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Graduates
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KUCHING: Hundreds of international graduates of Australian universities are preparing to converge in Melbourne this September for a major international convention. And a big group will comprise Malaysians, said Sarawak Australian Graduates Association (SAGA) president Rodger Chan yesterday. Although a target of 50 Sarawakians is set to be a part of the Australian Universities International Alumni Convention (AUIAC), more are expected, he said. "We are hoping to see more local graduates of Australian universities participating in the convention," he told a press conference at Sarawak Club here. AUIAC is held every two years and offers an opportunity for Australian university alumni from across the globe to network, share experiences, and form new corporate and government connections, he said. To be held from September 5 to 7, the convention brings together a vibrant network of graduates of Australian universities linked by a common interest in professional and personal development, community development, commerce and education. Convention chairman John Button, who is in the State to promote the event, said the AUIAC offered the thousands of international alumni of Australian universities the opportunity to renew their connections and links with Australia. "It gives them the opportunity to discuss corporate, social and education issues," he said of the convention theme "Networking in the Knowledge Economy". Keynote speakers include Government ministers from Australia and Asia, CEOs of major companies and prominent business people, high profile representatives from government and non-government organisations, as well as leading academics, scientists and educators from around the globe. Many of these people are alumni from Australian universities, Button said. They include Agriculture Minister Datuk Effendi Norwawi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Dean of Architecture Prof William Mitchell and Gehl Architects Jan Gehl. The programme will focus on the following topics, namely Tensions in the Global Village, Challenges of the Global Economy, Cities and Urban Environments in the 21st Century, Taking Risks - "tales from Venture Capitalists, Communities in the Asia Pacific, and Challenges of the Global Economy - A World Bank View. Also included are Media: The Power of Persuasion, The Earth - Friends and Enemies, Challenges of the Global Community, Venture Capital, Science, Technology & Business, Education and Intellectual Capital, Laboratory to Listing, and Corporate Citizenship. "The convention is also an opportunity for alumni to discuss, debate, share knowledge and exchange ideas on industry issues and directions, as well as explore new avenues for collaboration between their businesses, organisations and governments," Button said. The convention would offer the expected 1200 attendees the opportunity to listen, learn and interact with world class speakers, take advantage of business matching opportunities and time to connect with other graduates, he said. Meanwhile, Australian university graduates can take advantage of the early bird group convention fee scheme of A$400, said Chan. He said graduates had only until job, 30 to take advantage of the reduced fees, which after the deadline would increase. Those interested in
joining the convention can contact the SAGA and SAUA Secretariat at NetInc
Technologies Sdn Bhd, 1st Floor, Lot 2066-2067, Jalan Utama, Pending,
93450 Kuching, he said. Further details are obtainable at tel: 082346712
or 483888, fax. 082-346714 or 482999, or e-mail: rodger@tm.net.my.
A full list of the programme as well as the cost can be found at www.saga.net.my
and www.auiac2002.com.
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