

According to him, several cabinet ministers who are Australian university alumnis are also expected to attend the convention. They include Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, who would declare open the event; Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. George Chan and Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Datuk Wong Soon Koh. Also joining with be federal Agriculture Minister Datuk Effendi Norwawi.

Speaking at the AUIAC dinner here Saturday night, Adenan, who would also be attending the convention, pointed out that it would be worthwhile to attend the event. With the theme - Networking in the Knowledge Economy - he said, it was relevant in the present globalised world. A number of papers covering the media, earth, science, technology, education and intellectual capital would be deliberated. "Besides, being a good forum for discussion, it is also an excellent opportunity to network with alumni all over the world," Adenan said, adding that networking and intellectual exchange and cooperation were important in the k-economy.

The convention organising chairman, John Button who also spoke, said business matching and networking programmes had also been arranged.
"There will be individual university's alumni gathering during the convention," he added. He also said Taib, who is the founding father of the convention, is well-respected by the Australian alumni worldwide. Button also noted that alumni worldwide was impressed with the AUIAC 2000 held here, which was well-organised and attended by 1,200 participants from all over the world.

Meanwhile, the president of Sarawak Australian Graduates Association (SAGA) and secretary of Sarawak Alumni of the University of Adelaide (SAUA) Rodger Chan said a group of at least 50 delegates from Sarawak would participate in the upcoming convention. To date, 26 Sarawak alumni have registered to attend the convention. He said the delegation would also be visiting Adelaide for the Homecoming Alumni gathering hosted by the South Australia State Government and the university of Adelaide.

Sarawak delegates, irrespective of which Australian universities they graduated from, are welcome to join the programme. According to Chan, a special package for the group had been organised. Australian alumni who are interested to participate in the convention can contact SAGA or SAUA at 082- 483888 or 346712 (Ms Fong or Rodger Chan) or email: rodgerc@netinc.net.my or visit the website: www.auiac2002.com or www.saga.net.my. Registration closes on July 30.