Annual Review 2018 | Page 9

Receiving the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs The Honourable Julie Bishop MP, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, was welcomed by Professor Andrew Walker, our President and Pro Vice-Chancellor; Dato’ Sri Idris Jala who led the Monash University Malaysia Board members on behalf of Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah; Yang Berhormat Michelle Ng Mei Sze, State Assemblywoman of Subang Jaya; and His Excellency Andrew Goledzinowski AM, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia. The minister met with Monash’s senior university management before delivering a public address on campus. Her visit drew a guest list consisting of Ambassadors and High Commissioners from over 20 countries, industry partners, students and alumni. Over 1800 students graduate in 2018 Monash University Malaysia graduated 1816 students in two sessions held this year, with Deputy Chancellor Yehudi Blacher PSM presiding over the first ceremony in April and Deputy Chancellor Dr Christine Nixon APM over the second in November. Maldivian alumna Safaath Ahmed Zahir, who graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce and went on to become a leading women’s rights activist in her home country, was recognised with the 2018 Monash Distinguished Alumni Award. 8