The Australian High Commission hosts networking reception

Prof John Rasko (second from right) receiving portraits from Prof Dato’ Ewe (second from left) in the presence of Ms Danielle Heinecke (middle), Prof Thong (most left) and Academician Emeritus Prof Cheong

The Australian High Commission hosted a networking reception to connect eminent Malaysian and Australian medical professionals on 11 March 2024.

The event also celebrated the achievements in the field of medical research, including the recent conferral of an Honorary Doctorate of Science by UTAR to Professor John Rasko AO for his contributions to the field of gene and stem cell therapies.

Present at the reception were Australian High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia Ms Danielle Heinecke, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Dean Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, MK FMHS Academician Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, academics, representatives from other universities and representatives from the Australian High Commission.

Ms Danielle Heinecke delivering her speech

Ms Danielle Heinecke addressed Malaysia's emergence as a hub for research and development, emphasising the importance of each individual's contribution to its success. She said, “The networking session served not only as a platform for discussing ideas and research but also provided insights from a trading and investment perspective.”

 

Prof John Rasko sharing his words of thanks

Prof John Rasko shared, “The trip to UTAR Kampar Campus was inspiring as I witnessed the graduation of more than 2,000 graduates. It was an inspiring day which coincided with the international women’s day. I am deeply humbled and grateful to be here for this networking reception.”

Prof John Rasko was conferred the UTAR Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his exceptional research contributions in gene, cell and molecular biotherapeutics. Prof John Rasko is internationally acclaimed for implementing gene and cell biotherapies to cure rare diseases and cancers - in lay terms “using genes as medicines”.

Group photo session

Representatives from the Australian High Commission and universities during the networking session