Monash Memo - 13 June 2001

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New advisory group to guide international direction

Monash has made three distinguished appointments to its new international advisory group, which will provide advice on the university's international projects and prospects.

Monash chancellor Mr Jerry Ellis, who chairs the international advisory group, welcomed the appointments of The Australian's international editor Mr Paul Kelly, Malaysian businessman Tan Sri Dato Dr Ramon Navaratnam and South African academic Professor Cecil Abrahams.

"I am delighted these three eminent people have agreed to assist Monash by joining our international advisory group. I'm confident we will work well together," he said.

Mr Ellis said the trio had demonstrated their international knowledge and strong interest in the university.

"They have also strengthened the university's connections around the world, which will stand us in good stead, particularly in Malaysia and South Africa," he said.

The tasks of the international advisory group will include identifying emerging opportunities and potential international partnerships for Monash and commenting on the university's strategic developments and those of overseas universities similar to Monash.

Mr Kelly has spent 25 years as a political correspondent and commentator, including five years as The Australian's editor-in-chief from 1991 to 1996.

He has written widely on international affairs in the US, Europe and Asia and is writer and presenter of a five-part ABC television documentary to mark the centenary of Federation.

Dr Navaratnam is group corporate adviser of the Sunway Group and director of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.

He has also been vice-chairman of the Malaysian Business Council since 1991 and director of the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).

Professor Abrahams was rector and vice-chancellor of the University of Western Cape, South Africa, from 1995 to 2000 and chairman of the South African Universities Vice-Chancellors' Association from 1999 to 2000.

He has held academic posts in several Canadian universities and has also held visiting appointments in others in Canada, Germany, Italy, Nigeria, England and the US.