Foreword
This Annual Review provides an overview of our many
achievements during the year. We provide a world-class
educational experience for our students in a research-intensive
environment. We are investing in new skills, new technology
and new facilities. Our network of collaboration with industry is
expanding and deepening, providing new opportunities for our
students and generating new lines of enquiry for our
researchers. And our growing family of alumni keeps our staff
and students up to date with the rapidly changing workforce.
In 2018, Monash University Malaysia celebrated its 20th
anniversary here in Malaysia. From a very modest start with only
417 students, we have grown to become the third largest
campus of Australia’s largest university. With more than 8000
students and about 900 staff, we have become a very
significant platform for Monash University’s scholarly
engagement with Southeast Asia. We are proud to be
recognised as one of the most successful international branch
campuses in the world.
The highlight of our 20th anniversary celebrations was the
visit by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable
Julie Bishop MP, in August 2018. During her tenure as Foreign
Minister, Julie Bishop regularly spoke of the importance of
educational linkages between nations, and her visit to our
campus reflected the contribution Monash University has made
to the bilateral relationship between Australia and Malaysia. We
are determined to keep building that relationship, contributing to
social and economic development here in Malaysia and in the
broader ASEAN region.
Of course, 2018 was also a watershed year for Malaysia itself.
The remarkable election of 9 May witnessed the first change of
government in Malaysia since independence in 1957. Malaysia
is moving through an important period of political transformation,
and my hope is that Monash University Malaysia can contribute
to that process. A sustainable democratic culture relies on a
vigorous civil society, and universities like Monash have an
important role to play in promoting free speech and cultivating
critical thinking.
As you read through the Annual Review, I hope that you get a
sense of what a vibrant and diverse university we are. Monash
is a profoundly international university with campuses in four
countries and a global network of partners. Here at Monash
University Malaysia, we have students from more than 70
countries and staff from 36 countries. Diversity adds great value
to the educational experience of our students. I strongly believe
that learning is most rewarding, and challenging, when it occurs
with colleagues who have different histories, cultures, beliefs
and preferences.
Looking ahead, we are engaged in a number of major projects
that will change the way we work, teach and conduct research.
We want to produce students who have the agility to thrive in a
rapidly changing workforce. We also want to conduct research
that addresses the challenges, and grasps the opportunities, of
the latest phase of industrial transformation. To meet these
education and research objectives, we must also ensure that
our own work practices are focussed on the future rather than
the past.
We look forward to working closely with our partners in
government, industry and civil society on this ambitious agenda.
We are very grateful for your continued support and feedback.
Thank you.
Ancora Imparo.
PROFESSOR ANDREW WALKER
President & Pro Vice-Chancellor
Monash University Malaysia
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