Aussie University Honours Malaysian Tycoon

Malaysian-born Maha Sinnathamby, the creator of the A$12 billion Greater Springfield residential development near Brisbane, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

Multi-millionaire Sinnathamby, who has a deep commitment to education, was instrumental in attracting the Toowoomba-based USQ to establish a campus in Springfield last year, now home to about ,1000 students, many from Asia.

He was conferred the doctorate by the university's chancellor, Bobbie Brazil, to the delight of his family, corporate colleagues and academic staff.

Greater Springfield, Australia's first privately-built city, 28km south-west of Brisbane, has won international acclaim for its uniqueness.

Sinnathamby, a product of Seremban's St Paul's Institution, who grew up in Negri Sembilan, said: "I'm extremely proud of this honour because I have a lifelong passion for education."

The university's vice-chancellor, Professor Bill Lovegrove, said the conferral of the doctorate on Sinnathamby was in recognition of his distinguished service to the Springfield community and to USQ, while also acknowledging his strong advocacy of the ideals of the university.

Apart from his business acumen, Maha possessed some unique personal characteristics, Prof Lovegrove said. "Among them are his broad vision, an entrepreneurial spirit, a tenacious nature, a willingness to take risks and think outside of the square, a community focus and commitment in the face of adversity.

"These ideals align closely with those of USQ and help to explain the close ties that have formed between the university and Maha," he said. (Bernama)

***** It's always nice to read about Malaysians who have succeeded abroad, especially those who have achieved much without the aid of crutches and quotas and have never been honoured with a Datuk or Tan Sri title. The success of such people should serve as encouragement for those who feel that they have been left by the wayside through unfair government policies and racial discrimination under the guise of 'social engineering' and 'national unity'.
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